This week, classrooms and assemblies across primary schools are buzzing with discussions about some significant changes in the world of books, particularly those by the renowned children’s author Roald Dahl. Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and how it connects to bigger ideas about literature, language, and modernisation. What’s Happening in the News This Week? Book publisher Puffin has announced a review of Roald Dahl’s famous stories, leading to updates aimed at making the books more suitable for modern times. Roald Dahl, whose works include beloved titles like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The BFG, has long been a figure in children's literature. The changes being introduced involve removing or altering some descriptions that are now seen as unkind, such as words like ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’ used for characters’ appearances. This decision, however, has sparked significant debate. Why Are Roald Dahl’s Books Being Changed? The revisions came after a formal review by the Roald Dahl Story Company and publisher Puffin, working with Inclusive Minds, a group promoting kinder and more inclusive language in children's books. According to the Roald Dahl Story Company, the goal is to ensure that Dahl’s stories and characters can continue to be enjoyed by all children today, reflecting modern attitudes toward inclusivity and diversity. What Are the Specific Changes? A few notable changes include: The removal of words like ‘crazy’ and ‘mad’ from the books. In The Twits, the phrase ‘a weird African language’ is edited to remove 'weird'. Mrs Twit is now described as ‘beastly’ instead of ‘ugly and beastly’. These edits aim to foster a more respectful and inclusive environment but have also led to some public figures and authors raising concerns about preserving original creative works. Public Opinions and Reactions The changes to Roald Dahl’s books have been met with mixed reactions. Some, including the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Queen Consort, Camilla, have expressed their disagreement, highlighting the importance of preserving the original works of fiction. Renowned author Philip Pullman also commented on the need to value free speech and suggested that if a work offends, alternative authors can be read. About Roald Dahl Roald Dahl was born in South Wales on September 13, 1916. Before becoming an author, he was a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II and even acted as a spy for MI6. Dahl’s first children’s book, The Gremlins, was published in 1943. Many characters in his books, such as Sophie in The BFG, were inspired by people in his own life, and he was known for inventing imaginative words like "scrumdiddlyumptious" or "snozzberries"—a playful language he called Gobblefunk. Since his passing in 1990, Roald Dahl Day is celebrated every year on his birthday to honour his contribution to literature. Reflection: Updating for Modern Times The updates to Dahl’s stories invite broader discussions about how language, technology, and society evolve. Over time, equipment, laws, and even school environments adapt to suit the needs of the present. For example, school uniforms, money, vehicles, and phones all look very different today compared to previous generations. The law, too, has changed dramatically to reflect modern values and ideas. Discussion Points for the Classroom and Home These changes open up valuable talking points during assemblies or class discussions: Do you think it’s important to update old stories? Why or why not? What does ‘modern’ mean to you, and can you think of things in your life that have changed in recent years? If you wrote a story long ago, how would you feel about someone else wanting to change your words? Are there books or rules at your school that you think could be modernised, and what benefits or drawbacks might that bring? Reflecting on these questions helps us understand how the past can guide us, while also appreciating the importance of staying relevant and inclusive as the world evolves. Further Activities and Ideas For younger students, try drawing new characters based on people you know, thinking about how their qualities make them unique. Older students can research other examples of things that have been thoroughly updated over time, like money or technology, and share their findings. Both groups can also explore Dahl’s invented words and try creating their own imaginative vocabulary. Exploring Emotions and Vocabulary Studying changes in literature can evoke a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, excitement, or even concern. It’s helpful to talk through these feelings and use new vocabulary in discussion and writing. Words like ‘modernised’, ‘reviewed’, ‘inclusive’, ‘updated’, and ‘airbrushed’ give students tools to express themselves clearly. Stay Involved: Resources and Community * Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample * Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss * Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training As language and society shift, it’s important to keep an open mind and continue learning together—at home, in school, and as a community.
