5 Great Children's Books that were made into Films
15 June 2023
There are many books that, although intended for children, are lots of fun for adults to read too. In recent years, there has been a trend of adapting some of these beloved children's books into feature-length films. This is likely because many children's books are already rich in story and character development, making them perfect for cinematic translation. Here are 5 great examples of kids’ books that have been turned into movies.
Paddington
The classic Paddington books by Michael Bond have been enjoyed by generations of children, and in 2014, the marmalade sandwich loving Peruvian bear was brought to life on the big screen. Finding him at Paddington train station in London, the kind Brown family take in the accident-prone bear and he has all sorts of adventures. The movie is PG rated, so not suitable for the youngest children, because of its potential to frighten when baddies pursue Paddington. A well-received sequel, Paddington 2, followed, and a third movie is in the works too.
Matilda
Matilda is a book loved by millions, and in 1996 it was turned into a movie. Roald Dahl wrote the book, and Danny DeVito directed the movie. The movie is very faithful to the book and captures the spirit of Dahl's writing. It is also very funny, and DeVito did an excellent job casting young actors in the roles of Matilda and her classmates. The film is a hit with kids, although it is PG rated because the character Miss Trunchbull may scare the littlest ones.
Fantastic Mr Fox
There are many great examples of kids’ books that became movies, but one that stands out is Fantastic Mr Fox. It is a fun and delightful story that generations of children have enjoyed. The movie, released in 2009, is a faithful adaptation of the book. It features stunning visuals and an all-star cast, including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray. The movie captures the book's spirit perfectly and is a great example of how a kids’ story can be successfully adapted for the big screen.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Ideal for younger kids, The Tiger Who Came to Tea was made into an animated TV movie in 2019. It’s based on the picture book by Judith Kerr, about a young girl and her mother, whose meal is gatecrashed by a tiger with a big appetite. Whimsical and fun, and better suited to their attention span at just 23 minutes long, little ones will love this.
The Gruffalo
This popular illustrated children’s book by Julia Donaldson was made into an Oscar-nominated short film in 2009, with voice actors including Helena Bonham-Carter and Robbie Coltrane. The film tells the story of a clever mouse, who outwits much bigger predators. There’s also a follow-up, The Gruffalo’s Child. Children of all ages will enjoy this charming, beautifully animated story.
These are just a few of the delightful children's books that have transitioned to the big screen. They are great examples of how people of all ages can enjoy a well-told story.