Roald Dahl’s books are standing the test of time (Image: Getty Images)
Roald Dahl was one of the main authors who truly got me into reading when I was very young. I used to read his books alongside my mum, who would check in with me, ensuring I understood everything I was reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed the teachings in these books when I was a kid, and believe they’re still extremely important today.
In the National Year of Reading, it’s important if you’re a parent of little ones that you encourage curiosity and literacy, whether you’re buying books or borrowing them from libraries.
But I think Roald Dahl’s books are still relevant, despite the fact that he was born in 1916 in Llandaff, Cardiff, because I think they teach timeless lessons to little ones they should carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Here are some of my favourite books from childhood to celebrate Roald Dahl Day (September 13), and their amazing, important messages…
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Even if you’ve only ever watched the film, the message from this story is so clear. If you’re humble, kind, and patient, you will be rewarded with amazing things. Whereas if you show greed and selfishness, things may not turn out so great for you in the long run.
Augustus, Violet, Veruca, and Mike let their respective bad habits control them, meaning they lost out on the grand prize. Whereas Charlie Bucket’s admirable qualities mean he is worthy of being a winner.
Also, true wealth is found in the love of a strong family, not in material goods or money, as we see with Charlie and his grandpa Joe. The story reminds readers to appreciate what they have instead of constantly wanting more.
The BFG
The BFG teaches children that people of all shapes and sizes are worthy, and you cannot judge a book by its cover at all.
True worth is defined by kindness and character rather than physical size or outward appearance, which is a message that needs to be taught to kids at a very young age.
It also teaches that differences are to be celebrated, and friends can come in all forms if you look a little deeper than how someone comes across initially.
The Twits
Dahl famously writes that kind, positive thoughts shine out of a person like sunbeams, whereas mean, spiteful thoughts eventually rot the face until it matches the soul. And it’s true. If you’re nasty, it doesn’t matter how attractive you are; you’ll appear ugly to others.
Mr and Mrs Twit spend their lives being cruel, playing nasty tricks on each other, and abusing animals. Their ultimate physical shrinking and disappearance show a lifetime of negativity and malice leads to eventual self-destruction.
The Enormous Crocodile
In this book, the crocodile is a big bully, and the other jungle animals have to find the courage to stand up to the greedy, mean-spirited reptile instead of letting him bully everyone and the children willy-nilly.
It proves if you’re consistently mean-spirited, you’ll get your comeuppance.
What’s your favourite Roald Dahl story and its message? Let us know in the comments…
