Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Hi girls,

I chose to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because it was first published 48 years ago and still remains one of the most loved and popular childrens books to this day. Dahl's novel has had such an immense effect on the world over the past 48 years through the making of two movies and the production of a Willy Wonka chocolate and confectionary company - which even had a Golden Ticket competition running a few years ago.

The story has a standard narrative structure including an orientation (Charlie is poor, loves chocolate, Wonka's Golden Tickets introduced), a series of complications (not winning the first few times, every other child getting into trouble in the factory) and resolution (Charlie wins and is given the factory!).

I noticed that Dahl provides a large and effective use of noun and verb groups to describe each character. He also uses humorous 'made-up' words to engage the reader. E.g. 'Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight.

The main coda in the narrative reflects the importance of listening, kindness, manners, and respect. The protagonist, Charlie has/performs all of these qualities and they are therefore modelled to the reader. This gives the reader the idea that if you behave in the same manner as Charlie, you will be reinforced.

I would reccommend this book for students between the ages of 7-12. The younger children could be exposed to the book via a shared reading experience whereas younger children may read this book independently.

Kirsty

http://www.roalddahl.com/ - Check out Roald Dahl's website for information on the author himself, all of his books and for some interactive activities and ideas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyB4s9eox2o - This is the movie trailer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. After reading the book I found that this film is more true to Dahl's narrative as opposed to the 1971 movie, 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'.