Nonsense, Imagination, Creativity
Three words that describe the work of this week's honorary Reading Rebel...
Yes, that’s right. In life and in work, these three words nonsense, imagination, and creativity are often used to describe Roald Dahl’s work.
While his initial intention was not to write for children, his children’s novels are what he is most known for…
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Danny, the Champion of the World
Another word that is often used to describe Dahl’s work is whimsical. And who couldn’t use more whimsy in their lives right about now?
Not only did Roald Dahl have strong opinions about books and reading just as an author in everyday life…
“I don't care if a reader hates one of my stories, just as long as he finishes the book.”
“If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.”
“If my books can help children become readers, then I feel I have accomplished something important.”
He also made the characters in his books talk about and love books and reading. I think it’s pretty cool when characters in books love to read. If children look to fictional characters to emulate, I want them to copy ones that love books. Let’s take a look at how Roald Dahl snuck in reading advocacy in his books…
“The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.” - “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator”, p.160, Penguin
YES!
“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting; they should be funny, exciting, and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” “The Missing Golden Ticket and Other Splendiferous Secrets”, p.79, Penguin
Double YES!
“All the reading she had done had given her a view of life that they had never seen.” “Matilda”, Puffin
Triple YES!
This is a great example of a “head fake.” I learned of this concept from "The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. Randy refers to a “head fake” as a kind of indirect learning. We don’t play frisbee to dodge opponents; we play to learn collaboration and sportsmanship. Like you think you’re doing one thing, but really there are other things at play.
Like reading a story about a remarkable little girl with superpowers in Matilda, but really seeing how reading and books changed her life. And maybe subconsciously realizing that books are changing your life too. See, a head fake.
If it’s been a while since you’ve read a Roald Dahl story, maybe it’s time for a reread. I think adults, right now, need more whimsy than anyone else. Let’s remember some of that childlike wonder for a minute. Soak it up and let it inspire you. It’s worth the time. I promise.
Keep reading, my friends. Keep reading.