Roald Dahl Author Study

The Roald Dahl author study is a comprehensive research project designed to explore the life and works of one of the greatest storytellers for children.

Known for his imaginative and often darkly humorous tales, Roald Dahl’s paperback stories have captivated readers worldwide.

This resource provides a detailed look into Dahl’s life, his works, and the themes he explored, making it an invaluable tool for young learners.

Roald Dahl Day activities provide an excellent opportunity for students to dive deeper into his world through creative projects, reading challenges, and themed events that celebrate his legacy and bring his beloved characters to life.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

What’s included in the pdf

The PDF document spans 4 pages and includes a variety of resources designed to help students conduct a thorough author study on Roald Dahl.

Students need to conduct their own independent research, both online and in books, to answer the following questions and explore Dahl’s life and works in greater depth.

A recommended resource is the book Who Was Roald Dahl? which provides an engaging and comprehensive overview of Dahl’s life and achievements.

Here’s what each page contains:

Research questions

• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Date of Death
• Did the author have any significant early influences or experiences related to literature or storytelling?
• What inspired the author to write for children?
• What was the author’s family background and upbringing like?
• Have the author’s works received any notable awards or recognitions?
• Are there any notable authors who were directly influenced by this author?
• Did the author engage with their young readers through events, school visits, or correspondence?
• How is the author remembered today, and what is their lasting legacy in children’s literature?
• Have the author’s books remained popular and relevant over time?

Continued research

• Name 8 books written by this author
• How would you describe the author’s writing style for children?
• Have the author’s works been adapted into other media, such as films or television shows?
• What themes or messages does the author often explore in their books?
• Are there any specific characters or series associated with the author?

Roald Dahl posters

There are two versions: one in black and white and one in color. They feature a full-size image of Roald Dahl with the following biographical information:

• September 13, 1916 – November 23, 1990
• Place of Birth: Wales, United Kingdom
• Brief description of Dahl’s significance as a children’s author, highlighting some of his iconic works and the acclaim he received.

Exploring Dahl’s life and inspirations

Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, and passed away on November 23, 1990.

His Norwegian heritage and the folk tales his mother shared sparked his imagination early on.

Dahl’s experiences at harsh English boarding schools, like Repton, also shaped his portrayal of cruel adults in his books.

After entertaining his own children with bedtime stories, Dahl was inspired to write for children, blending his natural storytelling ability with a desire to educate and entertain.

Iconic works by Roald Dahl

Dahl’s literary career boasts an impressive array of beloved children’s books. Some of his most famous works include:

• “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: The tale of Charlie Bucket and his golden ticket adventure in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory remains a classic. The sequel, “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator,” continues the whimsical journey.
• “James and the Giant Peach”: This story of a boy’s adventure inside a giant peach filled with magical creatures captures the essence of Dahl’s imaginative storytelling.
• “Matilda”: Matilda Wormwood, with her extraordinary intellect and telekinetic powers, triumphs over the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull.
• “The BFG”: The Big Friendly Giant takes Sophie on an adventure to capture dreams and thwart evil giants.
• “Fantastic Mr. Fox”: Mr. Fox outwits farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean in this clever and adventurous tale.
• “The Twits”: This book features the grotesque and hilarious antics of Mr. and Mrs. Twit.
• “The Witches”: Dahl weaves a darkly comic story about a boy and his grandmother fighting against child-hating witches.
• “George’s Marvellous Medicine”: George creates a magical medicine to deal with his horrid grandmother, leading to unexpected results.
• “The Magic Finger”: A girl with a magic finger teaches her cruel neighbors a lesson.
• “The Enormous Crocodile”: This tale of a greedy crocodile’s cunning plans provides both humor and a moral lesson.

Check out all of the Roald Dahl books for kids.

Dahl’s writing style and themes

Roald Dahl’s writing style for children is characterized by imaginative plots, memorable characters, and a blend of dark humor and whimsical fantasy.

His stories often feature clever and resourceful child protagonists who overcome antagonistic adults.

Themes such as the triumph of the underdog, the power of kindness and intelligence, and the consequences of greed and cruelty are prevalent in his works.

Adaptations and influence

Many of Dahl’s works have been adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions. Notable adaptations include:

• “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: Adapted into films in 1971 and 2005.
• “Matilda”: Adapted into a beloved film and a successful stage musical, “Matilda the Musical.”
• “The BFG”: Adapted into an animated film in 1989 and a live-action film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2016.
• “James and the Giant Peach”: Adapted into a stop-motion animated film in 1996.
• “Fantastic Mr. Fox”: Adapted into a critically acclaimed stop-motion animated film in 2009 directed by Wes Anderson.

Dahl’s influence extends to contemporary authors like J.K. Rowling, who admired his ability to balance dark themes with humor and fantasy.

His works also resonate with younger generations through illustrated editions, particularly those featuring artwork by Quentin Blake, his long-time collaborator.

Engaging with young readers

Dahl engaged with his readers through letters and visits, responding to fan mail and attending events when possible.

His legacy includes the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, England, which celebrates his life and works.

Free Roald Dahl worksheets

Dive deeper into the imaginative worlds of Roald Dahl with these free worksheets.

Perfect for enhancing comprehension and sparking creativity, these activities are designed to bring Dahl’s beloved stories to life in the classroom or at home.

• Matilda worksheet: Explore the extraordinary life of Matilda Wormwood and her adventures with Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey.
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory worksheet: Join Charlie Bucket and his friends as they navigate the wonders and perils of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
• Find and circle key characters and themes from Dahl’s stories in this engaging Roald Dahl word search.
• Roald Dahl memory game: Test your memory skills by matching pairs of characters and elements from Dahl’s most popular books.

Last Updated on 12 August 2024 by Clare Brown