Centipede, Miss Spider, Old Green Grasshopper, Earthworm, Ladybug, Glowworm, and Silkworm who become his friends. The next day, Centipede cuts the stem of the peach, causing it to roll away and crush James' aunts. It reaches the sea and is surrounded by ravenous sharks. James uses Miss Spider and Silkworm to make threads, while Earthworm is used as bait and draws 502 seagulls to the peach, whereupon the threads are tied on their necks. The peach is lifted off the water. High above the clouds, the peach encounters the Cloud-Men who are portrayed as responsible for weather phenomena like hailstorms and rainbows. Centipede mocks the Cloud-Men, who throw things at the group until they get clear. Later, James realizes that the group has reached New York City. The wing of a passing plane severs the strings, and the falling peach lands on the spire of the Empire State Building. It is mistaken for a bomb at first, resulting in the arrival of police and firemen. Calming the crowd, James tells his story, and becomes friends with many children in New York, they eat the peach and James and his friends get their own jobs. Characters James Henry Trotter – The seven-year-old protagonist. The Old Man – A friendly yet mysterious man, who initiates James' adventure. Aunt Spiker – A thin, tall, cruel and evil woman; Sponge's sister. Aunt Sponge – A fat, treacherous, greedy and evil woman; Aunt Spiker's sister. The Centipede – A male centipede, depicted as a boisterous rascal and proud of his 'hundred legs', even though he only has 42. The Earthworm – A male earthworm who often quarrels with the Centipede. The Old Green Grasshopper – A male grasshopper, who is the eldest and most cultured of the animals. The Ladybug – A kind, motherly female ladybird. Miss Spider – A good-natured female spider who takes care of James. The Glowworm – A female glowworm, who is used as a lighting system for the Peach. The Silkworm – A female silkworm, who assists Miss Spider in the production of thread, both before and after the adventure. Adaptations Film adaptions A television adaptation of the novel appeared on BBC One on December 28, 1976. Paul Stone directed a script by Trever Preston. The cast included Simon Bell playing James, Bernard Cribbins playing Centipede, and Anna Quayle playing Aunt Spiker. Though Roald Dahl declined numerous offers during his