Today, 13 September 2017, is Roald Dahl Day and the 104^th birthday of the famous children’s author. Each year, since its inception in 2006, Roald Dahl Day celebrates the characters of the authors beloved stories with dress up days, themed parties and a push to raise money for children’s charities.

Here we give an insight into how to celebrate this day, along with some artistic inspiration to take away from Roald Dahl and illustrator Quentin Blake.

Dress up options

The Dahlicious dress up day falls today and getting into the spirit couldn’t be simpler. Here is a selection of Dahl stories to take inspiration from:

• Matilda
• The BFG
• The Witches
• George’s Marvellous Medicine
• James and the Giant Peach
• Fantastic Mr Fox
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• The Twits

You can go all out with the children (or yourself) on costumes depicting the well-known characters, but great results can also be achieved with very simple additions. For example, dressing as Matilda Wormwood can be done with a blue dress, red bow and a stack of books – done! Similarly, you can dress as Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with an old blue jumper and jeans, along with a homemade golden ticket.

Illustration

Here at Parrot Print, we love to celebrate all artic forms of expression. Illustration is such a great medium, and who is more well-known in the UK (and further afield) than Quentin Blake?

The illustrator has been working on Roald Dahl books for over 40 years and has recently completed illustrations for Dahl’s book Billy and the Minpins, which was originally illustrated over 25 years ago by Patrick Benson.

You can familiarise yourself with Quentin’s work on his website gallery section, as well as reading more about his life and other works.

Are you one for doodling? Could illustration be another string to your bow? Read our guide to combining photography and illustration to enhance your creations.

Imagination

The magic of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake is the span of time they have dominated in the children’s books market. From little ones to older generations, everyone remembers reading one (if not more) Dahl books and they have really stood the test of time, being turned into blockbuster films and enchanting each new generation.

Let Roald Dahl Day be a chance to get the whole family using their imagination. Whether in fancy dress ideas, turning your hand to illustration or even for your next photography shoot.

You can use this day as an opportunity to get creative with your photography, or even getting the children interested in this art form – who knows? Maybe today could be the start of a long love affair with taking snaps.

Image: Shutterstock