Classic Books Turned into Movies

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Why would you read the book if there’s a movie? "Books have inspired some of the most famous and indelible performances we know, be they on the opera stage, the ballet floor, or the silver screen,” says Thom Barthelmess, president of the Association for Library Service to Children. “But books have a magic all their own. As we read, stories bloom in our imaginations, leaving behind the fruits of wonder, even after the final page is turned."

Reading the book first also gives you insider information. You can discover things about a movie that you would have never known had you not read the book. Ready to do your best impression of Sherlock Holmes? Check out one of these books from your local library and then watch the movie. Take note of differences between the two versions, and see if you can stump your friends.

Investigation Tools

Keep these questions in mind as you investigate the difference between the movie and the book:

 

1. Do the characters look and act the same as you imagined?
2. Are there any characters added or left out from the book?
3. Do the characters sound like they do in the book?
4. Does the setting look the same as it’s described in the book?
5. Were any scenes left out or added to the movie? Did you like the changes?
6. Was the order of the story the same as it was in the book?
7. Why do you think the director added or deleted certain scenes?
8. Do you prefer the book or the movie more, and why?

Bridge to Terabithia
By Katherine Paterson
Movie distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Jess Aarons can’t wait to see the looks on his friends’ faces when he proves that he’s the fastest boy in the fifth grade. Things don’t go as planned when Leslie Burke, the new girl in town, beats everyone including Jess. Despite his embarrassment of losing to a girl, Jess befriends Leslie. Together, they discover Terabithia, a magical land that changes their lives forever.

Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
Movie distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

Ready for a wild rumpus, Max puts on his wolf suit instead of coming to dinner. Displeased, his mother sends him to bed with nothing to eat. Lucky for Max, his room becomes the perfect backdrop for a little fun when a forest grows there overnight. He meets a series of curious characters set on showing him a good time.

Charlotte’s Web
By E B White
Movie distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment

The runt of his litter, Wilbur escapes death when Fern, the farmer’s daughter, begs to keep the pig as her pet. Under Fern’s care, Wilbur grows big – so big that he can be sold for profit. Wilbur moves to a farm down the road and all is well until he learns his new owner is fattening him up to turn him into bacon. Charlotte, a spider who lives in the rafters above his pen, befriends the pig and together they hatch a plan to keep him alive. Can Wilbur escape the chopping block a second time?

Old Yeller
By Fred Gipson
Movie distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Travis must protect and care for the family farm when his father goes off on the cattle trail. In addition to skunks and raccoons, he keeps away a big yellow dog who he thinks may raid the smokehouse. Undeterred by Travis’ shooing, the dog returns day-after-day and eventually proves himself trustworthy. Old Yeller works his way in to the hearts of his new family until one day they are faced with an impossible decision.

Sarah, Plain and Tall
By Patricia MacLachlan
Movie distributed by Hallmark Hall of Fame

In need of someone to help raise his children as well as with housework, a widowed farmer advertises for a wife. Responding to the ad is Sarah from Maine. Anna and Caleb, the farmer’s children, are immediately taken with their new mother but they worry she may not stay. Sarah misses the ocean near her hometown, but if she were to return there would she miss her new family even more?

Ready to really put your sleuthing skills to the test? Head to your local library and see if you can create your own list of books that have made it to movies. If you’re inner Sherlock Holmes requires a Watson, your local librarian may be able to offer a few clues.