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Michael Rosen, poet and former Children's Laureate.
Image caption,
Presented by Michael Rosen, poet and former Children's Laureate.

Hold your breath, make a wish …

One incredibly important thing we can give our children is to introduce them to books they love at a very early age. The key to success is unlocking children's imaginations and curiosity with stories that really excite them.

When a Roald Dahl story gets you in its grip, there’s nothing quite like it. This giant of a man didn't write typical children’s stories; they are anarchic, outrageous and cruel with exuberant language and playful rudeness.

Here I reveal just some of the important life lessons to be gleaned from his stories, and how to ignite and nurture a lasting love of reading in your kids.

Michael Rosen, poet and former Children's Laureate.
Image caption,
Presented by Michael Rosen, poet and former Children's Laureate.

Magic recipe

Dahl's children's stories contain extraordinary ingredients which make them utterly delicious to kids, and many have been adapted as screenplays. But what exactly makes the characters so unforgettable and impossible to resist?

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 10, The BFG, GOBBLEFUNK: Children adore this fantastic language which Roald Dahl created. Lots of examples can be found in The BFG, The Witches and the Charlie books. Far from random, his invented words are all plausible alternatives to the originals.

Children who love to read do well

When children find stories they love, it gives them the confidence and motivation to try more challenging books. "If we can raise children with an intrinsic love of reading, it leads to an indelible desire to learn," says Jonathan Douglas from the National Literacy Trust.

Image caption,
The National Literacy Trust: Children and Young People’s Reading in 2014/OECD Reading for Change

WATCH: George's Marvellous Medicine

Dick and Dom read extracts from their favourite Dahl story, about a young boy called George who "when left alone in the house with his grizzly old grunion of a Grandma, decides to concoct some home-made medicine to cure her of her horribleness."

Dick and Dom explain why 'George's Marvellous Medicine' by Roald Dahl is their favourite children's book.

Roald Dahl's BFG (Big Friendly Giant) with Sophie.
Image caption,
Roald Dahl's BFG (Big Friendly Giant) with Sophie.

Ignite a lasting love of reading

Reading takes us into a world of feelings and ideas – how to face danger, how to have hope, what despair, fear, love, anger, jeopardy and the rest feel like, and much more. Out of this comes wisdom. Dahl’s works are packed with examples of this sort of wisdom and learning.

  • Language enrichment found in lullabies and nursery rhymes are fundamental to reading. The repetition is key to reinforcing the message.

  • Drawing encourages reading. Illustrations are a gateway into the world of books.

  • Read stories aloud with expression which will enthral and engage. Talk to your children – language-rich environments help develop vocabulary.

  • Discover the type of stories your child loves. Don't expect children to read books that don't appeal to them.

  • How do you communicate? The way we ask a question and our tone of voice builds a picture and develops children, giving them confidence… or not.

  • Questions help attitudes to learning. Inspired by The Twits, you could ask your children: "What is the most disgusting thing YOU can think of?"

  • Enrich their surroundings. Children grab things in their environment, so try to ensure there are always a variety of books available. Don't make reading competitive – children should enjoy it as much as playing a game.

Roald Dahl's BFG (Big Friendly Giant) with Sophie.
Image caption,
Roald Dahl's BFG (Big Friendly Giant) with Sophie.

Learn more about this topic:

The Power of Words - Roald Dahl Day Lesson

Join 鶹Լ Teach in celebrating Roald Dahl Day on Friday, 13th September 2019, with a very special interactive lesson and digital event aimed at primary school pupils aged 7 to 11.

The Power of Words - Roald Dahl Day Lesson

Why is storytelling important to children? document

Former CBeebies presenter Alex Winters went on a mission to find out just what’s so important about stories.

Why is storytelling important to children?

How do I become a successful children’s author? document

In this interactive article Malorie Blackman takes us through the key things all successful children’s writers must overcome.

 How do I become a successful children’s author?