Search - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Delightfully funny illustrations throughout the book in black and white.

The classic story of a poor, little boy and his adventure into the candy factory of his dreams and it's somewhat insane owner.

Along with his other classic, "James and the Giant Peach", Roald Dalh's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" stands at the top of the heap when it comes to children's books. This is a pure classic of imagination, storytelling and magic. Far superior to the film (where Willy Wonka becomes the title character), the book tells the story from Charlie Bucket's point of view. Charlie, who lives with his four ancient grandparents and his mother in a one-room house, is the kind of child who can only dream about his future, since his family has barely enough money to survive. When the Wonka chocolatier announces that five golden tickets to visit the aged factory have been carefully tucked inside chocolate bars the world over, Charlie's dreams are suddenly wide open. He stumbles on some money in the street, purchases a chocolate bar and is thrust into the limelight beccoming one of the five lucky vistors. The rest of the tale is one of scrumptous folly and nerve-wracking sentiment, highlighted by magical workers (the one and only Oompa Loompas), the etheral Willy Wonka, a host of loony characters - both adults and kids - and a thrill ride in a factory where time stands still and also rocks forwards, backwards, sideways and then some! It's a classic tale of the triumph of good over evil, generosity over greed and family over fair-weathered friends. Sure to be enjoyed by children of all ages, adults included, this is the best children's book ever written - and deserves prominent place in every child's library.

I have to confess. I am a senior who loves some of the children's books. I giggled out loud. I wished I had been reading it to a child so we could have laughed together. It is classic Roald Dahl, who is always great. Come on adults get in on the kids fun!

5 stars from my 12 year old

It's always good to read the book before you see a movie, and this book is as enjoyable as the movie is. I prefer the book usually and this case is no exception. It's a great book to get kids started into reading if things like Harry Potter don't interest them.