Roald Dahl Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Roald Dahl Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Roald Dahl Day is observed on September 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Roald Dahl Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Roald Dahl Day.

📅 What day is Roald Dahl Day 2024?

In 2024, Roald Dahl Day is on Wednesday, September 13th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in September; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about September 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Roald Dahl, a multi-talented individual who served as a fighter pilot, intelligence officer, and diplomat in the RAF, is widely acclaimed as a cherished author worldwide. Through his exceptional creativity, Dahl captivated readers by transporting them into intricately crafted worlds, populated with comical characters and poignant storylines in books like “Matilda,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “James and the Giant Peach.” His captivating children’s tales, which have been adapted into numerous plays and movies, often feature unsavory adults, courageous children, and fantastical realms.

📜 Roald Dahl Day History

Dahl, named after the famous explorer Roald Amundsen, had a natural inclination towards adventure from a young age. After completing his education, he worked for Shell Petroleum in present-day Tanzania before joining the Royal Air Force just as World War II was about to begin. Surviving a crash landing in the desert and the Battle of Athens, Dahl became the assistant air attaché at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. During this time, he played a role in bringing Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt closer together by providing valuable information.

Dahl’s military experiences heavily influenced his early works. His first published tale revolved around a crash landing, and his first children’s book, “The Gremlins,” featured mischievous creatures causing havoc to RAF planes. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, particularly the village of Great Missenden where he resided with his family, Dahl incorporated real-life elements into many of his settings and scenarios. Over the course of his career, he crafted more than 30 novels, introducing iconic characters like Willy Wonka, Matilda, and Mr. Fox. Additionally, he wrote numerous screenplays for popular television series such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”

Dahl’s writing style stands out for its unique and often unconventional language, amusing poetry, and ability to portray the world from a child’s perspective. Despite the dark themes and unsettling settings in his stories, they ultimately depict kind-hearted and courageous children triumphing over wicked and self-centered adults.

✅ Roald Dahl Day Facts

🔖 The Chocolate Factory is inspired by Cadbury’s
When Roald Dahl was a child, Cadbury’s chocolate company would come to his school to have students taste-test their delicious treats. This experience sparked Dahl’s imagination and he dreamed of creating his very own chocolate recipe that would impress even Mr. Cadbury himself.

🔖 He worked alongside James Bond’s creator
During World War II, Roald Dahl worked together with Ian Fleming, a fellow spy, in the British intelligence service. After the war, Fleming gained fame as the author of the popular James Bond novels, as well as the children’s book “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Dahl then took on the task of adapting “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” into a film.

🔖 He invented more than 500 new words and names
To enhance the imaginative worlds he created, Dahl came up with numerous new words like “frobscottle” and names like “Oompa Loompas” for his invented language called Gobblefunk.

👍 Why Is Roald Dahl Day Important

Roald Dahl developed some of the most memorable characters in literature and movies. Which of his novels most inspired you?

Reading is more than just a necessary life skill; it can transport us to amazing realms and extend our perspectives. Take some time today to read to yourself or a youngster in your life.

Live readings, movie screenings, themed museum events, and other activities mark Roald Dahl Day. Look at your local libraries and educational institutions for Roald Dahl Day events.

🙂 How To Observe Roald Dahl Day

⚡ Donate some books to your local library
If you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s works, why not share the joy by donating a few of his books to your nearby library? This way, more people can have the opportunity to enjoy his stories too.

⚡ Reread your favorite book
Have you revisited your beloved Dahl novel recently? Take it out from its dusty shelf and dive into one of his enchanting worlds—or explore a new one!

⚡ Watch your favorite movie adaptation
Dahl’s books have been adapted into several well-received movies. Consider selecting your preferred adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Matilda,” or any other Dahl stories for a fun family movie night.

📅 When is Roald Dahl Day?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Books holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Roald Dahl Day. So be sure to check back soon.