Ask any bookworm and he or she will argue that reading a book is usually better than watching the movie. While this may be the case, that has not stopped classic kid’s books from being turned into films. Children look forward to watching movies created from their favorite books because they already know the characters. Encouraging kids to watch movies based on books is a great way to inspire them to read more.
For centuries, children’s literature has remained timeless. These stories have been passed down from generation to generation. This is what makes children’s books a safe bet for movie adaptations. Some books have multiple film adaptations. While not every movie adaptation manages to live up to the fans’ imagination, some are almost as good on the screen as in the book.
Here is a list of some of the best and most popular children’s books that have good movie adaptations.
1. Matilda
Matilda is a classic by Roald Dahl which has several film iterations. The famous movie adaptation was created in 1996 by Danny DeVito. Initially, the film was not a hit when it premiered. However, Matilda has endured as a popular children’s franchise up to date.
2. Harry Potter Films
Harry Potter is a landmark novel series written by J.K Rowling and is one of the kid’s books that has an enormously successful film franchise. The movie adaptations are helmed by a collection of directors, but that did not stop the Harry Potter films from becoming a huge success. These movies rouse the tales of wizardry both in small and older kids.
3. Alice In Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland is a Disney movie based on the original book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. This movie is directed by Tim Burton and it is about a story of Alice and the adventures she goes through as she heads back to Wonderland. The movie is a new take on the old animated classic and it is enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
4. The Hobbit
The Hobbit is a famous children’s book that was written by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1937. Just like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books, the Hobbit was bound for the big screen. The film based on the book is a trilogy. It features exciting and mystic characters that kids love. The battles between Orcs, Goblins, and other mystic creatures make this film better suited for older children.
5. Bambi
Bambi is an animated drama based on the 1923 book Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten. The latest film adaptation of this book is Bambi II that was released in 2006. The movie is about the story of a buck fawn who navigates through life after losing his mother with the help of similarly aged friends. These friends face different issues and challenges and they rely on the knowledge and wisdom of other animals to help them through. This movie is suited for small children and the storyline is simple enough to be understood by kids of all ages.
6. Gulliver's Travel
Film adaptations include Le Voyage de Gulliver à Lilliput et chez les géants (1902), The New Gulliver (1935), and the latest release Gulliver's Travels (2010). The film Gulliver’s Travels is based on a children’s book written by Jonathan Swift. The movie is about a Travel writer Lemuel Gulliver who takes an assignment in Bermuda but is shipwrecked along the way. He finds himself on an island with tiny people. This movie is funny and captivating for the young audience.
7. Little Women
Little Women is a drama film that has seven film adaptations of the 1868 novel written by Louisa May Alcott. It is a chronicle of the lives of the March sisters – Beth, Amy, Meg, and Jo. The latest adaptation (2019) directed and written by Greta Gerwig tells the story of the sisters through the eyes of Jo March. The story is set in the years after the Civil War. Leading casts include Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh.
8. Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a comedy film based on the mystery novels about a teen detective. Edward Stratemeyer is the author of these popular books. The book has several film adaptations the latest one being of the same name 2019. In this film, Nancy accompanies her father on a business trip. She promises her father that she will stay out of trouble. But soon enough she finds herself investigating the death of a Hollywood star, Dehlia Draycott.