32 Beloved Kids’ Books That Became Movies!

Many impactful and influential books read during childhood often consist of fewer than 100 pages, or even less. Despite their compact size, these stories are filled with such vivid imagination that they could easily be expanded into full-length films – and indeed, many have been. Let’s revisit some cherished, short children’s books that were later transformed for the big screen (or television).

Zathura (2005)

Over two decades past the creation of Jumanji, Chris Van Allsburg introduced a 32-page sequel named another board game, which transported a pair of siblings into an extraordinary journey – this time in the vast expanse of outer space. A few years after that, Jon Favreau transformed Zathura into a thrilling sci-fi movie featuring Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart, and Tim Robbins. The film is enjoyable for all ages.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

One of Dr. Seuss’ most cherished books, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, published in 1957, was initially transformed into a half-hour animated television special in 1966. This classic Christmas movie is now regarded as one of the all-time best holiday films and an annual tradition. Similarly, many consider director Ron Howard’s live-action feature film adaptation, with its visually stunning set designs reminiscent of the original 64-page book, to be another annual tradition. The film boasts an unforgettable performance by Jim Carrey as the grumpy Grinch in a green suit.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)

In Judi and Ron Barrett’s 1978 picture book titled “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs“, there isn’t any mention as to why the town of Chewandswallow experiences food raining from the sky. However, in Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s animated version, they present this unusual weather occurrence as an invention by inventor Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader). This film also led to a 2013 sequel and a TV series prequel.

Night At The Museum (2006)

Among Ben Stiller’s most cherished family movies is the live-action film “Night at the Museum,” directed by Shawn Levy. This movie led to two more live-action sequels and a Disney+ animated spinoff. The story was originally told in a 1993 book written and illustrated by Milan Trenc. In this tale, a security guard working at New York’s American Museum of Natural History finds that the exhibits mysteriously come alive when darkness falls.

Where The Wild Things Are (2009)

Maurice Sendak, an author and illustrator, was awarded the Caldecott Medal for Most Outstanding Picture Book for his 1963 masterpiece, “Where the Wild Things Are”. In an awe-inspiring adaptation, writer and director Spike Jonze transformed this story about the naughty child Max (Max Records) and his adventure to a world inhabited by giant creatures into a visually breathtaking live-action movie.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

In simpler terms, the first film using stop-motion animation by Wes Anderson, titled “Fantastic Mr. Fox“, showcases the vocal skills of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and others as they voice a band of forest animals engaged in a struggle with farmers who are endangering their way of life. The story is adapted from a 96-page novel by Roald Dahl.

The Polar Express (2004)

In 1985, Robert Zemeckis conducted his initial exploration with performance capture through an adaption of Chris Van Allsburg’s celebrated, 32-page book titled The Polar Express. This project features Academy Award winner Tom Hanks portraying multiple characters, among them a conductor who leads a band of children on a train journey to the North Pole.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Have you heard that “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the creation of the same author whose work served as a foundation for the James Bond films? Ian Fleming’s tale about a flying vehicle, which eventually became a musical, magical adventure comedy with Dick Van Dyke in the lead, was initially released in three 48-page volumes in 1964.

Dumbo (1941)

Originally, the story of “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” penned by Helen Aberson and illustrated by Harold Pearl, was intended for release in 1939 as a “Roll-a-Book.” This unique reading experience involved rotating a scroll on a tablet-like device instead of flipping traditional book pages. However, before this inventive tale could reach the market, the rights to the character with the big ears and circus flying abilities were acquired for the production of a Disney animated movie, later regarded as a classic. Subsequently, Tim Burton reimagined it as a live-action film adaptation.

Jumanji (1995)

In 1981, Chris Van Allsburg published a 32-page picture book titled “Jumanji“. This story served as the foundation for director Joe Johnston’s blockbuster film, where Robin Williams played a crucial role. The movie revolved around a mysterious board game that unleashes jungle chaos onto our world. More recently, the idea has been reimagined in two sequels, shifting from a board game to an immersive video game, transporting its players directly into the wilderness.

Horton Hears A Who! (2008)

A few years following his portrayal as The Grinch, Jim Carrey once again stepped into the realm of Dr. Seuss, this time as the lead character in the animated film “Horton Hears a Who!”. Just as the 1954 original book spanned 72 pages, the narrative revolves around a cheerful elephant who takes responsibility for a minuscule society, its leader being a fretful mayor (voiced by Steve Carell). Unfortunately, other jungle dwellers cast doubt on the existence of this community.

