Roald Dahl, author and storyteller extraordinaire, was born on September 13, 1916. There have been many activities (especially in England) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his life. His books continue to entertain children and adults alike. When young readers discover Roald Dahl’s books, they are captivated by his irreverence and imaginative prose.

Many of Dahl’s books have been made into movies. Currently, two of his books can be experienced in other ways. The BFG was directed by Steven Spielberg and released this summer as a full-length movie.

Matilda continues to entertain audiences as a play that is performed in London, on Broadway, and by various touring companies.

When I asked a small group of children which book was his or her favorite, each child thought that he or she could name one book. However, when they heard their friends’ answers, they kept exclaiming that was their favorite one too. They finally agreed on George’s Marvelous Medicine, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Witches, The Twits, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Hmm…what about James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The BFG, and George’s Marvelous Medicine? When they get a little older, I look forward to sharing Roald Dahl’s autobiographies with them, Boy – The Tales of Childhood and Going Solo, two books, along with his novels, that I would highly recommend to adults. Oh…but what about Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and George’s Marvelous Medicine…

Celebrate Roald Dahl by reading or rereading one of his books!