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From Book to Film
Books for young readers continue to be translated into films as they have been for decades. Like books, film can have lasting power. Just think of Judy Garland in movie version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The first film of the series of a boy wizard and his fight against evil came out in 2001 and continues with Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (released in July 2009).
And there are more films from books on the way! Some of the books on this list are already available in movie form; others are on their way. While the books are all recommended, keep a critical eye out for the movie version to decide if they are appropriate — sometimes the characters and presentations are very different. What's most important is to share the experience together, whether it's reading the book, seeing the movie, or both!
All families have their own way of doing things; sometimes some people consider these unique. But the Robinsons have a very unusual home and a very particular way about them. Humor abounds in the contrast between the text and illustrations for a memorable day. Be sure to see the film adaptation that came out in 2007.
Having a four-year old sister like Ramona can be a real pain as 9-year old Beezus (aka Beatrice) knows all too well. Ramona likes to do things in her own often pesky, frequently funny, and always imaginative way. The movie version of the modern classic is due out in March 2010.
Residents of Chewandswallow were accustomed to their predictable weather which kept them in juice and mashed potatoes (and more) three times a day. That is, until the weather took a strange turn; foods falling not only got larger, but so did the portions! This outrageous tale will be released as a film in September 2009.
The precocious young resident of New York's Plaza Hotel is on her way to visit Paris in this installment of Eloise's adventures. Join Eloise as she prepares then travels to Paris for a special holiday brought to life in detailed illustrations and sophisticated language sure to tickle readers of all ages. Look for the movie version due out in 2010.
Though the farmers on the three neighboring farms are quite different, each raises some type of poultry, each is very mean and ornery, and each shares their dislike of foxes. Can one fox outwit them? Only a very special, indeed fantastic Mr. Fox can — and does! A movie version of the book, just right for reading aloud, is due out in November 2009.
When Katie Nanna suddenly leaves the Banks household, Mrs. Banks advertises for someone to care for Jane and Michael and the twins, John and Barbara. A replacement with "…large feet…and small, rather peering blue eyes" comes on the East Wind to forever change the Banks household. Revisit familiar characters to learn how they were adapted in the 1964 film classic.
Eleven year old Marty must decide whether or not to return an abused beagle to its rightful owner, an unkind man. His dilemma includes hiding the dog, Shiloh, telling his parents the truth, and more in this riveting, award-winning novel which is ideal to read aloud with slightly sophisticated listeners. It was adapted into a live action film in 2000.
Ugly ogre parents make an even uglier ogre son named Shrek. Of course Shrek seeks (on the back of a donkey) and finds a bride — an ogress even uglier than he! Enjoy the rich language used in the now 20-years-old and still-funny picture book that inspired a movie adaptation.
When a tall cat in a striped top hat comes to call on two children one rainy afternoon while their mother is out, well, the silly fun is bound to become legendary. With its limited vocabulary, this is just right for newly independent readers. Be sure to see and sing along with the 1971 animated film version.
When siblings, Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund are sent away from London air-raids during World War II, they are placed with an old man in the country. There, they enter another time and place through an old wardrobe found by Lucy. This early installment in the Narnia Chronicles has been lovingly adapted into a sophisticated 2005 movie.
This beloved fantasy begins in Kansas when Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, are transported to another land by way of a cyclone. There she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion as well as a host of other extraordinary characters. The movie classic, released in 1939, retains the essence of this quintessentially American tale which was first published in 1900.
Max's imaginative adventure begins the night he wears his wolf suit and makes some mischief. When he is sent to his room to cool off, he travels to the land of the Wild Things, where he is crowned king. This beloved Caldecott-winning classic is also available in Spanish.
Go on a reading adventure with Reading Rockets' Where the Wild Things Are family literacy bag, available in English and Spanish!
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