Roald Dahl Day: Storyteller | Celebrate | Children’s Books in Order of Publication Date |
September 13 marks Roald Dahl Day, a celebration of one of the most beloved children’s authors in the world. The day, which coincides with Dahl’s birthday, allows fans of all ages to revisit the whimsical, dark, and often magical worlds that Dahl created in his books. Known for his sharp wit, memorable characters, and imaginative storytelling, Roald Dahl’s work has captivated readers for decades, leaving a lasting impact on children’s literature and pop culture.
Roald Dahl: The Master Storyteller
Born in 1916 in Wales, Roald Dahl had a varied and fascinating life before becoming a writer. He served as a fighter pilot during World War II and worked as a diplomat and intelligence officer. Dahl’s literary career began with short stories for adults, but he found immense success when he shifted his focus to children’s books. His stories often feature eccentric characters, clever children, and a sense of moral justice that appeals to young readers. Dahl’s unique voice and vivid imagination made him one of the most popular and enduring authors of the 20th century. His works have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. Many of his books have also been adapted into films, stage productions, and musicals.
Throughout his life, Dahl wrote 71 books and inspired many more. From ‘Completely Unexpected Tales‘ to cookbooks and all the magical stories in between, he’s written something for every type of reader.
Ways to Celebrate Roald Dahl Day
You can start the day by reading or re-reading any of his classic children’s books (see the list below). How about hosting a family movie marathon featuring a few of his book-to-movie adaptations? Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Matilda the Musical, and Fantastic Mr. Fox would make an amazing movie night.
You can even take it one step further and dress up as your favorite Dahl characters. Whether it’s Willy Wonka with his iconic top hat and cane, Matilda in her schoolgirl outfit, or the cunning Mr. Fox, dressing up adds a creative and playful touch to the festivities.
A key element to Roald Dahl Day is incorporating some delicious, fun food inspired by his books. Dive into Marvelously Revolting Recipes, a cookbook filled with whimsical treats like Wormy Spaghetti from The Twits, Dandyprats from James and the Giant Peach, and Hair Cream from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. These recipes let you recreate the imaginative dishes that have captivated readers for generations. You can even turn this into a fun cooking day with family or friends, encouraging everyone to make and sample these wacky, delightful creations.
Roald Dahl’s Children’s Books in Order of Publication
The Gremlins (1943)
Roald Dahl’s first book, The Gremlins, tells the story of mischievous creatures blamed by Royal Air Force pilots for mechanical mishaps. In the book, the gremlins seek revenge for the destruction of their forest, which was cleared to build an aircraft factory. The protagonist, Gus, has his fighter plane sabotaged by a gremlin but convinces the creatures to join forces against a common enemy—Hitler and the Nazis—rather than fight each other. Featuring illustrations by Disney artists, the book was optioned for an animated film that was never made. Proceeds from the book were donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund. Dahl’s next children’s book, James and the Giant Peach, was published 18 years later.
James and the Giant Peach (1961)
After James Henry Trotter’s parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it’s as big as a house. Inside, James meets a bunch of oversized friends—Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the great adventure begins!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)
Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last!
But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!
The Magic Finger (1966)
In this short story, a young girl possesses a magical power that allows her to punish people by pointing at them with her finger. She uses this power to teach her hunting-obsessed neighbors a lesson by turning them into birds.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970)
The book tells the story of Mr. Fox, a clever and resourceful animal who outwits three farmers determined to catch him. Mr. Fox devises an ingenious plan to feed his family and fellow animals.
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (1972)
Last seen flying through the sky in a giant elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket’s back for another adventure. When the giant elevator picks up speed, Charlie, Willy Wonka, and the gang are sent hurtling through space and time. Visiting the world’’ first space hotel, battling the dreaded Vermicious Knids, and saving the world are only a few stops along this remarkable, intergalactic joyride.
Danny, the Champion of the World (1975)
Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he’s the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secret that his father has kept hidden for years. Soon Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible plot ever attempted against nasty Victor Hazell, a wealthy landowner with a bad attitude. Can they pull it off? If so, Danny will truly be the champion of the world.
The Enormous Crocodile (1978)
This picture book has a beautiful full-color interior and large trim to feature Quentin Blake’s iconic art.
