An absolutely perfect story. Wonderful, memorable characters (would an author get away with naming a character 'Willy Wonka' today?) and the usual mix of bratty children and people getting their just (chocolate) desserts. Fun fun fun. There is also a lot of sadness in this book - the powerlessness of those in poverty, and the juxtaposition between Charlie's life and prospects versus those of the children with unlimited resources. I'm sure Karl Marx would have plenty to say about that. It all worked out in the end for Charlie though - hurrah. 
 Wonderful movie too (NOT the Johnny Depp abomination).