Although he is most famous for his children’s stories, Roald Dahl wrote intriguing short stories for adults too. Director Wes Anderson, who already adapted Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox as an animated film, has now made four short films for Netflix based on four of the adult short stories. The first to be released, on 27 … Continue reading “Roald Dahl’s Henry Sugar on Film”
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?”
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”
The Platinum Jubilee Concert coverage on 4 June opened with a sketch that featured the Queen inviting Paddington Bear to tea. The short video is great. for class use, and would make a good complement to the “deep fake” Queen’s Christmas speech that is featured in Shine Bright 3e Snapfile 11 Twist and Tell. The … Continue reading “Marmalade Sandwich, Your Majesty?”
World Book Day is on 4 March this year. In the UK, schoolchildren receive a £1 book token they can spend on a selection of books chosen for the day. The authors have recorded ten-minute readings great for classroom use. Here’s a selection. The readings are part of a project to share stories by recording … Continue reading “Ten-Minute Stories for World Book Day”
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”
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 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’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 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”