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In 1961 Dahl wrote about a boy called James and his adventures with a giant peach.

Author - Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl mixed dark humour, surprise twists and unforgettable characters. This quiz explores his life, children’s stories and how his eventful past shaped his writing.

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Fascinating Fact:

He served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War before beginning his writing career.

In Specialist Books, this quiz focuses on Roald Dahl, a bestselling children’s author and storyteller. You will explore his unusual life, his writing style and the lasting impact of his books.

Key Terms

Children’s author: A writer who creates stories especially for young readers, often with strong plots and memorable characters.
Twist ending: A surprise change at the end of a story that makes the reader rethink what has happened.
Autobiographical writing: Writing that is based on the author’s own life, memories and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Who was Roald Dahl and why is he famous?

Roald Dahl was a British author known for children’s books such as Matilda and The BFG. He is famous for dark humour, clever villains and brave, resourceful child heroes.

Which Roald Dahl books are most popular with children?

Well-known Roald Dahl titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches and James and the Giant Peach. Many of these books have been adapted for film and theatre.

How did Roald Dahl’s life experiences influence his stories?

Dahl drew on his childhood, schooldays and wartime service when writing. Strict teachers, dangerous adults and sudden twists in fortune often echo events he described in his autobiographical books.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is the title of Dahl's 1982 book of children's poetry that puts a new slant on fairy tales?

Rancid Rhymes

Regurgitated Rhymes

Revolting Rhymes

Rotten Rhymes

In these versions Goldilocks doesn't escape from the three bears and Little Red Riding Hood shoots the wolf

2 .

What is the first name of Dahl's granddaughter, the model who made a controversial poster advertisement for Opium perfume in 2000?

Sadie

Sammi

Sophie

Suzie

Sophie in The BFG is named after Dahl's granddaughter

3 .

Dahl was born in Cardiff in 1916, but what nationality were his parents?

Danish

Finnish

Norwegian

Swedish

Roald's father, Harald Dahl, had emigrated to Britain from Norway in the 1880s. His mother, Magdalene, came over in 1911

4 .

Dahl married which actress in 1953?

Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Neal

Patricia Richardson

Patricia Roc

The couple were married for 30 years, before they divorced in 1983

5 .

What was the title of the TV series based on Dahl's short stories for adults?

Tales of the Unexpected

Tales of the Unexplained

Tales of the Unexploded

Tales of the Unexpurgated

The series attracted big stars such as John Mills and Janet Leigh

6 .

What is the title of Dahl's 1961 children's story in which the title character's parents are swallowed by a rhinoceros?

James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Pear

James and the Giant Plum

James and the Giant Prune

The book has often been censored, particularly in America where it is one of the most frequently challenged books

7 .

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, what is Charlie's surname?

Bucket

Buffet

Bullet

Bunnet

At the end of the novel Willy Wonka declares Charlie his heir and Charlie's family move into the factory

8 .

What was the title of Dahl's first children's book, published in 1943?

The Gnomes

The Goblins

The Gremlins

The Grumbleweeds

Dahl wrote the book for Walt Disney Productions, as a promotion for a feature-length animated film. The film was never made

9 .

What is the name of the spoiled brat in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

Veruca Mustard

Veruca Pepper

Veruca Salt

Veruca Vinegar

Ironically, the name Veruca became popular for girls in America after the book and subsequent films were released. The character's name is a play on words for, as every Briton knows, a verruca is in fact the name for a wart on the sole of one's foot!

10 .

Which children's book contains chapters called The Frog Princess and The Spaghetti Incident?

The Nits

The Nitwits

The Squits

The Twits

The book sometimes makes adults feel physically sick, but kids love it

Author: Tony Rennick (Art and Literature Critic)