Michael Rosen: "Roald Dahl still amazes and shocks readers"

 
Michael Rosen, the celebrated kids' author, has paid tribute to the “funny and outrageous” writer Roald Dahl.

In an article for the Big Issue, the former children’s laureate said that Dahl’s “larger than life tales” still inspire children.

He said: “He wasn’t a perfect bloke. Adult critics and commentators can easily find out things about him that are odd or unpleasant. But his books are vivid tales which continue to intrigue, amaze and shock young people and their parents and teachers. 

“I celebrate and enjoy that in bucketloads.”

Rosen also revealed he is sometimes mistaken for the legendary writer byLondoncabbies.

This Thursday is Roald Dahl Day, which falls on the writer’s birthday. Also being celebrated is the 30th anniversary of the release of The BFG.

The Big Issue feature also takes a look at the hut in which many of Dahl’s classic stories were penned. Dahl died in 1990 of a blood disease called myelodysplastic syndrome. He would have been 96.

To celebrate Roald Dahl Day, Michael Rosen will be taking part in a webchat with illustrator Quentin Blake. Register at www.puffinvirtuallylive.co.uk

For the full interview, see this week's Big Issue, on sale until September 16