I think anybody who grew up in the UK, and probably much of the rest of the English speaking world, in the last three or four decades is familiar in some way with the stories of Roald Dahl. So I’m sure they’ll be interested to hear that today marks Roald Dahl Day, on what would have been his 90th birthday. The BBC has coverage here of the various events happening around the country.
I have particularly fond memories of hearing “Danny, Champion of the World” being read to myself and 35 other cubs on a cub camp at Dewerstone in Dartmoor, Devon. It was my first time away from home, and I was horribly home sick. Hearing one of the leaders read the book so well, and emotively, transported me to another place, and the imagery will stay with me for years. Much of it was down to the readers skill, but the book itself was of course wonderfully conceived and written.
Britain has many wonderful childrens authors, from Enid Blyton (a little bit non-PC these days, but another favourite of mine as I grew up. At least, her ‘Famous Five’ books), Beatrix Potter, to - of course - J. K. Rowling and Philip Pullman (my review of the excellent “His Dark Materials” here).
Whilst I’m sure children will be reading these books for years to come, I think Roald Dahl has a particular place in younger childrens hearts, and it’s nice to have a day to mark, remember and most importantly enjoy such a prolific and enjoyable author.
