It has been brought to my attention that we are approaching what would have been Roald Dahl's 100th birthday.
Yes, today I (and I'm guessing lots of other people in the UK) have been watching, and voting on, Roald Dahl's Most Marvellous Book; a programme that has taken a look back at all of his greats
Well, ten of them. Ten of his children's books that is, as, of course he also wrote for adults (we all remember Tales of the Unexpected, right?).
Not only has the programme reminded me as to what an amazingly ridiculously phizz-whizzingly whoopsy-whiffling genius he was, but it also reminded me of these drawings I made a few years ago.
I made twelve drawings that were used as backdrops for a production of James and the Giant Peach at the Buxton Festival. And an extra one for the programme (top of post).
It was a really good excuse to re-read the book too. I find a lot of childhood favourites don't read quite as well (to say the least) when you're an adult. But Dahl's do. Try it.
As much as I love James and his Giant Peach it's not the most marvellous. That, of course, is Danny Champion of the World. Which is what I voted for, and which, incidentally, is also as good a read when you're grown up (ish).
(By the way, Matilda won the poll. But obviously everyone was wrong)
4 comments:
Your illustrations are beautiful! The gentle colours give them a wonderfully dreamy feel! I'd love to see what you'd do with the Witches (which should have just pipped Matilda to the top! ).
I'd have voted for Danny, too.Last reading of that old fave was when I was in my 50s.And now I'll have to read it again, along with some of his gritty, spooky "adult" ones.
Congratulations. I'm partial to your illustrations. Did not know he wrote for adults. Thanks.
These are so lovely! You really got the texture of a peach, too!
I agree, 'Danny, Champion of the World' is the best.
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