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Book City to Honor Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl and some of his fictive characters
Roald Dahl and some of his fictive characters

Haftchenar branch of Book City in Tehran will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of British novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and poet Roald Dahl (1916-1990).

The branch located at Beryanak Square near Navvab, has invited all fans and readers of Dahl's works to participate in the celebration of the 'Birthday of a Giant', to be held on September 13, the day when "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century" was born.

"Everyone is invited to this party, everyone who has read at least one of Dahl's books," says the colorful poster of the celebration.

Dahl's works for children include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The BFG (short for Big Friendly Giant), The Twits and George's Marvelous Medicine. His adult works include Tales of the Unexpected.

Member of Children's Book Council of Iran and also of Iran Association of Writers for Children and Youth, Mahboubeh Najafkhani, 59, will participate in the celebration and deliver a speech. She has translated some of Dahl's works including George's Marvelous Medicine, The Enormous Crocodile, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, The Magic Finger, The Twits, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

The event will also be attended by book critics who will share ideas and comments on Dahl's books.

Entry tickets are issued at Haftchenar Book City, children's books section. The function starts at 5:30 pm to celebrate the life and works of Dahl whose books have sold over 250 million copies worldwide.

Best Selling Writer

Born in Wales to Norwegian parents, Dahl rose to prominence in the 1940s with works for both children and adults and soon became one of the world's best-selling authors.

For his contribution to literature he was awarded 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".

Dahl's stories for children, with all their diabolic subversiveness show no sign of losing their appeal. With their tiny heroes and cruel villains, Dahl's books never get old.

Financialtribune.com