Hollywood has always looked to children's books
for inspiration. It's no wonder: There may be no better treasure trove of wonderful
characters and stories. Our participating families agreed that sometimes a filmmaker's
interpretation of a children's book is not what an audience may expect, but,
still, it's a great treat. “I read Stuart Little and remember imagining
things much differently,” said Betsy B. “That always happens, I think, when
you read a book first, then see the movie.”
“The kids enjoyed all the characters,” said Lori Thole. “My son still talks
about the little girl turning into a blueberry in Willy Wonka . All these
movies lend themselves to help you teach morals in a fun way.”
“We watched Stuart Little and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ,”
said Peggy LaClair. “Ryan (12) read both books and Rachel (9) read Stuart
Little ,” she added. “Rachel liked the movie better than the book, because
the movie had more action. Ryan said that the ending of the Willy Wonka
movie was a lot different from the book's ending.”
Alison K.'s family enjoyed one from the selection as well. “Both my husband
and I have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , but our kids are
still too young to read,” she said. “I think the movie version does great
justice to the book. It truly captures Ronald Dahl's special world. I can't wait
for my kids to read the book.”
Families who were not familiar with some of the children's books were eager
to discover them. “We were not aware that Babe was based on a book. We
will go look for that one,” said Lori Thole. “I was intrigued by the story of
Sarah, Plain and Tall,” said Peggy LaClair. “I think that both the movie and
book sound great and will look into reading and viewing it. It would not only be
entertainment but would be educational, too. It's great to learn in fun ways.”
Here are three fun movies that were inspired by terrific kids' books. Check
them out with your family and see how they compare to the print version.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (ages 5-up)
In this fantastical adaptation of Ronald Dahl's book, Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory , and released as a feature film in 1971, young Charlie Bucket is
one of five lucky winners allowed to tour Willy Wonka's candy factory. On the
delicious field trip, Charlie sees how children can become rude, selfish and
mean when their parents over-indulge them. Gene Wilder makes a wacky, eccentric,
and slightly dark Wonka.
Babe (ages 3-up)
It's not surprising that this movie was nominated for several Academy Awards
in 1995. The beautiful Australian scenery and amazing antics of real and animated
animals bring to life the story of an orphaned runt pig that thinks he's a sheepdog.
The film is based on a funny and heartwarming novel called The Sheep-Pig
by British author Dick King-Smith (King-Smith has written a host of other
animal stories both kids and adults will enjoy). Time flies as you watch Babe
become the favorite of Farmer Hoggett's barnyard, where he even earns the respect
of the stubborn sheep he herds.
Stuart Little (ages 3-up)
E.B. White's tale of a mouse born into a human family got a few twists and
tweaks to become one of the biggest box office hits of 1999. The computer-generated
mouse, Stuart (voice of Michael J. Fox), plays the very little brother to kid
actor Jonathan Lipnicki. There's plenty to like (and laugh at) in this highly
entertaining film.
TAKE IT FROM ME:
The Jungle Book is still an all-time favorite. Our three-year-old is
also obsessed with The Wizard of Oz . –Alison K.
Charlotte's Web is a favorite. We also like James and
the Giant Peach and The Witches (Dahl is a hit in this house).
–Lori T.
© Studio One Networks
