On the 13th September it will be Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday. His books have sold over 200 million copies worldwide, have been made into movies, been honoured with awards, and Dahl is seen as one of the greatest writers for children in the 20thC. My children all have fond memories of listening to audio cassettes of George’s Marvellous Medicine, while I first read James and the Giant Peach because it was recommended to me as one of the very best read-aloud books for children.
Dahl was born in Wales, but his home in the village of Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, opened to the public in 2005 and is on my ‘to see’ list of literary places.
Which Roald Dahl books were your children’s favourites? Have you seen the current movie adaption of Dahl’s The BFG? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Susannah Fullerton: 13 September 1916, Roald Dahl is born
Susannah Fullerton: 23 November 1990, Roald Dahl dies
YouTube: Disney’s The BFG – Official Trailer
George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrated by)
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrated by)
The Roald Dahl Audio Collection [Audio] by Roald Dahl, Roald Dahl (Read by)
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Rhonda Brown
I am currently reading the BFG to my 3rd grade class. They are enjoying it immensely. Even though it is a challenge to read out loud because of its intentional in correct grammar and made up language.
Susannah Fullerton
Isn’t it great that children at school are having fun listening to Roald Dahl. They would love the language.
Yvonne
My son loved Boy and while at school , I think he wished his life was exciting like Roald Dahl’s.
My daughter loved Mathilda best and recently she, her husband (also a RD fan) and Us went to see the musical Mathilda.
So many happy adults and children spilled out of the theatre that night.
My husband and I also visited the white wooden church in Cardiff near the waterfront. It is associated with RD but I can’t quite remember the full story. Maybe another place for your list.
Susannah Fullerton
I have seen pictures of that Cardiff church and will include if I ever do a literary tour in Wales. How lovely for your family to all enjoy the musical of Matilda.
Cheryl Hill
Growing up, my son was a reluctant reader of fiction, preferring non-fiction. However once he discovered The BFG (in Year 4) he found he did enjoy it. He loved the excitement of this story and the manner in which it was told. He went on to enjoy more of Roald Dahl’s books, but sadly did not become an avid reader as an adult. Thank you for bringing a long forgotten memory to mind again.
Susannah Fullerton
I have tried so hard to encourage all my children to read, with only limited success. But Roald Dahl certainly helps give them fun and reading pleasure. Thanks for sharing your experience, Cheryl.