I am totally convinced that most grown-ups have completely forgotten what is it like to be a child between the ages of five and then... I can remember exactly what it was like. I am certain I can.

I want an Oompa-Loompa!' screamed Veruca.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.

When I first thought about writing the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I never originally meant to have children in it at all!

Give us strength, oh Lord, to let our children starve.