Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Superbly Sweet


In addition to my personal goal of reading eighty books this year, I've embarked on a delightful journey of shared reading with my eight-year-old niece. One of our initial picks was Roald Dahl's classic, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” While I've cherished the Gene Wilder film adaptation for years, experiencing the book alongside my niece marked my own first foray into Dahl's enchanting tale.

As a third-grade read, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” proved to be a perfect fit for our daily reading routine. With homework mandating twenty minutes of reading per day, we effortlessly devoured 2-3 chapters each session, thanks to the book's concise chapters and charming illustrations scattered throughout. While some vocabulary posed mild challenges, my niece managed to read aloud independently, requiring minimal assistance save for the occasional name pronunciation.

The recent Wonka movie release provided an exciting segue into the book's content, sparking curiosity about the original Willy Wonka film starring Gene Wilder, which we eagerly anticipate watching together. As we look ahead to our next literary adventure with “Matilda,” I'm thrilled to witness my niece's enthusiasm for exploring new stories and characters.

Our reading journey wasn't without its memorable moments, including my impromptu renditions of the beloved Oompa-Loompa songs, much to my niece's delight. Overall, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” facilitated a cherished bonding experience, affirming the timeless appeal of Dahl's storytelling prowess.