This children’s article, Roald Dahl Day for kids: Celebrating the world’s favourite storyteller, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore the life and books of Roald Dahl. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
A day to celebrate stories
Every year on 13 September, readers around the world celebrate Roald Dahl Day. This date marks the birthday of Roald Dahl, one of the most famous children’s authors in history. His stories are filled with adventure, humour, and unforgettable characters, loved by both children and adults.
Books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and James and the Giant Peach have been translated into many languages and read across the world. Some of them have even been turned into popular films and stage plays.
The life of Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was born in 1916 in Cardiff, Wales, to Norwegian parents. His childhood inspired many of the characters and ideas in his stories. What many people do not know is that Dahl did not begin as a writer.
After finishing school, he became a pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He took part in some of the most important air battles, before later turning to writing. His first published works were for adults, but he soon discovered that his true gift was telling stories for children.
Magic on the page
Dahl’s books are famous for their imagination. His stories often include children who face unfairness or challenges, and who use courage, kindness, or cleverness to win in the end.
His villains, like the terrible Miss Trunchbull or the greedy Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, are some of the most memorable in children’s literature.
The words and characters he created continue to inspire readers today, showing the power of imagination and storytelling.
Learning from the past
While Dahl’s books remain much loved, we now recognise that some of the language in his original texts is not kind or respectful. At the time he was writing, people did not think about language in the same way we do today.
Today, we know how important it is to use words that include and respect everyone. This gives us the chance to enjoy his stories while also learning about the importance of kind language.
How to celebrate Roald Dahl Day
To celebrate Roald Dahl Day, why not pick up one of his books and dive into a world of giants, chocolate factories, or magical peaches? You could read aloud with family, act out your favourite scene, or watch a film inspired by his work.
Whatever you choose, it is the perfect way to enjoy one of the greatest storytellers of all time.
For more about Roald Dahl and his books, you can visit the Roald Dahl Story Company website.
Article vocabulary list
- Author: A person who writes books or stories
- Translated: Changed into another language
- Inspired: When ideas come from a person’s life or experiences
- Pilot: A person who flies an aircraft
- Villain: A bad or evil character in a story
- Imagination: The ability to create ideas or pictures in your mind
- Respectful: Showing care and kindness towards others
- Storyteller: Someone who tells or writes stories
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is Roald Dahl Day celebrated each year?
a) 12 September
b) 13 September
c) 31 October
Answer: b) 13 September
2. Where was Roald Dahl born?
a) London, England
b) Oslo, Norway
c) Cardiff, Wales
Answer: c) Cardiff, Wales
3. What job did Dahl do before becoming a writer?
Answer: He was a pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
4. Name one of Roald Dahl’s most famous children’s books.
Answer: Examples include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, or James and the Giant Peach.
5. How can you celebrate Roald Dahl Day?
Answer: By reading one of his books, acting out a scene, or watching a film based on his stories.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