The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid greedy grumptious brute who loves to guzzle up little boys and girls. But the other animals have had enough of his cunning tricks, so they scheme to get the better of this foul fiend, once and for all!
The Twits (1980)
This darkly humorous story centers on the cruel and disgusting Twits, a married couple who torment each other and their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps. The monkeys eventually get revenge, leading to the Twits’ demise.
George’s Marvelous Medicine (1981)
George is alone in the house with Grandma. The most horrid, grizzly old grunion of a grandma ever. She needs something stronger than her usual medicine to cure her grouchiness. A special grandma medicine, a remedy for everything. And George knows just what to put into it. Grandma’s in for the surprise of her life—and so is George, when he sees the results of his mixture!
The BFG (1982)
When Sophie is snatched from her orphanage bed by the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), she fears she will be eaten. But instead the two join forces to vanquish the nine other far less gentle giants who threaten to consume earth’s children. This beautiful hardcover gift edition of Dahl’s classic features the original illustrations by Quentin Blake, as well as a silk ribbon marker, acid-free paper, gilt stamping on a full-cloth cover, decorative endpapers, and a sewn binding.
The Witches (1983)
This is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches.
Grandmamma loves to tell about witches. Real witches are the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth. There’s nothing they hate so much as children, and they work all kinds of terrifying spells to get rid of them. Her grandson listens closely to Grandmamma’s stories—but nothing can prepare him for the day he comes face-to-face with The Grand High Witch herself!
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me (1985)
The Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company certainly doesn’t. They don’t need a pail, either, because they have a pelican with a bucket-sized beak. With a monkey to do the washing and Billy as their manager, this business is destined for success. Now they have their big break—a chance to clean all 677 windows of the Hampshire House, owned by the richest man in all of England! That’s exciting enough, but along the way there are surprises and adventures beyond their wildest window-washing dreams.
Matilda (1988)
Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she’s just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a menacing, kid-hating headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It’ll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!
Esio Trot (1990)
Mr. Hoppy is in love with his neighbor, Mrs. Silver; but she is in love with someone else—Alfie, her pet tortoise. With all her attention focused on Alfie, Mrs. Silver doesn’t even know Mr. Hoppy is alive. And Mr. Hoppy is too shy to even ask Mrs. Silver over for tea. Then one day Mr. Hoppy comes up with a brilliant idea to get Mrs. Silver’s attention. If Mr. Hoppy’s plan works, Mrs. Silver will certainly fall in love with him. After all, everyone knows the way to a woman’s heart is through her tortoise.
The Vicar of Nibbleswicke (1991)
The Reverend Lee is suffering from a rare and acutely embarrassing condition: Back-to-Front Dyslexia. It affects only his speech, and he doesn’t realize he’s doing it, but the parishioners of Nibbleswicke are shocked and confused by his seemingly outrageous comments. At last a cure is found and the mild-mannered vicar can resume normal service. Or at least as normal as is possible for a man who must walk backwards to be sure of talking forwards!
A highly comic tale in the best Dahl tradition of craziness, written for the benefit of the Dyslexia Institute.
The Minpins (1991)
Billy’s mum says he must never go out through the garden gate and explore the dark forest beyond. So, one day, he does exactly that! There Billy meets the amazing Minpins, tiny people who live inside the hollow trees.
But the Minpins are in danger. The terrible, galloping Gruncher stalks the forest, and the Minpins are disappearing in their thousands. Can Billy find a way to destroy the hungry beast, once and for all–or will it gobble him up too?
Illustrated by Quentin Blake for the first time, Billy and the Minpins is a new interpretation of Roald Dahl’s very last story (originally published in 1991) and marks nearly forty years of their magical collaboration.
Roald Dahl’s works have enchanted readers for generations, and his unique storytelling style continues to be celebrated worldwide, especially on Roald Dahl Day. His books, filled with wonder, humor, and a touch of the macabre, remain timeless classics that are still as relevant today as when they were first published.
The Gremlins | James and the Giant Peach | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | The Magic Finger | Fantastic Mr. Fox | Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator | Danny, the Champion of the World | The Enormous Crocodile | The Twits | George’s Marvelous Medicine | The BFG | The Witches | The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me | Matilda | Esio Trot | The Vicar of Nibbleswicke | Billy and the Minpins |