Chaos at the Chocolate Factory: World Book Day 2026

An exclusive new World Book Day story, inspired by Roald Dahl's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory from bestselling author Sibéal Pounder, and illustrated by Emily Jones.

Charlie Bucket is having a magical time learning to run Mr Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory. There are so many delicious new creations to be invented! And as long as there is a Wonka chocolate factory, there will be a Willy Wonka pinging about like an excited squirrel inside it - along with his brilliant Oompa Loompas, who know just how to keep everything running smoothly.

But everyone needs a holiday, even Oompa Loompas. And that’s where this story begins . . .

When Mr Wonka and the Oompa Loompas decide it's time to go on an adventure to look for marvellous new recipe ingredients, Charlie is left to run the factory by himself for the first time. And it's fair to say things don't quite go to plan . . .

Can Charlie use his imagination to save the chocolate factory from disaster - or will all the chaos mean closing the factory gates forever?