There’s a lot to be learned from reading a children’s book with your child. Recently, The Boy and I read a childhood favorite of mine, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If you haven’t read it since you were a kid, pick up a copy and read it with {or to} your children tonight.
While reading this book about extravagant chocolates and other sweet treats, I learned there was a message in the book. One that I hadn’t noticed when I read it as a child.
“If you make good choices, Mommy, you’ll get the Golden Ticket.”
Oh, if only it were this easy. But, wait. What if it IS?
The message “if you make the right choices, you’ll be rewarded” isn’t all that foreign. It’s true.
If you work hard, you’ll be promoted.
If you prepare your clothing the night before, you’ll be reward with extra time in the morning.
If you chase your dreams, you’ll reach them.
If you write a detailed grocery list, you won’t missing eggs to make chocolate chip cookies.
Initially, my focus on the book was WHO would get the Golden Ticket and what did mean once they found one? Now, I see that I missed the bigger lesson: make good choices, you’ll be rewarded.
Head over to From Left to Write to learn how you and your child can have a chance to win the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes where the grand prize is a magical trip to New York City plus much more! For every entry submitted, Penguin Young Readers Group will make a donation to First Book. Then, join From Left to Write as we discuss Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
[…] Emily Stephens at Napt Time Is My Time learned a surprising lesson reading this book with her son. […]