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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
A childhood classic. First let's acknowledge that there is a fair amount of nostalgia associated with this book, which I recognize will color my own opinions. So I turned to my children for their thoughts after reading it aloud with both of them.
PROS:
🔸They liked the portrayal of goodness overcoming in end.
🔸They loved the endings that each of the spoiled kids brought on themselves.
🔸The Oompa Loompas were hilarious, but they did feel sorry for the poor Oompa Loompas that had to test Wonka's products to their detriment even if they did get to eat all the cacao beans and chocolate that they wanted.
🔸My kids thought it was hilarious that all the grandparents slept together in the same bed. In fact, as I was reading this, they climbed into my bed and tried to line themselves up like the grandparents laughing about how weird it would be if we slept like that (mom, dad, daughter, son).
CONS:
🔸Oompa Loompa testing
🔸Reading it made them hungry for chocolate. (or maybe that's a pro? I guess it would depend on if you have chocolate available to eat!)
🔸repetitive language ... "fat" was used as a descriptor so often (and sometimes multiple times within the same sentence that I was gritting my teeth). Additionally, "said" was used excessively. I know in a dialog heavy book that is difficult to avoid, but my daughter in particular notices this. (My thanks to the Institute for Excellence in Writing for that.)
Overall rating from the kids: 4⭐
PROS:
🔸They liked the portrayal of goodness overcoming in end.
🔸They loved the endings that each of the spoiled kids brought on themselves.
🔸The Oompa Loompas were hilarious, but they did feel sorry for the poor Oompa Loompas that had to test Wonka's products to their detriment even if they did get to eat all the cacao beans and chocolate that they wanted.
🔸My kids thought it was hilarious that all the grandparents slept together in the same bed. In fact, as I was reading this, they climbed into my bed and tried to line themselves up like the grandparents laughing about how weird it would be if we slept like that (mom, dad, daughter, son).
CONS:
🔸Oompa Loompa testing
🔸Reading it made them hungry for chocolate. (or maybe that's a pro? I guess it would depend on if you have chocolate available to eat!)
🔸repetitive language ... "fat" was used as a descriptor so often (and sometimes multiple times within the same sentence that I was gritting my teeth). Additionally, "said" was used excessively. I know in a dialog heavy book that is difficult to avoid, but my daughter in particular notices this. (My thanks to the Institute for Excellence in Writing for that.)
Overall rating from the kids: 4⭐
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
If you like Alice in Wonderland you will enjoy this! Quick, fun and sweet read (pun intended).
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been reading a lot of Mr. Dahl lately, not by choice, but for the same reason that I suspect most people read his books - I have a 5, almost 6 year old son who loves for books to be read aloud to him. Its a mixed bag. He LOVES the books. My own feelings are much more mixed, but I'm happy he's happy, for the most part.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so far, is the best of the lot, but even this book is a strange, uneven sort of artifact of a much less sensitive time and place. The central figure, Mr. Wonka, is a blizzard of creativity and industry (very capitalistic in style, btw, with just a soupcon of classic British imperialism) who has absolutely no time at all for the human wreckage scattered in his wake.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so far, is the best of the lot, but even this book is a strange, uneven sort of artifact of a much less sensitive time and place. The central figure, Mr. Wonka, is a blizzard of creativity and industry (very capitalistic in style, btw, with just a soupcon of classic British imperialism) who has absolutely no time at all for the human wreckage scattered in his wake.
This was the first chapter book I ever read on my own back in 2nd grade and it will always hold a special place in my heart for that reason. The original movie was one of my favorites growing up as well. I just listened to this on audio with my kids during a road trip and we all loved it! It's funny, wacky, colorful, and immersive. The narration was also done really well on the audiobook which made it pleasant to listen to. Highly recommend for young readers as well as adults who may want to relive their childhood or even experience the magic for the very first time!
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No