5 POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOKS-TURNED-MOVIES TO EXPLORE
Summer – the time of year your children have been waiting for! As they soak up the sunshine, help them avoid the summer slide by encouraging your kids to keep an enjoyable book turned movie in tow. Reading books is also the perfect rainy day activity or indoor alternative to braving the unbearable heat. Add a fun factor by suggesting books that are also movies. After reading the book, watch the film together and then discuss similarities and differences between the two to practice reading comprehension and literary criticism. Not only is this an enjoyable activity, it will also expose your children to different literary works and films. Here is a list of five Kumon Recommended Reading List titles that are also popular movies.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Readers between 1st and 2nd grade
This silly story tells the tale of a small town, Chewandswallow, and its delicious weather patterns. Three times a day, it rains a variety of yummy food. All is well until the portions get larger and begin to wreak havoc in Chewandswallow. The book has sold more than 1.9 million copies, and the Sony Pictures movie has warmed the hearts of parents and children worldwide.
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
4th grade readers
Jumanji is a thrilling story of a magical board game that comes to life. The dangers of a jungle and its inhabitants become a reality for the game players. In 2017, a modern version of the 1995 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was released, earning great reviews and success in the box office.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
5th grade readers
This sweet story centers around the main character, Charlie. He takes a trip to the famous Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, open to the public for just one day. However, not all the public. They permit only 5 golden ticket winners accompanied by one guest to enter. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired the films Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory released in 2005. Both movies are full of adventure and wonder – perfect for a summer movie!
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
6th grade readers
The timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland has inspired people of all ages since 1865. Carroll tells a story about a girl, Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole to an imaginary world and her adventurous journey throughout. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, a cartoon movie of the story was released in 1951 and has been an enduring film for children. In 2010, a more modern version of Alice in Wonderland was released featuring actors Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway, stunning us all. Regardless of which movie you choose to compliment the book turned movie, you cannot go wrong.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
High school readers
Pride and Prejudice, a beautifully written novel by Jane Austen, speaks to the importance of marrying for love as opposed to wealth. They pressure the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, to marry into money, to help support the rest of her family and her five sisters. This romantic novel has been named one of the most “beloved books” and has sold over 20 million copies. The film adaptation featuring Kiera Knightly was released in 2005, and has equally become a sensation. A perfect romantic-drama for a summer night!