Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
2005, Puffin
Series: Book 1 of Charlie Bucket

Synopsis: Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

The Good: The book is written well for its intended age group, vocabulary and structure-wise. And at least I couldn't hear the creepy Oompa Loompa's singing.

The Bad: I'm probably in the minority here, but I just did not like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (or its movies). Grandpa can't get out of bed to help the family, but if there's chocolate involved he's all spry and nimble? And sure, Charlie is the hero to root for, but what are your other options when all of the other children are atrocious? The book was definitely a cute idea, but just failed to deliver on just about every level for me.

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