For the first time in a decade, Willy Wonka, the reclusive and eccentric chocolate maker, is opening his doors to the public--well, five members of the public to be exact. The lucky five who find a Golden Ticket in their Wonka chocolate bars will receive a private tour of the factory, given by Mr. Wonka himself. For young Charlie Bucket, this a dream come true. And, when he finds a dollar bill in the street, he can't help but buy two Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delights--even though his impoverished family could certainly use the extra dollar for food. But as Charlie unwraps the second chocolate bar, he sees the glimmer of gold just under the wrapper! The very next day, Charlie, along with his unworthy fellow winners Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Augustus Gloop, steps through the factory gates to discover whether or not the rumors surrounding the Chocolate Factory and its mysterious owner are true. What they find is that the gossip can't compare to the extraordinary truth, and for Charlie, life will never be the same again. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, another unforgettable masterpiece from the legendary Roald Dahl, never fails to delight, thrill, and utterly captivate. (Ages 9 to 12)


From AudioFile
Keep these readings by Roald Dahl of these favorite tales alongside E.B. White's reading of CHARLOTTE'S WEB. This is not a performance but the author sharing his books with the listener. His distinctive voice, with a slight lisp, reflects his thorough understanding and delight in the characters. With the current film, James is now a movie star, but the incentive to read or listen to these stories is only increased by this attention. More of Dahl's stories, THE WITCHES, DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD and MATILDA are also available from Harper Children'sÐÐthough we miss Dahl's narrative. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

ANNOTATION

Each of five children lucky enough to discover an entry ticket into Mr. Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory takes advantage of the situation in his own way.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Willy Wonka's Famous Chocolate Factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside ... and what Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and Charlie Bucket find is even wilder than any of the wild rumors they've heard!

SYNOPSIS

Each of five children lucky enough to discover an entry ticket into Mr. Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory takes advantage of the situation in his own way.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illus. by Quentin Blake, presents the famous story interspersed with Blake's characteristically frenetic line drawings, with clusters of candy sprinkled across the pages. Pink, lavender, baby blue and yellow backgrounds of the pages make a sugary new wrapper for this favorite tale. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey

This 40th anniversary edition of a beloved classic has been given a fresh, crisp look. Quentin Blake's characteristic drawings, in vibrant full color, are bursting with energy and enliven the madcap text with their exaggerated features and humorous dimension. The assorted candy-colored pages and the sweet treats sprinkled across many of the pages are a pleasant addition to this already delicious story. This edition is complete and unabridged. Children will eagerly embrace the magic and mayhem within and delight in getting reacquainted with the Oompa Loompas, Violet Beauregarde, Gandpa Joe and especially Willy Wonka and all the other memorable characters they have come to know and love. The perennial favorite that tells the story of young Charlie's good fortune when he wins a magical tour of Willy Wonka's extraordinary chocolate factory has been given a handsome new design and is ready to entertain old friends and a whole new generation of readers. 2004 (orig. 1964), Knopf, Ages 6 to 12.

Children's Literature - Sue Reichard

The children have waited eagerly for the gates of Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory to open. The problem is only five children will be let inside. This is a dream come true for Charlie Bucket when he finds his winning ticket in a candy bar he buys, especially since Charlie's family is very poor and he can only have one candy bar per year. It is an amusing tale that has been entertaining kids for more than three decades. 1998 (orig.

AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten