Roald Dahl is one of these writers who transcends generations. Leaving aside the fact that he actually wrote many books for grown ups, plenty of 'big kids' read his children's books well into adulthood too. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Dahl's writing has also stood the test of time, and of course many of his most famous stories have been made into films.

Who was Roald Dahl?

He was born on September 13th, 1916 (hence today being World Roald Dahl Day). Dahl was was a British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot.

He was born in Wales to Norwegian parents, and spent most of his life in England. He served in the Royal Airforce (RAF) during the Second World War. Dahl rose to prominence as a writer in the 1940s with works for children and for adults, and he became one of the world's best-selling authors. Widely considered one of the greatest children's writers of all time,  he has a huge list of awards to his name. In 2008, The Times placed Dahl 16th on its list of "The 50 Greatest British Writers Since 1945". However, the author has been accused of antisemitism, racism and mysogyny.

Roald Dahl Books..

Dahl wrote plenty of adult books, including the short series Tales of the Unexpected which became a successful TV series. His children's books are known for their humour and grizzly endings, with the artwork of Quentin Blake a huge feature. His most famous works include James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox, George's Marvellous Medicine and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More. He also wrote two autobiographies; Boy and Going Solo

Books that became famous movies..

Many of Dahl's books have been turned into films.  The most notable was the world famous 1971 Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder.  Another version came out in 2005, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There have also been movie adaptations over the years of The Witches, The BFG, Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach and more.