Compare and Contrast Children’s Books to Films This Summer with the Family
Just because it is summertime doesn’t mean children should stop learning. On the other hand, kids often need a bit of a break from classroom learning, and the summer months really provide this. So what are we to do?
Make learning fun! Compare and contrast family-friendly films with their book counterparts. Grab the kids, give each a tub of popcorn and something to drink, watch the movie, and then the next night, all of you can read the book. Here are a few great children’s books/films to analyze as a family this summer.
Bridge to Terabithia
The 2007 film wholly did this book justice. The main characters, Jesse and Leslie, were cast perfectly in the movie. Be sure to have some tissues on hand, though, as the tears may flow.
Charlotte’s Web
If you compare and contrast Charlotte’s Web novel with one of the films made in the book, choose the 1973 movie version. It is a superior version to the 2006 film, and the songs in the movie will stay in your head for at least a week. Could there be a more unlikely pair of buddies than Charlotte and Wilbur? Two different species that became best friends. Perhaps it could be touched upon when reviewing the book as a family.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a film that debuted in 1971 starring the legendary Gene Wilder, is a classic that the whole family can enjoy. The movie is based on the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a book that was published in 1964 and written by Roald Dahl.
Be ready to compare and contrast the film and the novel. The author, Dahl, was so unhappy with the changes in the film that he disowned the movie. However, many people, such as myself, enjoyed the movie much more than the book. This will definitely be up for debate in your family!
Swiss Family Robinson
Have you ever wanted to get stranded on a deserted island with your family? The Swiss Family Robinson doesn’t make it seem so bad. While it is no Gilligan’s Island, it is still quite enjoyable!
The novel was written in 1812, while Disney debuted the film in 1960. There are plenty of versions to choose from for the book and the movie, so be sure to pick out the ones that interest your family the most. Both the book and the film are classics.
The Call of the Wild
The short adventure novel The Call of the Wild was written by famous author Jack London and was published in 1903. A dog named Buck is the main character, and isn’t it a bit strange that our hearts become so invested in a character that doesn’t speak one word? While there are a few film versions of The Call of the Wild, choose the one starring Harrison Ford that only came out a few years back.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
If your children are more interested in recently written books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid could be more up their alley. Plus, the humor not only speaks to kids but can reach grownups as well. Furthermore, the film version has a great little cast and is rather enjoyable.
Tuck Everlasting
Have you ever wanted to live forever? Tuck Everlasting will show you precisely what would happen if you could. Being immortal isn’t all it cracks up to be.
The novel debuted in 1975, and the film version emerged in 2002. In Tuck Everlasting, a big family with a big secret doesn’t seem to age much. And no. They aren’t vampires.
Need Assistance?
If you aren’t sure how to compare and contrast a book to a film, let one of our professional tutors here at iAchieve help. We offer in-person and remote tutoring where we can discuss the differences between the film and the novel with your children or the entire family!
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