Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Re-read this one again with my girls.  They loved both movies but wanted to read it too.  They took turns reading a chapter each.  They picked up really quickly on the differences between the book and the movies and both really enjoyed the book.  My 13 year old is reading this one now before she starts something more substantial.
So I watched this movie again for the 2 millionth time this weekend with the kids and it got me thinking about the book again.  Poor Charlie! He just can't catch a break.  He is dirt poor, has to live in overcrowded conditions, work like a mule, and never gets enough to eat.  Yet he is a good natured kid who does not hold anyone responsible for his condition and just plugs along in life, waiting for his chance.  Finally he gets it and is plunged into a situation with the worst of the worst kids in the behavior department.  Through it all he does not act out and behave like they do.  He remains good and kind and ultimately wins the grand prize.
So what does this teach our kids?  That there are really nasty children out there and they better hope they are not counted in that number.  The really nasty, bad, hateful children have awful things happen to them.  However, it is presented in a funny way.  Do your kids really turn into blueberries from having bad public manners and chomping away at chewing gum like a cow going after a bale of alfala?  Probably not in this world but to a kid, it makes an impression.  Will you fall into a river of chocolate and get sucked under if you are a glutton?  Eh, maybe in Hershey, Pennsylvania but probably  not in downtown Dallas.  But to a kid, it makes an impression.  The stories of the bad kids are presented in such a way that to a child reading it, they are shocked by the complete absurdness of the situation but they remember as well what caused the weird punishment.  Then there is Charlie.  He is always good and does not do the bad things that the nasty children do and he hits the jackpot! A whole entire chocolate factory, untold wealth, and warmth and safety for his whole family.  He gets to be the hero.  That is what sticks with the kids.  All I have to do is tell one of mine they are acting like Varuca Salt and they know immediately what I am referring to.
Good book to read to 1st and 2nd graders because they may miss the subtle nuances.  3rd grade and up should have no problem at all reading this one on their own. Would also reccommend it to some adults I know as a refresher on how to act in public.  :)
[book:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory|6310]