Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Born in Wales in 1916, author Roald Dahl created many beloved characters in children’s literature, from the eccentric Willy Wonka to the benevolent Big Friendly Giant. List the titles of Dahl’s books. Think about Dahl’s plots and characters; what are some of the common themes and subjects in Dahl’s writing? Why do you think his books have such long-lasting popularity?

Teaching Suggestion: Many students likely will have had some exposure to Roald Dahl’s work, whether as books or films. Pairs or small groups, working together, may be able to name quite a few of his stories. Students may want to discuss that Dahl is the author behind several books turned into popular films, beyond Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, including: The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Witches. One of the most important themes in Dahl’s body of work is Kids Are Worthwhile; students might discuss how Dahl’s stories or other stories with which they are familiar prove the truth in this theme.