What Is the Story of Willy Wonka?

What Is the Story Of?

by Steve Korté, Who HQ, Jake Murray (Illustrator)

#1 New York Times bestselling Who HQ series brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time.

Grab your golden ticket and learn how Willy Wonka became an internationally popular figure in literature and film.

The whimsical, wacky, and wondrous character of Willy Wonka made his first appearance in Roald Dahl's 1964 children's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . When the fictional factory owner opened up the doors of his company, readers were welcomed into his world of pure imagination...and chocolate! Wonka went on to dazzle a whole new set of fans in the 1971 film that brought Dahl's characters to life. Since then, there have been other movie adaptations, books, musicals, and even theme park rides that bring the world just a little bit closer to this fantastic chocolatier. Learn about the legacy of Wonka in this new book from the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Juvenile

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2021

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even if you think you know all there is to know about Willy Wonka and/or Roald Dahl; you'll probably discover some new piece of information. This book in the Who? What? Where? series is for the fans.

[Veronica Precourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many, many years ago I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I am sissy to say, back then it was not my favorite. I love Ronald Dahl books as a general rule, so I'm not sure why that happened. James and the Giant Peach is my favorite book ever. This year, Wonka was reintroduced in my life as our 17-year-old son invited me to go see Wonka with him at the theater. I thought it was great. So to actually talk about this book (finally) in this review, this was the perfect recap for me after watching Wonka. It was inspiration to remember the creativity and marvelous storytelling and adventures of Dahl, and so many interesting other facets and facts that go along with what I see as the Dahl world. I was even able to learn some things our son didn't know yet, and he's sort of a genius and wealth of knowledge. This was a fun, quick read that is 100 full of information. Not a page wasted. I'm very glad I read it.

[Cana Wimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors. I love everything from Matilda, to Witches, to the BFG, and obviously I can’t forget about the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. I have read Matilda and Witches at LEAST 5 times each. Those books made my childhood and are still so nostalgic to this day. This book was very good. It was interesting to read the backstory to Roald Dahl and hear and his childhood and all the difficulties writing and publishing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

[Ghee Emcee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1971 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite movies and childhood memories by far. It makes me sad that Dahl wasn’t pleased with how it turned out! I wonder if it’s because they added the Fizzy Lifting Drinks and the altercation between Charlie and Wonka at the end…

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willy Wonka is one of my family’s FAVORITE characters, especially my son, Brody! And Dahl was one of the best authors EVER! I have read every children’s book he had published! (My favorites are Danny the Champion of the World, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach.) 🍑 🍫

If you like Willy Wonka, you will enjoy this book! 📕 Fun and informative! 😁

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Willy Wonka movie with Gene Wilder is a family favorite of ours. Getting to read about the life of the author was a great insight! I had my kids read it too to remind them about using their imagination.

[Paul Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story of Roald Dahl, the author of Willy Wonka. It starts with Wonka's story, which we've all heard, but then tells how Dahl came to write the story and so many others. I was delighted about how much I learned.

[Louise Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice look at the history of one of my favorite characters.

[Kaitlin Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned alot! Enjoyed the book

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOL, so funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Terry Filkohazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about Willy Wonka but also Roald Dahl.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn't much I didn't know already, but it was still fun to read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I learned more about Roald Dahl and his books, characters, and life.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Melodie Ferrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable! I learned some things about the world of Willy Wonka that I didn’t know before (which was exciting as someone who is a big fan of the franchise), and I loved learning more about the author.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less about Willy Wonka than I would have liked. About half about him and half about Ronald Dahl. Also I was disappointed that they didn’t talk about the Wonka candy bars they used to sell.