Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.
Author Roald Dahl was celebrated today in Balboa Park! Who is Roald Dahl? He was the amazing writer who gave the world Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The Witches . . . and many other extraordinary stories that have been enjoyed by millions of children and adults.
Roald Dahl, who would have been a hundred years old this year, is being honored around the world in September, and Balboa Park had its own very special celebration today. The good people of Write Out Loud put the whole thing together. You might have seen my posts about various other events Write Out Loud has organized, including TwainFest in Old Town and the Moby Dick Reading Marathon on the tall ship Star of India.
I took a few photos while wandering about Balboa Park, but the most colorful ones show the story box reading of The Magic Finger on the patio outside the House of England. By the way, the story box is a form of street theatre in Japan, where it is known as Kamishibai.
Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl’s fun story The Magic Finger.A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl’s life, his writing and philosophy.. . . Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl. . . If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald DahlWhile I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park’s International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.Uh, oh! She’s about to use her magic finger on that foul, nasty teacher! Â The teacher grows fur and a tail!A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
I like to write short fiction, too! To read a few of my stories, please visit my other blog Short Stories by Richard.
Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.
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10 thoughts on “Roald Dahl celebrated in San Diego’s Balboa Park!”
Never heard of Roald Dahl, Richard. But evidently, he was a master of children’s stories. Interesting post! As always, great photos.
I think of him more for his acerbic, adult-level short stories than his children’s works — surely a function of the fact I have no children! The celebration looks like huge fun, and what wonderful weather you had. (Now you get to tell me the weather is always wonderful…)
Years ago I read and enjoyed a couple of his adult short stories (plus the book about his experiences in the RAF) but the children’s books stick in my head. They are a bit acerbic (nasty kids, parents, teachers get their comeuppance) but they also include wonder and joy–and they seem more crazily inventive. I’ll refrain from making a weather comment . . . for now!
Glad to see that Roald Dahl is being celebrated here in San Diego. I think a re-make of James and the Giant Peach is needed now that animation and CGI effects are greatly improved!
Cool San Diego Sights! 
Never heard of Roald Dahl, Richard. But evidently, he was a master of children’s stories. Interesting post! As always, great photos.
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Lovely to see Roald Dahl being celebrated around the world.
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I think of him more for his acerbic, adult-level short stories than his children’s works — surely a function of the fact I have no children! The celebration looks like huge fun, and what wonderful weather you had. (Now you get to tell me the weather is always wonderful…)
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Years ago I read and enjoyed a couple of his adult short stories (plus the book about his experiences in the RAF) but the children’s books stick in my head. They are a bit acerbic (nasty kids, parents, teachers get their comeuppance) but they also include wonder and joy–and they seem more crazily inventive. I’ll refrain from making a weather comment . . . for now!
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Glad to see that Roald Dahl is being celebrated here in San Diego. I think a re-make of James and the Giant Peach is needed now that animation and CGI effects are greatly improved!
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I think I read recently that someone is producing James and the Giant Peach combining live action with CGI. That would be awesome!
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Oh my goodness! My eyes will be peeled for that trailor
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Love the quotes! Thanks for sharing!
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Sure thing!
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