Roald Dahl turned to writing children’s books after the death of his daughter Olivia when she was seven. Both James and the Giant Peach and The BFG are dedicated to her. And his 1988 pamphlet Measles, a Dangerous Illness was a direct result of her having died from encephalitis as a result of having measles. Roald Dahl was an advocate for vaccinations and in time I trust he will be remembered more for this and his stories than anything else.
Words
From cake and books to bugs and crocodiles!
Learn wondercrump and revolting first words with Roald Dahl, in this sturdy board book with flaps – perfect for little hands to hold!
A fantastic interactive book that will teach your child words using great illustrations, as well as getting them to perform simple acts such as counting chickens or finding a giraffe by lifting a flap.
Shapes
Learn your shapes in this board book with BITE!
A big round sun, a whirling swirling kite and. . .
. . . sharp, pointy teeth!Spot the shapes with Roald Dahl, in this sturdy board book with flaps – perfect for little hands to hold!
A cute book with a few shapes for your child to learn. Hannah loves showing me rectangles and ovals and this book will teach her diamonds and stars.
Revolting Things To Touch And Feel
What does a giant’s foot feel like? How about a rotten egg, or a bumpy crocodile?
Find out in this book that’s full of the most REVOLTING things to touch and feel!
I love touchy feely books and the textures of this one were amazing. However, the ending of this book really does not sit well with me and I think we shall give it a miss for now.
Disclosure: I was sent the books to review by Penguin Random House South Africa. I was not required to write a positive review. This post is in line with my blogging policy.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime January 10:
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- 2020: Chestnut Ice Cream
- 2018: Artisan Sourdough Made Simple
- 2016: Vanishing Games
- 2011: Béchamel Sauce
Roald Dahl was a very talented writer, Tandy. I never knew about the death of his daughter, how every sad.
It was tragic. I learnt of this in a podcast I listen to called Imagined Life.
I assume you are aware that Dahl was a committed anti-semite. According to the Washington Post:
“ The author of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ ‘James and the Giant Peach,’ ‘Matilda’ and other classics trafficked in all the usual deadly slanders about Jews, including their nefarious financial power and their control of the media. In 1983, Dahl told the New Statesman, ‘There is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity. Maybe it’s a kind of lack of generosity towards non-Jews. I mean, there’s always a reason why anti-anything crops up anywhere. Even a stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on them for no reason.’”
I am aware, thank you Mae. And thank you for commenting about it. Such an awful sentiment from a talented author.
I did not know that about Roald Dahl. Now I like him even more!
and you’ve got me curious about how the Revolting Things book ends…
I am not sure I like him as much as I like his books. The ending is not one I would let a young or emotionally vulnerable child read.
I’ve learned a lot about him today and don’t think I will like the man even tho so of his books are interesting..
That’s how I feel!