Roald Dahl Rewritten?

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 13 March 2023 > In the News

There has been a lot in the news about Roald Dahl’s publishers putting out new versions of his novels for children, changing some of the language, like “fat” and “ugly” that sensitivity readers felt were inappropriate for today’s readers. After negative reactions the publishers said they would continue to publish the original texts of books … Continue reading “Roald Dahl Rewritten?”

Matilda the Musical

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 19 January 2023 > Ready to Use

This A1+ worksheet is based on the trailer of the new Matilda musical, directed by Matthew Warchus and released on Netflix on 25 December 2022. It was adapted from Roald Dahl’s famous story and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda the Musical. The story is faithful to Dahl’s orginal: Matilda Wormwood is an extraordinarly … Continue reading “Matilda the Musical”

Roald Dahl’s The Witches

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 05 November 2020 > Ready to Use

Roald Dahl’s The Witches was published in 1983, a typically twisted tale of witches who look like normal women and want to eliminate children by turning them into mice. A second film version, this time  by American director Robert Zemeckis, was scheduled for a November release. Like everything else, it’s on hold for lockdown, but … Continue reading “Roald Dahl’s The Witches”

Time to Read: World Book Day

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 02 March 2017 > Celebrate

2 March is World Book Day, so grab a book, or bring some book-based fun into your classroom. World Book Day is a United Nations initiative but it’s especially big in the UK, where it is an occasion to encourage children in particular to read. Schools sign up for schemes where pupils are given £1 … Continue reading “Time to Read: World Book Day”

Quentin Blake Webpicks

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 19 September 2016 > Webpicks

Quentin Blake illustrated all of Roald Dahl’s children’s books. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Here are a couple of ways to enrich your class with Quentin Blake’s work. This trailer for The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots features Quentin Blake’s illustrations and Dame Helen Mirren reading the opening passage of the … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Webpicks”

Quentin Blake Brings Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter to Life

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 19 September 2016 > What's On

Quentin Blake’s illustrations are instantly recognisable to anyone who has ever read a Roald Dahl’s children’s book. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Blake’s illustrations have helped form generations of readers’ image of Roald Dahl’s characters. When Blake was asked to illustrate Roald Dahl’s first book for younger children, The … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Brings Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter to Life”

Roald Dahl Day Special

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 30 August 2016 > Celebrate

Roald Dahl was such a popular children’s writer that every year, 13 September (his birthday) is World Roald Dahl Day. This year is the hundredth anniversary of his birth, and there are celebrations galore. Dahl, who died in 1990, is best remembered as the author of irreverent classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, … Continue reading “Roald Dahl Day Special”

The BFG Webpicks

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 23 August 2016 > Webpicks

As part of the celebrations of the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, Steven Spielberg has helmed an adaptation of his book The BFG. Pupils generally recognise Dahl’s work from books or films, so it is a rich subject for class work. Don’t miss our articles on the The BFG film and Dream Jar Trail (see … Continue reading “The BFG Webpicks”