It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Wonka

Wonka

Summary

Before Charlie, before the Chocolate Factory, comes a story of invention and imagination . . .

Ever since he was a child, Willy Wonka had dreamed of making chocolate and sharing it with the world.

As a young man, he arrives at the world-famous Galeries Gourmet, determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time.

But hounded by a trio of jealous chocolatiers, and tricked into a lifetime of washhouse drudgery, Wonka will need a little luck and a whole lot of magic – along with some help from a few friends – to fulfil his destiny.

Because if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

This delicious tale of dreams, friendship and chocolate is based on the major motion picture, Wonka, directed by Paul King, who created the story and wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby. The story is brought to the page by bestselling author Sibéal Pounder.

About the authors

Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and many more brilliant stories.
Learn More

Sibéal Pounder

Sibéal Pounder is the author of the bestselling Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids series of books, Neon's Secret Universe, and the Christmas tale, Tinsel. Her debut, Witch Wars, was shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. The Bad Mermaids series was a World Book Day title and a Sunday Times Bestseller. Before becoming a full time author, Sibéal worked for the Financial Times.
Learn More

Paul King

Paul King is a BAFTA-nominated writer/director who works in both film and television. His most recent feature, "Wonka," is an original prequel to the beloved Roald Dahl novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, and will debut in theaters worldwide in December. In 2009, King wrote and directed his first feature film, "Bunny and the Bull," starring Simon Farnaby and Edward Hogg. King directed all three series of "The Mighty Boosh," earning him a BAFTA nomination for Best Director in 2004. The BBC comedy aired in the U.S. on Adult Swim. His most recent work for the small screen includes directing and executive producing episodes of the 2020 Netflix series "Space Force," starring Steve Carrell. King co-wrote and directed "Paddington" in 2014, a film which received both critical and commercial success worldwide, including BAFTA nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best British Film. King next co-wrote and directed "Paddington 2," released by Warner Bros. Pictures in 2017 to great critical acclaim.
Learn More

Simon Farnaby

Simon Farnaby ("Paddington 2") and Paul King wrote the screenplay for " Wonka" , based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. Michael Siegel, Cate Adams, Rosie Alison and Tim Wellspring are serving as executive producers.
Learn More

More from this Author

View more

Sign up to the Puffin newsletter

Stories, ideas and giveaways to help you spark young imaginations