Curious George (2006)

George the curious monkey first appeared in H.A. Rey’s 1939 book titled “Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys“, where he was just one of the monkeys. However, his endless curiosity eventually led him to become the main character in a series of children’s books all by himself. Frank Welker lent his voice to George in an animated movie version that featured Will Ferrell as The Man in the Yellow Hat.

Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century (1999)

Among the much-loved Disney Channel Original Movies, one that stands out is “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century,” featuring Kirsten Storms in the role of a teenager living on a space station. After being disciplined, she’s sent to Earth. This television film, which had two sequels, was adapted from a 48-page picture book published in 1996, titled “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century,” written by Marilyn Sadler and Roger Bollen.

The Cat In The Hat (2003)

Mike Myers transformed himself using thick makeup and a wig made from real human hair to embody Dr. Seuss’ most renowned character in “The Cat in the Hat.” However, this film adaptation is not universally admired; in fact, according to Today, Audrey Geisel, the author’s widow, was so dissatisfied with Bo Welch’s production that she barred Hollywood from producing any more live-action adaptations based on Dr. Seuss’ work.

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)

I can’t help but admire the remarkable tale penned by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz titled “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day“. This captivating book, spanning 32 pages, narrates a young boy’s series of unfortunate events. In Disney’s live-action adaptation, not only does Ed Oxenbould’s Alexander grapple with misfortune, but his family experiences the same hardships, as portrayed by Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner in their compelling performances as his parents.

The Boss Baby (2017)

In Marla Frazee’s 2007 illustrated children’s book titled “The Boss Baby“, the narrator, who may not be entirely trustworthy, recounts how their baby brother, with his boss-like behavior and management skills, seemingly ruled the household. The Dreamworks Animation film adaptation of this story further develops the idea in fantastically strange ways, portraying the title character (voiced by Alec Baldwin) as a leader from a heavenly organization who gets sent to Earth accidentally.

Clifford The Big Red Dog (2021)

2004’s movie titled “Clifford’s Really Big Movie” was a spin-off from an animated series adaptation of Norman Bridwell’s picture book series about a large dog named Clifford, which was originally broadcast on PBS. Later, the character of Clifford the Big Red Dog made his way into real life in a live-action film. In this movie, Darby Camp played the role of Emily Elizabeth, Clifford’s owner, and Jack Whitehall portrayed her uncle, Casey.

The Stupids (1996)

During the 70s and 80s, Harry Allard and James Marshall penned four books about The Stupids, an incredibly inept family who frequently found themselves in a pickle or bewildered while tackling everyday chores. John Landis directed a live-action film adaptation where Stanley Stupid (Tom Arnold), his wife Joan (Jessica Lundy), daughter Petunia (Alex McKenna), and son Buster (Bug Hall) embarked on an adventure to unravel the mystery of their vanished trash, only to stumble upon what they believed was a conspiracy.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

Bernard Waber’s 1965 book titled “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” is actually a continuation of a story that started in the 1962 book “The House on East 88th Street“. These two books have been adapted into a family film directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon. This movie features Shawn Mendes as the lead character, a singing crocodile named Lyle, who develops friendships with and decides to live with a newly-arrived human family residing in New York City.

The Lorax (2012)

In 1971, Dr. Seuss wrote the environmentally-themed story, “The Lorax,” about an orange creature trying to save trees from an industrialist who didn’t care. Two years later, a student filmmaker named Lee Keeler envisioned a grindhouse movie version of “The Lorax” with a funny and raunchy fake trailer.

In the revised animation, Danny DeVito played The Lorax, while Ed Helms portrayed The Once-ler.

Family Switch (2023)

Director McG’s film titled Family Switch is inspired, albeit quite liberally, by writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator LeUyen Pham’s book Bedtime for Mommy, where a young girl takes on the role of tucking her parents into bed. The Netflix production develops this idea further, transforming it into a classic body-swap comedy reminiscent of Freaky Friday. In this movie, Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms play a married couple who, under a magical spell, exchange bodies with their children, Emma Myers and Brady Noon, while the family’s dog switches places with their infant child.

