Some of the most beloved children’s books have made their way from the page to the big screen, bringing favorite characters and stories to life in new and exciting ways.
Encouraging children to read a book before watching the film adaptation is a great way to entice reluctant readers. It’s also a fun family read aloud opportunity to enjoy together and prompt an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
Here are some discussion questions to consider after reading and watching the movie together.
- Did the characters look or act the way you imagined them?
- Was anything added or left out of the movie that surprised you?
- Did the movie change any important events from the book? Why do you think they made those changes?
- Which version told the story better? The book or the movie? Why?
- How did the movie make you feel compared to the book?
- Was there anything in the movie that helped you understand the story or characters better?
- Would you recommend reading the book before watching the movie, or the other way around?
- If you were the director, what would you have done differently in the movie?
PICTURE BOOKS TO MOVIE ADAPTATIONS
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Ronald Barrett
This whimsical tale takes place in the town of Chewandswallow, where the weather is anything but ordinary and meals rain down from the sky! While it may sound delicious, the food-filled forecasts soon lead to chaotic and hilarious consequences, making for one unforgettable and mouthwatering adventure.
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
This Caldecott-winning story about a game that comes to life is absolutely captivating. My kids loved both the original movie and new series, which is very different from the book, but absolutely hilarious for both kids and adults.
Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg
This lesser-known companion to Jumanji is just as thrilling and imaginative. When bickering brothers Danny and Walter discover a mysterious board game, Danny can’t resist playing despite Walter’s warnings. Suddenly, they’re launched into a wild intergalactic adventure that tests their courage and their bond. The movie adaptation is a favorite in our house. It’s full of action, laughs, and unexpected heart.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
This powerful tale shares an important message about environmental responsibility and the importance of speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Using whimsical rhymes, it delivers a timeless message about conservation, kindness, and the consequences of unchecked greed.
Clifford the Big Red Dog (Clifford series) by Norman Bridwell 
Emily Elizabeth will tell you that having a giant red dog can be difficult at times, but no one is a better dog or friend than her Clifford. This series has countless books and has withstood the test of time. Children today still enjoy the antics of this giant dog with an even bigger heart.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This classic story about a boy traveling to the North Pole on a magical train has remained a Christmas favorite for over thirty years. The award-winning illustrations draw the reader in as the boy journeys across mysterious landscapes to meet Santa and receive a special gift. Because the text is a bit lengthy, this is a story that is enjoyed best one-on-one over a cup of hot chocolate.
Even More Picture Book to Movie Adaptations
CHAPTER BOOKS TO MOVIE ADAPTATIONS for AGES 7 and UP
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
Fans of funny stories are not going to be able to resist this one! When four traditional villains attempt to lead better lives and help people, hilarious hijinks ensue. The black and white illustrations are full of expression and the comical text has tons of kid appeal!
Ivy and Bean (series) by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
New neighbors Ivy and Bean form an unlikely friendship when they bond over acts of mischief. It’s hard not to love this lively duo and giggle over their humorous hijinks.
Dog Man (series) by Dav Pilkey; illustrated by George Beard
This best-selling series features a half man half dog hero that battles evil villains in zany escapes. Fans of silly stories won’t want to miss this madcap graphic novel or movie.
Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald
This is the 10th book in the best-selling Judy Moody series and follows Judy as she turns her potentially boring summer into one that she will never forget. Judy sets out on a quest to earn thrill points with her friends, but things don’t go exactly as planned. Perfect for young readers looking for laughs and a strong, spunky heroine.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
This is another childhood favorite of mine. Ralph, a curious and adventurous mouse loves spying on the guests in the hotel he resides in. When he discovers a toy motorcycle, he can’t resist taking it for a spin setting off a series of hilarious hijinks and leading to an unexpected and heartwarming friendship.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
This deliciously imaginative story filled with wonder, whimsy, and just the right amount of mischief. When kind-hearted Charlie wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, he embarks on a wild adventure alongside a cast of unforgettable (and often bratty) children. With its clever humor and message about honesty and humility, this classic continues to enchant readers of all ages.
One quick note, when I reread the book as an adult with my children, it contained a little more dark humor than I remembered.
Matilda by Roald Dahl 
This is one of my all-time favorite books as a child and I was thrilled to share it again with my children. Matilda is 
a brilliant young girl with a love for books, a sharp wit, and a touch of magical power. Despite her horribly neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress, Matilda uses her intelligence and courage to stand up for what’s right.
My kids especially loved the new Matilda musical movie.
Buy It Here
Roald Dahl has several other terrific books that have also been adapted into films including:
CHAPTER BOOKS TO MOVIE ADAPTATIONS for AGES 8 and UP
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
The Ramona series will forever be a favorite in our family. Beezus and Ramona is the first in the series and follows Beatrice (Beezus) and her younger sister through a series of ups and downs as they navigate life and sisterhood. Beezus especially struggles to understand her imaginative, mischievous younger sister Ramona, who always seems to create chaos. Through relatable moments and gentle humor, the story captures the frustrations and deep love that come with being part of a family.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
On the island of Berk, it is every Viking’s rite of passage to capture and train a dragon. When Hiccup finds the smallest dragon with no teeth, he becomes the laughing stock of the village. They form a special connection, however, and surprise everyone with their brains and bravery. This is such a fun series full of action, humor, and unlikely heroes. My kids absolutely love it!
