Roald Dahl
The Welsh-born storyteller behind Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Roald Dahl is an author. The Welsh-born storyteller behind Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This page is a short guide for parents, teachers and young readers: who they are, which of their books we recommend and where to start.
About Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was born on 13 September 1916 in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, and died on 23 November 1990. He served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War before becoming a writer.
His children’s books include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) and Matilda (1988). Most were illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Roald Dahl’s books in our all-time classics list
- Matilda (1988): number 6 in our best children’s books of all time. A bright girl with unkind parents finds a surprising power.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964): number 15 in our best children’s books of all time. Five children win golden tickets to see inside Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory.
Other well-known books and work
- James and the Giant Peach (1961)
- Fantastic Mr Fox (1970)
- The BFG (1982)
- The Witches (1983)
Where to start
For younger children, start with Fantastic Mr Fox, then try Matilda.
Frequently asked questions about Roald Dahl
Who is Roald Dahl?
Roald Dahl was born on 13 September 1916 in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, and died on 23 November 1990. He served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War before becoming a writer.
Which books by Roald Dahl are on your all-time list?
Matilda (number 6); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (number 15). See our best children’s books of all time.
Where should I start with Roald Dahl?
For younger children, start with Fantastic Mr Fox, then try Matilda.
Biographical details are drawn from publisher biographies, reference works and the author’s own site, and may have changed. The illustration is our own and is not a likeness of the author. See all the authors.