The Enormous Crocodile SECTION 1 About the book About the author The Enormous Crocodile is a wonderful book for Roald Dahl was born of Norwegian parents Key Stage 2 study. Exciting and funny, there are in Llandaff, Wales, in 1916. He reluctantly links with many National Literacy Framework attended Llandaff Cathedral School and genres: it is written by a significant author; it Repton School. A variety of jobs followed: Shell is set in another culture; and it sometimes uses Oil Company representative in East Africa; poetry of silliness and the senses to tell its story. RAF fighter pilot in the Second World War; Set in rural Africa, the book conveys vividly air attaché; and author. the environment’s colours, sounds and life. The Dahl began writing after suffering a serious talking animals are credible because they are plane crash. His early writing was for adults witty, clever and astute. but it was later, as a writer It is mainly through of children’s books, that them that the reader Dahl achieved greatest recognises the value of success. friendship; considers the Writing in a shed need to treat others well; at the bottom of his and shares the dilemma garden, Dahl claimed of making choices. Yet to ‘know what children this story was written and like’ and demonstrated illustrated to be enjoyed. a vivid memory of what With its exaggerated it was like to live in language and outrageous a child’s world. His main character, it is stories are often told from an adventure book a child’s point of view of exhilarating fun. and usually involve adult Children will revel in it. villains who mistreat A large river dweller, the children in some the Enormous Crocodile way. They also typically is dissatisfied with the include one ‘good’ adult diet of fish offered by his who helps and supports home, Africa’s muddiest the main child character river. He hankers after human prey – in (for example, the Big Friendly Giant in particular, little children. And he determines to The BFG). have a specimen for today’s lunch. His decision Dahl’s extensive output included James and means travelling through the jungle to human the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate territory. The story tracks that journey. Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and, in 1978, The The Enormous Crocodile’s success depends Enormous Crocodile. In later years, he wrote on secret plans and clever tricks, but he is too some of his best books, including Matilda, boastful to keep his plans completely secret. winner of the prestigious Children’s Book The conversations he has with animals he meets Award in 1988. on the way through the jungle prove important when he later comes close to eating a human Facts and figures lunch. Only then does the Crocodile discover Roald Dahl’s work has been translated into 34 whether the animals will be loyal to him or will languages. In 1983 his book The Witches won the protect the human prey. And not until the last Whitbread Award. Roald Dahl died in 1990. page does his journey reach a destination. PAGE 3 READ & RESPOND: Activities based 0n The Enormous Crocodile.