Miracle At Moreaux (1985)

Miracle at Moreaux” refers to a television film that was first broadcasted on PBS, featuring Loretta Swit portraying a nun in a Catholic boarding school. The students here secretly shelter Jewish children during the Holocaust. This story is adapted from the 76-page book titled “Twenty at Ten“, authored by Claire Huchet Bishop and illustrated by William Pène du Bois.

Laura’s Star (2004)

1996 saw the publication of Klaus Baumgart’s 28-page German fantasy novel titled “Lauras Stern“. The story revolves around a young girl, aged five, who develops a friendship with a fallen star that she finds injured. This heartwarming tale has sparked numerous adaptations, including the animated film “Laura’s Star“, and a live-action movie released in 2021.

Eloise At The Plaza (2003)

The first book in the Eloise series by authors Kay Thompson and illustrator Hilary Knight was initially published for adults in 1955. Two years later, it was reissued as a children’s book. Later on, ABC produced two feature adaptations: Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime, with Sofia Vassilieva playing the main role of the lively, adventurous six-year-old character named Eloise, and Julie Andrews portraying her nanny.

Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or There Must Be More To Life (2010)

1967’s illustrated tale by author Maurice Sendak, titled “In the Night Kitchen,” about the escapades of Jennie, a Sealyham terrier, has sparked various interpretations. One such interpretation is an operatic stage adaptation that was captured on film and later released on video. However, the most notable transformation is a vibrant 24-minute Canadian animated film where Academy Award winner Meryl Streep lends her voice to Jennie.

Fuchsia The Mini-Witch (2010)

Paul van Loon, a renowned Dutch author, is known for writing numerous fantasy books for children, with “Foeksia de miniheks” (Fuchsia the Mini-Witch) being one of them. Published in 1989, this 32-page tale centers around a young witch who joins forces with a human boy to thwart her uncle’s wicked schemes against people like her. This story was beautifully adapted into a family film by director Johan Nijenhuis, featuring Rachelle Verdel in the titular role.

Dot Goes To Hollywood (1987)

As a fervent admirer, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about “Dot Goes to Hollywood,” where I step into the shoes of Dot, brilliantly portrayed by Barbara Frawley. This captivating animated film is not only the eighth installment in a series set in Australia, but also the first to grace American screens. Drawing inspiration from Ethel C. Pedley’s timeless children’s book, “Dot and the Kangaroo,” published way back in 1899, this movie promises an enchanting journey that combines modern animation with a classic tale.

The Dog Who Travelled By Train (2023)

The Book About the Dog Who Traveled by Train, written by Roman Pisarski, is based on the true tale of a pooch named Lampo. This dog, known for his rail adventures across Italy during the 1950s and 60s, became quite popular. The story, spanning 72 pages in Polish, could potentially inspire a live-action movie. In this film, Lampo’s presence turns out to be instrumental in the recovery of an ill young girl named Zuzia (Liliana Zajbert).

Balloon Farm (1999)

The Balloon Farm is a production within ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney lineup, featuring Mara Wilson in the role of a curious young girl. In this story, she encounters an enigmatic character, portrayed by Rip Torn, who cultivates balloons from the earth. This unique concept is drawn from the 32-page children’s book, Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm, penned by Jerdine Nolen.

Frode Og Alle De Andre Rødder (2008)

The movie titled “Frode and All the Mischievous Kids,” a Danish family film, is an adaptation from a 1979 book by Ole Lund Kirkegaard. Similar to the original 73-page tale, the movie chronicles the adventures of three youngsters as they aim to gather funds for a delightful summer outing.

Duma (2005)

In the film “Duma,” directed by Carol Ballard, we follow the tale of a disenchanted young lad who forms an unlikely bond with a wild creature – in this instance, a cheetah. This friendship, however, pushes him to take perilous risks as he strives to maintain possession of it personally. The movie is inspired by Carol Cawthra Hopcraft and Xan Hopcraft’s 64-page illustrated book, “How It Was with Dooms,” which itself is based on real events.

Harold And The Purple Crayon (2024)

The 1955 book titled “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” authored by Crockett Johnson, initially sparked an adored animated series on HBO. Subsequently, it was transformed into a live-action movie featuring Zachary Levi as the adult rendition of the once young, magical artist.

2025-03-27 20:39