Roald Dahl, the author of such wonderful books as James and the Giant Peach, Danny Champion of the World, and Matilda, is my favorite children’s author. He was born on September 13, 1916. He led a very exciting life and worked with many fascinating people. One of those people was Walt Disney.
Roald Dahl is known for his whimsical stories, but the first children’s story he wrote was done for Walt Disney Productions. In 1943 he wrote a story about gremlins that sabotage British fighter planes and Walt Disney was going to turn it into a movie. The project eventually fell apart, but I think it led to Roald Dahl creating so many other timeless children’s stories.
I think there is a great lesson here. He could have given up on writing when this project was abandoned, but instead he tried again. I am so glad he did. Walt Disney had the same experience. He could have given up on cartoons when he lost Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Instead he kept drawing and gave the world Mickey Mouse. I am so glad he did.
The message is clear. If you really want to do something you should not let setbacks or total failure stop you. This message rings loud and clear in so many of Roald Dahl’s books. So, I declare today “Perseverance Day” in honor of his birthday. I hope we all celebrate by trying something again. Happiness squared.
A Goofy Quote: (Roald Dahl said this, but I imagine Walt Disney would have thought the same thing.)
“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” Roald Dahl