1: Roald Dahl: Adventures of a Boy Muddler

• Roald Dahl has had one of the more interesting histories among our classic authors. He was considered a poor student in school, almost didn’t survive the Second World War as a pilot for the Royal Air Force—after being forced to literally jam his six-foot-six frame into a tiny cockpit—and then spent some time as a top-secret agent. With this motely collection of experiences, it’s no surprise he could create such imaginative and creative stories. As you discover more about the fascinating life of this unique writer, you’ll read his stories with an entirely new appreciation.

2: How A.A. Milne Discovered Winnie-the-Pooh

• Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh are close to 100 years old today, although Pooh was originally called Mr. Edward Bear. A. A. Milne was already a well-known writer—journalist, novelist, and playwright—before “Winnie the Pooh” was created. But once you dive into the touching background of how the Winnie the Pooh stories came to be, you’ll understand why these were the ones that resonated and endured. Lovely illustrated animations make the story of Winnie’s creation come alive before your eyes.

3: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: A War and Friendship that Changed Storytelling

• It’s always fascinating to find out that famous writers were peers. As you will learn, two of our most cherished fantasy writers were more than peers—they were good friends, who drew inspiration and support from each other. They even created a writing club called The Inklings! As you delve into their history, you’ll see how they used writing and their friendship to help heal from the traumatic incidents they endured during the First World War. You’ll also read their works with a whole new appreciation as you learn how both authors created fantasies against a backdrop of war and infused them with themes of good and evil as a reflection of their experiences.