One of the world’s most popular children’s authors, Roald Dahl would have been celebrating his birthday today, and in recognition of this fact today is classed as Roald Dahl Day.
Born on 13th September 1916, he has created many different characters still enjoyed worldwide to this day.
Adults who have grown up with his stories now in turn read the books to their children and get a whole new generation of people enjoying his fantasy worlds.
He created some of the worlds best known characters from his ‘writing shed’ in his garden, of which I am fully jealous of (so wish I had a writing shed I could escape to!)
So in honour of the great man’s birthday, I’m listing my favourite stories.
The Magic Finger
A little girl lives next to a family who shoots ducks, and although she is friends with them, she becomes cross when they shoot ducks for fun. Unbeknown to them, the little girl has a magic finger which she has no control over and in her rage, she points her finger at them…..
Things take on a strange twist when the family wake up the next morning!
The BFG
It’s night time, and Sophie can’t get to sleep.Padding over to the window to peer out, she notices a dark, giant figure looking into the windows of the houses nearby. He turns, sees Sophie, and terrified, she dives back into bed.
The next minute, a great big hand comes from through the window and plucks her out of bed, running off with her. Just what was those things he was blowing through the windows of the houses opposite, and what is he going to do to her now?………….
The Witches
Witches are everywhere. It could be the lady in the corner shop, or maybe your teacher. Perfectly ordinary women. Except with one noticeable difference. They HATE children and want them all wiped out. How can you tell if they are a witch? Simple answer – you can’t unless you know what signs to look out for.
When a young boy goes on holiday with his elderly Grandma, he is terrified to find himself locked into a room full of witches all posing as a children’s charity conference. What is he going to do now? And can he stop their plot to get rid of all the children in England?!
So what’s your favourite Roald Dahl story? There’s so many to choose from. This year also see the 50th anniversary of one of his other well known creations, James and the Giant Peach.
Roald Dahl died in 1990, but he’ll be alive in the hearts of grown ups and adults for many years to come.
Ah the wonderful Roald Dahl, what a talent he had. I love his stories, I did as a child and at 28 I love them even more. I even have them on audio book.
It’s so hard to pick a favourite, I have a soft spot for Esiotrot, Matilda is just magical and wonderful and the Twits is wonderfully amusing.
I agree, there’s so many great ones to choose from, it’s hard to pick favourites! Loved the Twits
A well deserved tribute, I’d have to say my fave was always “the witches”
Lovely tribute! Roald Dahl is still one of my favourite authors and I’m so happy that my daughter has taken to reading his books too.
Thanks
My 9 year old likes Roald Dahl too, his favourite is definitely Fantastic Mr Fox! So many good books. Here’s hoping my 5 year old gets into them as well!