However, here are 4 authors who were writing during roughly the same time as Roald Dahl, and whose work shares some similarities, either in terms of genre or themes:
1. E.B. White (1899-1985): Best known for his children's classics like "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little", White wrote in a similar whimsical style to Dahl. He explored themes of friendship, family, and the natural world, which often resonated with young readers.
2. Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002): A Swedish author, Lindgren is best known for her beloved children's books like "Pippi Longstocking" and "The Brothers Lionheart." Her stories, like Dahl's, often featured strong female characters and fantastical elements, encouraging children to embrace their imaginations.
3. C.S. Lewis (1898-1963): While primarily known for his "Chronicles of Narnia" series, Lewis wrote in a more serious and religious tone than Dahl. However, he also wrote children's books like "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," which like Dahl's stories, explore themes of good versus evil and the importance of courage.
4. James Herriot (1916-1995): While not strictly a children's author, Herriot's heartwarming stories about his life as a veterinarian in rural Yorkshire were popular with readers of all ages. Like Dahl, he wrote with humor and warmth, capturing the everyday life of a specific community.
It's worth noting that these are just a few examples, and there are many other authors who could be considered contemporaries of Roald Dahl. The choice of who to include depends on the specific criteria used to define "contemporaries."