The playground of Mitchell House resembled pages from books by Roald Dahl when Junior Phase learners dressed up as characters from his stories at the school’s literacy day celebrations on Friday.
More than one of the learners dressed up as Matilda, indicative of this character’s popularity. Also around were some oompa-loompas and the notorious Mrs Trunchbull and James Henry Trotter.
Dahl was born in 1916 and died in 1990. He was a British novelist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter and more than 250 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide.
Dahl’s awards for contribution to literature include the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the British Book Awards’ Children’s Author of the Year in 1990.
In 2008, The Times placed Dahl 16th on its list of “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945”. Well-known books for children by Dahl includes James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox and The BFG.
Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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