Modern-day Adaptations of Famous Children’s Books

Four of the Greatest Classic Children’s Books in Spectacular Moving Pictures

Classic children stories are a classic for a reason. Classic bedtime stories for kids, such as The Phantom Toll Booth, Little Women, and Grimm’s Fairy Tales, have long been loved by our parents, as well as our parents’ parents. These stories and other fairy tale books are timeless because they provide practical, real-life lessons set in imaginative worlds, only sparking the mind of every curious child.

Nowadays, with the boom of the television and film industry, even young adults and parents love to enjoy a good, old classic book adaptation. Famous children’s book quotes also come alive on screen, only heightening the leisure experience, and more importantly, reminding viewers of the power of imagination and the importance of values. Wear your imagination cap as we go down the road of some the best famous children’s books adapted into screen in the 21^st century.

 Charlotte’s Web

This is a popular children’s book that many avid book lovers are familiar of and recall with fondness. Written by American author E.B. White and published in 1952, the story circles around a girl named Fern, her pet pig named Wilbur, and a barn spider, Charlotte. Together, the three characters form a beautiful friendship as they learn new words spun around Charlotte’s web.

The story received enormous success that by 1973, the book was turned into an animated feature. In 2003, a sequel entitled Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Great Adventure was released worldwide. Finally in 2006, a live action film and interactive video games were released.

 How to Train Your Dragon

Certainly, you must have watched the much loved first or second movie. Not many may realize, but this magical tale was originally written by British author Cressida Cowell and is a series with a total of twelve books published in 2003, the last one having been released in 2015.

Set during the time of the Vikings, the main character, Hiccup, faces a number of challenges (including caring for a magical dragon), in order to become the story’s hero. In fact, three spin-offs, How To Train Your Viking, By Toothless The Dragon (2006), The Day of the Dreader (2012), and The Incomplete Book of Dragons (2014) were made, with Cowell adding related novels namely Hiccup – The Seasick Viking (2000) and Hiccup: The Viking Who Was Seasick (2001).

 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

 Kids, as well as adults from around the globe, have been enthralled by the wonderful story of Willy Wonka and his gigantic chocolate factory. Made by the hard work of famous children’s book characters, Oompa Loompas, Willy Wonka’s factory is visited by Charlie Bucket, and together with the rest of the children who won golden tickets. There, they witness the coming-to-life of delectable chocolates in all forms and sizes, and take lifelong lessons along the marvelous journey.

Before the 2005 movie starring Johnny Depp, the story had in fact been adapted from the 1964 novel by the famous Roald Dahl. By 1971, a movie filmed in Munich was released by Paramount Pictures with only a then budget of $3 million. It was regarded by the Academy with a nomination for best original score with songs such as the Candy Man Can and Pure Imagination.

In 2013, the story was turned into a West End Musical by writers David Greid, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman. It premiered in Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London on June 25, 2013.

The Wizard of Oz

 This classic children’s book, and most popular and commercially successful adaptation, has been passed down to generations since 1900. Written by L. Frank Baum, the story revolves around Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, who lives with her aunt and uncle in a Kansas farm. Later, a terrible tornado comes to ravage the town, and as Dorothy tries to hide in her room, something hits her head and she falls unconscious.

In her unconscious state, Dorothy starts to dream. In her dream, the house is spun by the tornado. Spinning and spinning, she sees the farm animals overhead, as well as her wicked neighbor who transforms into a witch. The entire farm is swept toward Munchkinland in the Land of Oz. There, Glinda the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins welcome Dorothy and Toto, and a series of new characters and adventures emerge in this new land. Among new characters Dorothy and Toto meet are Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. They head toward Emerald City to seek out the Wizard of Oz who will help Dorothy get back to her aunt and uncle’s farm.

This fantastic children’s tale became even more sensational when by 1939, it was turned into a musical comedy-drama fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. In the year 1956, it was reintroduced, followed by a second story, Journey Back to Oz (1974), and Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).

Classic literature for kids is a vivid representation of just how creative writers can be. When told warmly, imaginatively, and provided with great teachings, these classic children’s books stand the test of time, providing centuries-worth of rich lessons older and newer generations will always treasure.