This year marks 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl – and today would’ve been the storyteller’s birthday. Here’s what we’ve learned from reading his books over the years.

A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.

Life gets pretty serious, so it’s important you make some space in your own for allowing yourself to be a little bit silly now and then. The wisest men all agree.

Find the quote: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

Keep your mind open for new possibilities, new ideas and new experiences. This way, you won’t ever out on a chance of discovering some magic.

Find the quote: The Minpins

REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ORDINARY JOBS

Villains don’t always look like villains!

Find the quote: The Witches

You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

A kind, generous heart matters much, much more than physical attributes. In fact, it can even change how you appear to other people.

Find the quote: The Twits

I will not pretend I wasn’t petrified. I was. But mixed in with the awful fear was a glorious feeling of excitement. Most of the really exciting things we do in our lives scare us to death. They wouldn’t be exciting if they didn’t.

Many of the most exciting moments in our life will be the most difficult. When you think about it, that’s probably what makes them so memorable.

Find the quote: Danny the Champion of the World

‘Poor Earthworm,’ the Ladybird said, whispering in James’s ear. ‘He loves to make everything into a disaster. He hates to be happy. He is only happy when he is gloomy. Now isn’t that odd?’

Some people are naturally gloomy, and even if it seems odd to others – it’s okay. We’re all different.

Find the quote: James and the Giant Peach

‘They maybe is looking a bit propsposterous to you,’ the BFG said, ‘but you must believe me when I say they is very extra-usual ears indeed. They is not to be coughed at.’

Sometimes the things that make us most unique look strange – even ‘propsposterous’ – but that doesn’t mean they’re not magnificent as well.

Find the quote: The BFG

‘I understand what you’re saying, and your comments are valuable, but I’m gonna ignore your advice.’

While it’s important to always LISTEN to what other people tell you, you don’t always have to DO what other people tell you. Advice can be well-meaning and valuable, and you can still decide to ignore it.

Find the quote: Fantastic Mr Fox

These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.

Read more books! They are the best of friends when you are feeling lonely.

Find the quote: Matilda