Roald Dahl: The Storyteller (Famous Lives)
#5 in Usborne famous lives Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Born in Wales in 1916 to Norwegian parents, Roald Dahl went on to become one of the world's most famous authors. This book charts his life - from descriptions of his happy childhood and school life, to his time spent as an RAF pilot during World War II. Always an inquisitive and imaginative person, Roald soon discovered his gift for writing children's books. His many stories, including bestsellers such as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'The Twits' and 'Matilda', have sold all around the world, to great acclaim. However, as well as experiencing much happiness, Roald also suffered great misfortune in his family life. A fantastic read on an intriguing character, complete with quotation panels, date chart, glossary and index.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Roald Dahl a great storyteller?
How did the experiences in Roald Dahl's life influence the stories he wrote?
If you could meet Roald Dahl, what would you ask him and why?
What do you think is the most important lesson Roald Dahl's life teaches us?
Which of Roald Dahl’s stories is your favorite and what do you like about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences with Roald Dahl’s stories to create a personal connection.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster confidence.
Ask your child to draw parallels between events in Dahl's life and themes in his books, enhancing their understanding and analytical skills.
Discuss the importance of creativity and imagination, inspired by Dahl's unique style and characters.
Create a comfortable reading environment that promotes open discussion and thoughtful questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book chronicles Roald Dahl’s journey from his schooling days to becoming a famous writer, highlighting his determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sticking with challenging tasks at school or in their hobbies, understanding that success often comes through persistent effort.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Roald Dahl's unique storytelling style is showcased, emphasizing his imaginative use of language and creative plot constructs.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination in writing assignments or while playing, helping them develop creative thinking skills that are valuable in all areas of life.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through Dahl’s stories about different characters, children learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This can help children in social situations to be more considerate and understanding of the perspectives and feelings of their peers.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: The book discusses various challenges Dahl faced, including personal loss and professional setbacks, and how he overcame them.
Real-World Application: Children learn that difficulties are a part of life and can be overcome with resilience, a lesson they can remember and utilize during personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Humor
Explanation: Dahl’s witty writing style is highlighted, teaching children how humor can be used effectively in storytelling.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and use humor in their daily interactions and creative expressions, fostering a joyful and light-hearted approach to life.