Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
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Book Reviews of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Book Review: Great
Summary: 5 Stars
The book was a gift to my son for Christmas. Impeccable and fast service. ThanksBook Review: A Rollicking, Lighthearted Fantasy
Summary: 4 Stars
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a lighthearted Cinderella fantasy about a sweet little poor boy who is one of five lucky children chosen to tour Mr. Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. This factory is the topic of much speculation, since no humans are ever seen going in or out, but it remains the source of the most delectable confections known to man.
The children and their parents discover that the factory is populated by funny dwarfs called Oompa-Loompas, and each room is filled with candy more delicious than the last. Throughout the tour, Charlie's good character (an effect of good upbringing by a loving family) strikes a contrast against the four spoiled, unpleasant children, who continually get themselves into hilarious trouble by misbehaving.
The story is wonderfully well written, and although it is lighthearted in tone it is a true moral tale -- probably too moralistic for some readers. Charlie, like the traditional Cinderella, is almost too sweet, and the four bad children are ludicrously obnoxious. There are some intense moments: Charlie's family lives in danger of starvation, and in a few episodes the reader is left to wonder whether the bad children will come to real harm. Parents ought to use discernment when introducing the story to sensitive readers. And, of course, candy is a central motive, highlighted by Charlie's real hunger. Those who are sensitive to sugar or given to gluttony may want to avoid the story for this reason.
Aside from these points, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a rollicking, lighthearted fantasy, full of humor and imagination, which is a delight to read aloud. If parents decide to let their children watch either of the movie version, I strongly recommend they read the book first, because the movie interpretations are quite different from the spirit of the original story.
Book Review: They don't write like this anymore
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to say I am 33 and just read this for the first time. I have seen the movies, but never read the book in elementary school--I was a girl who read horse stories, not fantasy. But I decided to give it a try, since it was a book that was always very popular for book reports. I am glad I did.
The book is the story of Charlie Bucket, a boy who wins a chance to tour the chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka. He is joined on his tour by his grandfather and 4 decidedly bratty children and their families who have also won, and Willy Wonka himself. The factory is a fantasyland, full of all kinds of new candy and the Oompa Loompas, who provide moral instruction through their songs as, throughout the story, the bad kids get into problematic situations which remove them from the group. At the end, Charlie gets a prize that is beyond his dreams.
In this day and age where most media role models for kids are snarky and children are taught to want everything handed to them right away, it's nice to read a book where the hero is polite and content with what he has--he keeps his birthday candy bar for a month to enjoy it longer--and, in the end, he wins because of them. If that is moralizing to children, perhaps its a moral more children should learn. It's broken down into short chapters that will make it easy for young readers, (and were also good for an older reader who read it on the run :) )
My only criticism is that it just ends without any real closure, but then again, this may be a product of watching the movies first. And I remember a lot of books used to be like that.
Children, enjoy the fantasy!
Adults, enjoy the writing!
Book Review: A great book!
Summary: 4 Stars
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is about Charlie, a generous boy whose family is very poor. Charlie hopes to win admission to Wonka's fabulous chocolate factory which is finally open for five people. I enjoy how Road Dahl describes imaginary characters and the interesting machines in the factory. At the factory, Charlie meets four other children who all have one thing in common: they all represent naughty children in one way or another. The other children can be described as sassy or obsessed or bulging or lazy. They are all extremely unhelpful, and they expect other people to do all the work for them. Charlie is different. He is helpful, and he works hard to make his family happy. I think that there should be scene that shows Charlie making a good choice in the factory instead of just standing there watching the other kids make bad choices. I think that the book is good for readers in second to seventh grades because it is a complicated story with exciting and unpredictable characters. I liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so much that I chose to read the sequel!Book Review: A wonderful book
Summary: 4 Stars
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is about Charlie, a generous boy whose family is very poor. Charlie hopes to win admission to Wonka's fabulous chocolate factory which is finally open to five people. I enjoy how Roald Dahl describes imaginary characters and the interesting machines in the factory. At the factory, Charlie meets four other children who have one thing in common: they all represent naughty children in one way or another. The other children can be described as sassy or obsessed or bulging or lazy. They are all extremely unhelpful, and they expect other people to do all the work for them. Charlie is different. He is helpful, and he works hard to make his family happy. I think that there should be a scene that shows Charlie making a good choice in the factory instead of just standing there watching other kids make bad choices. I think that the book is good for readers in second to seventh grades because it is a complicated story with exciting and unpredictable characters. I liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so much that I chose to read the sequel!