Children's Books discussion

I'm probably one of a kind, in that I have never read anything by Roald Dahl. But since watching the old Willie Wonka with Gene Wilder recently, my son really wants to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So, I was going to order it from the library when I realized that there are so many different editions of it out there. Now, I like Quentin Blake, especially the books he wrote himself, but I'm not always in the mood for his whimsical illustration style. Would it be sacrilege to read a version with a different illustrator, if we get one? My library seems to have the original editions with Joseph Schindelman's drawings, are these alright? Then, at least a couple of other people have illustrated the story, one is Michael Foreman. But, on the other hand, there exists also this nice anniversary edition with Quentin Blake's pictures in color, something which might help keep my "reader in training" on track. According to you, which is the ultimate edition?

I have the copy with the Quentin Blake illustrations. I don't think it is sacrilege to read a different editions, as long as the original story is there.

When I speak of original stories, I think of the Hardy Boys. I have the original first 13 books of the series and they are quite different than those done in the 70s and 80s (?) Not quite sure when the newer editions came out where they changed a lot of things.

Chris wrote: "I have the copy with the Quentin Blake illustrations. I don't think it is sacrilege to read a different editions, as long as the original story is there.

When I speak of original stories, I think ..."

I would agree that as long as the original story is there, full and unabridged, it should really not matter which edition one reads.

And one should also consider reading the sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

We listened to Roald Dahl audiobooks while travelling on family vacation. The kids loved them. Our favorite was Matilda. Sometimes, when we arrived at a destination at a particularly good part, we turned the engine off but kept the book on to hear a little more.

Thanks, yeah, I wondered whether readers were sentimental about Blake's illustrations, since he seems to be the go-to guy for Dahl's books. I'm such a nerd that I'll probably end up borrowing both his and the original version. We sort of need two copies anyway, since sometimes my kid likes to read quietly on his own now, whereas I really want to read it with him. If I get two different versions, I'll make sure to tell you how they compared ...

I adore this book. I read the edition with illustrations by Joseph Schindelman. I read it in 1973 - just after the Gene Wilder film. Last year I read it again - still a gem. I also read most of Dahl's other books - love, love, love The Witches.

I do have fond memories of the older edition. I'm looking forward to your opinion of which is a bigger hit with you and with the kiddo. I'm not a big fan of Blake's work.