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Dahl’s books are being edited to remove potentially offensive language.

Roald Dahl is one of the most beloved names in children’s fiction, having written multiple critically-acclaimed books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, and Matilda. However, as rightfully popular as the books were, they were written in a very different time with different linguistic and social standards. For this reason, the modern publisher of the books, Puffin, has decided some changes should be made.

Puffin is cutting out or replacing any words relating to gender, race, weight, mental health and violence from Dahl’s books. Going forward, the edited versions of the books have the following message printed on the first page: “Words matter. The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters. This book was written many years ago and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.”

“We want to ensure that Roald Dahl’s wonderful stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today,” the author’s estate said in a statement on the matter. “When publishing new print runs of books written years ago, it’s not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details including a book’s cover and page layout. Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text. Any changes made have been small and carefully considered.”

Fans of Roald Dahl books sound off over reports that his books, including “James and the Giant Peach” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” will have some language changed to be more inclusive and accessible. @reevewill reports. pic.twitter.com/3RyWtFv15a

— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 21, 2023

Several writers and public figures have decried this decision as unnecessary censorship. “Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship. Puffin Books and the Dahl estate should be ashamed,” said writer Salman Rushdie.

“When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the Prime Minister agrees with the BFG that you shouldn’t ‘gobblefunk around with words,'” said a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.