* The movies, however, are very different than the book series, so there will certainly be a lot to discuss!
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
After waking up in a forest alone and with no memory, Roz, a robot, must learn how to survive in the wild. Though programmed for logical tasks, she finds a way to befriend the animals until her past comes back to haunt her.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This timeless story about friendship and the beauty of life’s small moments, is a must-read. When a young pig named Wilbur faces an uncertain future, a clever and kind-hearted spider named Charlotte weaves words into her web to save him. Full of warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable characters, this classic tale continues to touch the hearts of readers young and old.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
This best-selling series has remained a favorite for nearly 20 years, thanks to its hilarious and relatable star, Greg Heffley. As he navigates the ups and downs of middle school and chases popularity, readers can’t help but laugh at his cringe-worthy missteps and honest take on growing up.
The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles series) Toni Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Jared, his twin brother Simon, and their older sister Mallory aren’t exactly thrilled to move into their great-uncle’s crumbling old mansion especially since he vanished under mysterious circumstances. When they uncover a hidden field guide revealing a secret world of mythical creatures, their new home quickly becomes the center of a thrilling and perilous adventure to discover the truth about their missing uncle.
Stuart Little by E.B. White
This is another one of my favorite books from childhood! It is the charming and imaginative tale about a small mouse with a big heart and an even bigger sense of adventure. Born into a human family, Stuart faces the world with courage, wit, and determination as he sets off on a journey to find his missing friend.
CHAPTER BOOKS TO MOVIE ADAPTATIONS for AGES 10 and UP
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
This exceptional story is from the point of view of Melody, a girl with a photographic memory whose genius goes unnoticed due to her cerebral palsy. Unable to walk, talk, or write, Melody has not been able to share her intelligence until now. This deeply moving story about a girl who refuses to be defined by her disability is a must-read!
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this timeless fantasy adventure that whisks readers away to the magical land of Narnia. When four siblings step through a wardrobe, they find themselves in a world ruled by an icy witch and full of talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. With its rich imagination, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption, this classic continues to captivate readers of all ages.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
This was my school’s One Book One School choice, and it was a huge hit with a variety of age groups. Auggie Pullman is a kind imaginative boy with a facial difference who is preparing to enter mainstream school for the first time. Told through multiple perspectives, the book beautifully explores how one person’s bravery and compassion can inspire an entire community. This uplifting book is one that will stay with you long after closing its pages.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (series) by Lemony Snicket 
My daughter absolutely devoured this series and all the various film adaptations. With its dark humor, eccentric characters, and compelling storyline, I can understand why. The Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, have their lives turned upside down when their parents parish in a fire and they are sent to live with their villainous “uncle” Count Olaf. The series follows them as they try to uncover the mystery behind their parents deaths.
Holes by Louis Sachar
This award-winning book follows Stanley Yelnats who is convinced he is cursed. After wrongly convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, he is sent to a boy’s detention center in the dessert where he meets a rag-tag group of kids forced to dig holes searching for a mysterious treasure. The story travels back and forth in time revealing the origin of Stanley’s supposed curse and his eventual salvation.
The One and Only Ivan (series) by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
This award-winning story follows a great silverback gorilla who resides in the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade for 27 years. When a baby elephant named Ruby joins him, he makes a promise to help her escape the caged life he has endured.
Told from Ivan’s point of view, the moving text is full of humor and heart. I have to admit that I got a little teary-eyed reading about Ivan’s capture and his treatment by some of his handlers, but was uplifted by his stoic nature and the hopeful ending. As soon as we finished the book, my son immediately asked if we could read the rest of the series.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 
Poor Ella has been cursed with the “gift” of obedience and must obey any command she is given. This proves very problematic when a power-hungry villain discovers her secret. With courage, cleverness, and a strong heart, she fights to take control of her own destiny in this captivating and empowering fairy tale.
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Dog lovers are not going to want to miss this sweet tail! When ten-year-old Opal moves to a new town, she finds an unexpected companion in a scruffy stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. Through their adventures, Opal begins to connect with the quirky people around her and uncover pieces of her past. Full of charm and emotional depth, this beloved book is a gentle reminder of how love and kindness can bring people together.
Nightbooks by J.A. White
As lovers of all things spooky, my daughter and I immediately gravitated to Nightbooks and adored both the book and the movie. When Alex becomes imprisoned by a witch in his apartment building, he is forced to share a scary story each night to keep her happy. This is a thrilling tale with a shocking twist ending!
Flora and Ulysses: the Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
This Newberry Award-winner stars the quirky, comic-book loving Flora who discovers a squirrel with super powers. Full of humor and heart, readers will love following Flora as she overcomes her cynical ways during an outlandish adventure saving her squirrel from her eccentric mother.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This quirky, coming of age story is such a fun read! After completing a series of tests, orphan, Reynie Muldoon, is selected to join a group of super talented kids charged with saving the world! With its unique plot line and engaging writing, this one is a real winner.
Though not a movie, this television series does an excellent job bringing the eccentric and likeable characters to life.
