Rating: My bookshelf

Reading level: Mid-late Elementary, Middle School, High School

This book has many similarities to adventures with Willy Wonka: In both stories you have an eccentric genius inviting children to explore his fascinating labyrinth. However, Grabenstein’s Escape from Lemoncello’s library is far superior for a number of reasons.

Possible Concerns:

  • Potty humor. Fart jokes. The kids are told to bring an extra pair of undies in case they soil themselves by getting scared to death. It never happens; just adds to the silliness and excitement.

Things I liked include many reasons why this is superior to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

  • Value for learning & creativity. The library theme underscores reading and creativity and learning and knowledge along with games and puzzles and invention. (Compared to candy theme, books take the cake!)
  • Respect. Grabenstein’s main character displays honesty & genuine care even for his enemies and upholds a certain respect for all the people he encounters- inviting them to turn from their bad choices & join in teamwork. In contrast Roald Dahl lacks respect for his most vile characters with a general attitude of they’ll get what those miserable people deserve.
  • Puzzles. Lemoncello’s challenge is full of puzzles the reader gets to try to solve as well
  • Good relationships with parents. The main character generally has a great relationship with his parents & his brother. It is refreshing.

As long as you are ok with a few references to fart noises and bringing spare underwear in case you get scared to death, I heartily recommend this book! A fantastic read with great messages— this book is everything I wish was true about Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

You may wish to also check out this book’s review on ChristianParentReviews.com: https://christianparentreviews.com/book-reviews/Escape-from-Mr-Lemoncellos-Library