How does a writer come up with incredible tales of real-life witches? Or a story about a devious genius who runs a chocolate factory? Or an episode about a couple of twits who turn animal cruelty into a pastime?

In Roald Dahl's case, a richly seasoned—and wildly offbeat—childhood became his amazing inspiration. Raised by Norwegian parents in Wales, he nearly lost his nose in a car accident. He was once a candy tester for Cadbury's. He was caned by a teacher for placing a dead mouse in a jar of gobstoppers. And these wacky happenings were just the beginning…

Discover more about the surprisingly true events that helped shape a young boy into an astonishing storyteller.