Literature

Raold Dahl

September 12, 2014

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Roald Dahl (Born on 13th September 1916-1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, mischievous, and successful storytellers. A British Novelist, one of the greatest story-tellers of all time, he started writing after nearly dying in a plane crash in World War II. His first children’s novel, James and the Giant Peach, was followed by an unbroken string of hugely successful, best-selling titles. He is the author of some of the most beloved children’s books ever written, including James and the Giant Peach, The BFG,Matilda, The Twits and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His work is still increasing in popularity and his stories are currently published in 58 languages. A conservative estimate of global sales is more than 200 million.

A number of favourite Roald Dahl stories have been adapted for stage and screen and have proved both commercial and critical successes in their own right. There are currently two Roald Dahl musicals, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory lighting up London’s West End, whilst Matilda is also enjoying a smash hit run on Broadway. A new stage production of The Twits will open at London’s Royal Court Theatre and a movie version of The BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg, is underway for release in 2016.

Since his death, his work has not only endured but is still increasing in popularity. His stories are currently available in 59 languages. UK sales alone are over 50 million books and rising, with global sales estimated to be more than 200 million.

Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s name:

* Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity – created in 1991 – makes life better for seriously ill children by raising money to fund charities,
hospitals and individual families in the UK.

* The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald lived
and wrote many of his best-loved works.

10% of the author royalties from all Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and the Roald Dahl
Museum and Story Centre.

On 13 September 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated – on what would have been the author’s 90th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world.Throughout 2014, there are celebrations to mark 50 years of Roald Dahl’s iconic book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In 2016, there will be global celebrations for the Centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth.

September 2014 marks the NINTH annual celebration of Roald Dahl’s amazing stories, legendary life and diverse legacy. This year’s Roald Dahl Day celebrations – which kick off on Saturday September 13th – pay tribute to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is celebrating its 50th Whipple-Scrumptious year in print. Whether you fancy dressing up as an Oompa-Loompa and/or skydiving from 10,000 feet, rustling up a tasty treat inspired by the story, seeing the hit stage musical currently playing at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane OR taking an insider’s tour at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, there is no end of ideas to help you celebrate Roald Dahl Day in style this September.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a truly iconic book. The story of Charlie Bucket, the five Golden Tickets, the devilish Oompa-Loompas and the amazing Mr Willy Wonka has become firmly embedded in American culture, having (twice) been reimagined for the cinema, as an opera and, since 2013, a hit West End musical. Conservative estimates suggest the original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide – it is currently available in 55 languages.

Here’s the review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

A true star of Children’s Literature.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a singular delight, crammed with mad fantasy, childhood justice and revenge, and as much candy as you can eat. Willy Wonka opens the gate of his Chocolate Factory to the five ‘Lucky Winners’ who finds the golden ticket wrapped in a Wonka Chocolate. Charlie is poor and gets only one Chocolate bar a year! One day he finds a dollar bill in the snow and buys himself a chocolate bar. Luck favours him as this contains the fifth golden ticket. The fantasy tour of Charlie begins with the other four winners – Mike Teaves who lives for TV, Veruca Salt, a brat who lives with bratty parents, Violet Beaguragarde, a girl who love gum and Augustus Gloop who would just eat anything! Dahl portrays incidents with resourcefulness and humour. Violet blows up into a blueberry from sneaking forbidden chewing gum and Agustus Gloops is carried away on the river of chocolate he would not resist. They have great Adventures and in the end, Wonka gives a big ‘Surprise’ to Charlie. This is an all time Dahl Classic for all Ages. Kidsfreesouls ‘Choice Pick’ – Especially for 8-12 years:-)

My Grandson Hridaan who loves to see Matilda when he is in my room 🙂
https://www.kidsfreesouls.com/index.php/Table/Kids-Blog/Hridaan/