Plan a fun family activity this month by reading a children's book together and then watching the movie. There are so many fantastic children's books that have been made into movies, so your family can easily find one you'll enjoy.
Not only will you be able to enjoy a great book together, but then you can discuss the choices made when adapting the story for the big screen!
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Looking for a great way to enjoy to a book as a family?
Grab the audio version and listen together. It works well for our family to listen together during a meal, while relaxing in the evening, or at bedtime.
The advantage of an audio book is that little ones can play quietly as they listen and older children can color or simply relax while listening.
Audiobooks are easy to find. They are often at your public library or available through the Libby app (using your library card). You can also purchase them on Amazon Audible or join with a monthly Audible membership and receive your first title free! (sometimes more - be sure to check out the lastest deal)
Ready to have a great discussion after the movie?
This guide contains 7 discussion questions you can use for a brief family discussion after the movie. It's easy and fun to share your opinion of the book to screen adaptation and a great way to get your kids thinking more deeply about literature and screen-writing.
Over 45 Fantastic Books Made into Family-Friendly Movies
Let's get this list started wtih over 45 of the best children's books that have been turned into movies.
Please note that you should always research the content of books and movies to determine if they are appropriate for your own family. I recommend using Common Sense Media to review the specific content.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Book
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Movie
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter: The Books
Harry Potter: Movie One
**There are 7 books and 8 movies in the series
Holes by Lois Sachar
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien
Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi
Stuart Little by E. B. White
Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Peter Pan: The Book
Peter Pan: Disney Movie; Peter Pan Movie; Pan Movie
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: The Book
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: The Movies - Cartoon - Real Person
Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Book
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Movie (1971); The Movie (2005)
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
How to Train Your Dragon: The First Book in the Series
How to Train Your Dragon: The First Movie in the Series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
The Jungle Book: The Book
The Jungle Book: The Movie (Disney); The Movie (2016)
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
Call of the Wild by Jack London
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Robin Hood by Howard Pyle
Robin Hood: The Book
Robin Hood: The Movie (so many versions, but Disney is my favorite)
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky
Mary Poppins by Dr. P. L. Travers
Mary Poppins: The Books
Mary Poppins: The Original; The Sequel; Saving Mr. Banks
Dr. Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth
Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
More Book to Movie Inpsiration:
You Might Also Like These Booklists:
- Haiku Books for Kids
- 10 Children's Poets Your Kids Will Love
- Graphic Novels for Middle School
- Graphic Novels Elementary School
- Booklist for 5th and 6th Grades
- Booklist for 7th and 8th Grades
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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- The Best Middle School Books to Read This Winter - December 30, 2020
I love this! I reached you by way of an email newsletter from Raising Lifelong Learners. I am using the Robinson Curriculum for our homeschool but its emphasis is on very old books. I like to alternate those with more contemporary literature and pair it with a movie. This is so helpful and plus I didn’t realize that the Borrowers was a movie!! I loved that book as a kid. Thanks for your work on this resource!!