by: Lindsay Hutton
Your favorite children's books are now major motion pictures! Check out which childhood favorites have been turned into movies, and find the perfect one to watch with your child. Then, talk to your child about how the movie and book compared. Looking for more? Check out the Best Kids' Books Turned Movies By Age Group.
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Are you looking for more book ideas? Check out our author interviews from Candlewick Press!
The Hobbit
Following the huge success of the Lord of the Rings movies, The Hobbit was bound for the silver screen. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first film in the the forthcoming trilogy. Like the beloved book, the film features all of your favorite Hobbits and Dwarves, as well as the wise old wizard, Gandalf the Grey. Battles with scary Goblins, Orcs, and other enemies make this film better suited for older kids.
The Lorax
The Lorax is one of our favorite green books for kids. Reading the classic Dr. Seuss book and then seeing the colorful film — starring the same furry, earth-conscious Lorax (voiced by Danny DeVito) — will really drive home the message of conserving our world for future generations.
The Hunger Games
After reading Suzanne Collins' gruelling and thrilling Hunger Games trilogy of young adult novels, it's hard not to want to see the action-packed film series. The first film in the trilogy is now available on DVD, and the second film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, is due in theaters in 2013. Like the books, the movies focus on a dystopian fight-to-the-death competition, so it's far too scary for young children.
Alice in Wonderland
Alice and her zany friends are no longer just in print. Based on the original book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, this vivid Disney movie, directed by Tim Burton, is a new take on the old animated classic. Starring Johnny Depp, kids and parents alike will love following Alice as she heads back to Wonderland where she finally learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror once and for all. Some scary images and a smoking caterpillar give this classic a PG rating.
Where the Wild Things Are
This classic children's book is a favorite of kids and parents alike, so it's no wonder it made its way into the movie theaters and onto DVD. The unique artwork from the book comes to life, but the story takes new and unexpected turns. Children young and old will be captivated by the magic and imagination this movie brings to the big screen. Just be aware, some images may be a little scary or intense for younger viewers.
The Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts dominated the big screen for years. If your kids enjoyed the book series, they'll love seeing the wizarding magic up close and personal in movie form. Each book has been adapted into its very own movie. Just be warned: although some of the movies tout a PG rating, some frightening moments, violence, and mild language might make these movies a little extreme for young kids.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Have your kids ever wondered what Greg Heffley's middle-school adventures would look like in real life? If your kid is one of the thousands of Wimpy Kid fans, he'll love the movie series based on the best-selling books. The latest film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, is now available on DVD.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
This animated, Oscar-nominated movie brings this childhood favorite by Roald Dahl, and all of Mr. Fox's crazy antics, to life. Follow Mr. Fox as he attempts to pep up his boring home life by returning to his old life of chicken thievery. Little kids will love the talking animals, and parents will enjoy listening to Mr. Fox, voiced by the ever-popular George Clooney. Smoking and slang humor give this movie its PG rating.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Inspired by the popular children's book, this wacky movie takes place on a tiny island called Swallow Falls, where food falls from the sky as rain. The deliciously imaginative plot is easy for kids to follow, and parents will love the cast of crazy characters voiced by many big-name actors and actresses, like Neil Patrick Harris and Lauren Graham. Mild language gives this movie its PG rating.
The Chronicles of Narnia Series
This two-part movie series, based on the classic books, follows the Pevensie siblings on their adventures through Narnia, where they are enlisted to help ward off the evil advances of the land's king and help restore order to the rightful heir. These imaginative movies are great for young viewers, but just be aware that violent battles and action-packed scenes might be a little too scary for some kids.
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!
Everyone loves a good Dr. Seuss book, so it was only a matter of time before one was made into a major motion picture. The adorably wacky plot involves Horton the Elephant, as he struggles to save a microscopic community of Who's that nobody believes exists. Starring the voices of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and full of the typical crazy lines and lyrics you've come to expect from any Dr. Seuss creation, both kids and parents will love this movie.
Coraline
Tim Burton once again brings an enchanting tale to the big screen. Based off the children's book, the movie will captivate little ones with its unique imagery and animation. Watch as Coraline discovers a secret door to an alternate life, leading her on an out-of-this-world adventure. Parents should just be aware that some images and concepts may be a little too dark and scary for younger kids.
James and the Giant Peach
You'd be hard-pressed to find a child who has not read this book. James is an orphan who is forced to deal with two terrible aunts as guardians. One day, James befriends a group of human-like bugs who live in a giant peach, all of who take James on the adventure of a lifetime as they set off on a journey to New York City. Some scary images give this classic movie its PG rating.
