It's interesting to read this thread on the books. Like the people above me, I read his books growing up. The Witches and Matilda were my favorites and I remember being fascinated by the idea that old ladies were secretly witches and wanted to turn all the children into mice. I also remember being /really annoyed/ that the movie version changed the ending.

A lot of the books were a bit darker; if I remember correctly, he also wrote twisted fairy tales. I loved that it wasn't sugar coated and fluffy. I loved the little twist inside and I thought that this was more of childhood than the plucky girl or boy hero that is so amazing and selfless. Children are selfish little twits and that hasn't changed a bit. Roald Dahl didn't hide the fact that they were mean or selfish or self-serving, but also good and curious and wanting to do more and explore.

A bit macabre, maybe-- but in that good way.