Roald Dahl is one of the most well known and respected names in children's literature and I absolutely love his books. When I was younger, CDs were a relatively new thing, and I was so happy to get a personal CD player with some music CDs and audio books. Unlike some sets which come with the actual book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a stand alone CD of the story read by the author himself.

I won't go too much into the story as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read (or heard!) it, but it's one of Roald Dahl's best known works as it's been made into a movie twice and actually has a seuquel in Charlie and the Great Glass Elavator, though this has yet to be made into a movie.

The story tells of little Charlie Bucket, a poor boy living in a one room shack with his mum, dad and both sets of grandparents. Money is very tight and Charlie doesn't think he stands a chance of winning one of Willy Wonka's golden tickets - tickets hidden inside chocolate bars granting a day's access to the secretive Wonka Chocolate Factory, and a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. But luck is on Charlie's side, and his visit to the Chocolate Factory is full of fun, and is ultimately life-changing.

It's a lovely story and Roald Dahl is an excellent storyteller with an expressive voice, giving life to the story and making it exciting. The CD is separated into chapters so you can listen to a chapter at a time and go back to it as and when. It has sound effects, music, and really brings the story into a your imagination, it's such a well made audio CD.

Based on that I will give it 5 out of 5, it's not as easy to find with the advent of MP3s and the movies being out on DVD / Bu Ray but I managed to find a copy online for £5 and I'd recommend you doing the same if you want a copy of it as I'd imagine it's quite hard to find on the high street though larger book stores just might have it or be able to order it in.

It's an enchanting, well-read tale and if it gets my daughter as into reading as I was, then I'm all for it. It helps with independent reading, creative thought, and literacy.

A fantastic book on Audio CD, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a firm favourite in my household.