Roald Dahl writes books.
Roald Dahl ( [ langpronˈroʊ.əld _ ˈdɑːl ] , [ ˈɾuːɑl dɑl ] ; 13 September 1916 -- 23 November 1990 ) was a British novelist , short story writer , poet , screenwriter , and fighter pilot . His awards for contribution to literature include the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement , and the British Book Awards ' Children 's Author of the Year in 1990 .