Plus a list of Roald Dahl books you must read!
Roald Dahl is a master storyteller whose name echoes through the halls of children’s literature. His tales are so magical that they whisk you away to a world of wicked witches, giant peaches, and factories filled with chocolate. Read on to find out the answers for all your questions including ‘Who is Roald Dahl?’ and ‘What are some of the best Roald Dahl books?’
Who is Roald Dahl?
Roald Dahl was a British novelist, renowned for his captivating children’s stories. Born in Wales in 1916 to Norwegian parents, Dahl’s rich literary career spanned decades, producing over 30 books, including novels, short story collections, and children’s classics. Celebrated works like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda” showcase his imaginative storytelling, making him a beloved figure in literature and a household name across generations.
How to pronounce his name?
It’s “Roe-ald Dahl”.
What Sets Him Apart?
It’s his unique ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. His stories are a cocktail of fantasy, adventure, and humour, with a dash of darkness to keep you on your toes.
Dahl’s writing style is like a magic spell – one that conjures worlds where the impossible becomes possible. He crafts characters so vivid and quirky they leap off the page and into our hearts. Whether it’s the quirky Willy Wonka or the big-hearted BFG, Dahl’s characters remind us to embrace our differences and dream big.
What books to start with?
Wondering where to start your Dahl adventure from? Whether you’re a newcomer or revisiting old friends, here are some must-reads Roald Dahl books to add to your collection:
Those who don’t believe in
magic will never find it.
Living with her neglectful and crude parents, Matilda Wormwood finds solace and adventure within the pages of books. At school, she comes face to face with Miss Trunchbull, the tyrannical headmistress with a disdain for children. Matilda discovers she possesses telekinetic powers, which she cleverly uses to stand up against the injustices in her world, especially those perpetrated by Miss Trunchbull. The story celebrates the power of intelligence, kindness, and justice. The book has inspired hit musicals and films.
This timeless classic takes you inside Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, a place where the most delectable dreams are manufactured. Charlie Bucket, a poor and kind boy, wins a golden ticket to tour this magical place. Alongside other ticket winners, Charlie explores incredible rooms filled with fantastical inventions. Unlike the other children, whose flaws lead to comic mishaps, Charlie’s pure heart and humility catch Mr. Wonka’s attention, ultimately rewarding Charlie in a way that changes his life forever.
Us giants is making whizzpoppers all the time! Whizzpopping is a sign of happiness.
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) introduces us to the dream-catching, jumbly-talking Big Friendly Giant who spends his nights distributing good dreams to children. The Giant and Sophie, a small girl with a big heart, embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from gobbling up children, seeking the help of the Queen of England.This tale weaves themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of doing what’s right, regardless of size and strength.
Most of the really exciting things we do in our lives scare us to death. They wouldn’t be exciting if they didn’t.
It tells the heartwarming story of a young boy, Danny, and his father, William, who live in a caravan and run a small petrol station. Their peaceful life takes an adventurous turn when Danny discovers his father’s secret hobby of poaching pheasants from the wealthy, mean Mr. Hazell’s land. Together, they concoct an elaborate plan to outwit Mr. Hazell and his gamekeepers, leading to thrilling escapades and a deepening of their father-son relationship. This narrative is a celebration of bravery, ingenuity, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son.
It doesn’t seem right to me that men and boys should kill animals just for the fun they get out of it.
Dahl explores the themes of empathy and justice through the eyes of an unnamed girl with a peculiar power: when she gets angry and points her finger, magical things happen. Disturbed by her neighbours, the Gregg family, who are avid hunters, she uses her magic finger to teach them a lesson. The Greggs wake up transformed into bird-like creatures, living in a nest and facing the threat of being hunted. This experience gives them a new perspective on the consequences of their actions.
Dive deeper into the Roald Dahl universe with titles like The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, and his beloved collection of poems RIGHT HERE.
There’s always something wonderful waiting to be uncovered in within the pages.
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