Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl was a man of many talents. Probably most known for his writing children’s books and his masterful storytelling and wonderful use of language (he is still considered by many today to be the world’s greatest master storytellers). He also wrote books for adults. But he was also a chocolate bar tester, a short-story writer, poet, screenwriter (did you know that he wrote the screenplays for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the James Bond film You Only Live Twice?), a World War II fighter pilot with the RAF, possibly a spy and he even helped to develop a medical device.

Born on 13 September 1916 in Llandaff, Wales to Norwegian parents, Harald and Sofie Dahl (Sofie Magdalene Hesselberg). He sadly passed away on 23 November 1990, aged 74.

As a child he loved nothing more that telling fantastical stories to his siblings.

After leaving school, Dahl joined the UK’s Royal Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot during World War II, later acting wing commander. After a near-fatal crash in Libya, it led him to start writing macabre short stories, eventually transitioning to children’s fiction.

Dahl’s big breakthrough came with James and the Giant Peach (1961), but it was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) that established his reputation as a storyteller. His children’s books – Matilda, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Witches and others – have sold over 300 million copies worldwide, and he is frequently recognised as a prominent children’s author of the 20th century.

Dahl is known for his distinctive style and themes. His writing features a mix of humour and dark whimsy, with resourceful child protagonists, exaggerated villains, and elements of the macabre. His stories often focus on empathy, courage, and the power of imagination.

In 1983 he was awarded the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and in 1990 he was awarded Britain’s Children’s Author of the Year. Dahl’s work is a cornerstone of children’s literature with his unique mix of mischief, magic, and morals which makes his books fun and essential for readers aged 8 to 14 … and beyond.

Recommended Dahl Reads on Young Page Turners

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – A tour of Willy Wonka’s deliciously dangerous factory.
• Matilda – The tale of a brilliant girl who proves that brains and kindness beat cruelty.
• Fantastic Mr Fox – A cunning fox’s battle of wits against three greedy farmers.
• The BFG – A Big Friendly Giant’s quest to end child-eating nightmares.

Dive into Roald Dahl’s worlds and discover how his tales ignite curiosity, courage and boundless joy in every young reader.

For more information, visit www.roalddahl.com or visit the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire.