Children’s Picture Books Turned into Movies

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Picture books hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults. They transport us to magical worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and teach us valuable life lessons. When these beloved stories are adapted into movies, they offer a new dimension of engagement and excitement. You can leverage the magic of these book-to-movie adaptations to create enriching experiences for the young learners in your life. I have listed some of my favorite children’s picture books turned into movies, along with fun activities that will ignite imagination and foster learning.

Favorite Children’s Books adapted to the Big Screen

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This timeless tale of Max’s journey to the land of the Wild Things explores themes of anger, imagination, and the importance of home.

• Activity: Encourage children to create their own Wild Thing masks and have a “wild rumpus” dance party. You can also discuss emotions and how Max learns to manage his anger.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

A mischievous cat brings chaos and fun to a rainy day, teaching kids about responsibility and consequences.

• Activity: Have a silly hat day where children can design and wear their own crazy hats. You can also discuss the importance of following rules and cleaning up after yourself.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

This environmental fable highlights the importance of protecting our planet and the consequences of greed.

• Activity: Organize a tree-planting activity or a nature walk to observe the beauty of the natural world. Discuss the importance of conservation and taking care of our environment.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

In the town of Chewandswallow, food falls from the sky, leading to a delicious but chaotic adventure.

• Activity: Let children create their own fantastical food weather forecasts and draw pictures of what they would like to see falling from the sky. You can also discuss healthy eating habits and the importance of moderation.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Alexander experiences a series of unfortunate events, reminding us that everyone has bad days.

• Activity: Have children write and illustrate their own “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” stories. You can also discuss coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve reminds us of the power of belief and the spirit of the holiday season.

• Activity: Create a “Believe” bell craft using jingle bells, ribbons, and decorative tags. Discuss the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas and the power of hope.

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

A mysterious board game brings the jungle to life, teaching children about courage, teamwork, and facing their fears.

• Activity: Organize a “Jungle Obstacle Course” using pillows, blankets, chairs, and other household items. Encourage children to work together to navigate the course and overcome challenges.

Related Post: 100 Children’s Books Made Into Movies

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Coraline discovers a parallel world that is both enticing and dangerous, highlighting the importance of appreciating what you have and the dangers of seeking perfection.

• Activity: Have a “Button Eyes vs. Real Eyes” craft where children create two self-portraits – one with button eyes and one with their own unique eyes. Discuss the importance of self-acceptance and embracing individuality.

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

This charming story about a brave little girl living in a Paris boarding school celebrates independence, resilience, and the power of friendship.

• Activity: Organize a “Madeline’s Paris Adventure” scavenger hunt where children search for hidden clues and landmarks around the house or neighborhood. Encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills as they follow the clues to find the final treasure.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

This heartwarming story teaches the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of kindness and forgiveness.

• Activity: Have a “Grinch-to-Green” heart transformation craft where children decorate a green heart with glitter, stickers, and other festive embellishments. Discuss how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes and what it means to be kind and generous.

Angela

Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.