From Paddington Bear to Pinocchio, over the past few years, audiences have seen many classic children’s stories brought to life on the big screen for a whole new generation of audiences. So many of our beloved stories have become spectacles on the big screen, allowing us to see these adorable childhood characters come to life. However, while many once-children recognize these classics, they aren’t always the stories that the newer generations have grown up with.
Updated September 14, 2023: If you’re a fan of book-to-film adaptations, then you’ll be happy to know this article was updated recently with even more fantasy-worthy favs by Amanda Minchin.
From the bedtime story to the classroom, there is no simply no shortage of brilliantly illustrated children’s books that would translate into fabulous films for kids. Here are some iconic children’s tales that deserve the chance to be seen on screen.
Julia’s House for Lost Creatures (2014)
Julia’s House for Lost Creatures is a picture book trilogy that centers around a lonely girl. All alone in her big house, she tries to make it a welcoming home for wayward monsters and creatures. The funky and friendly creatures, in turn, try their best to help around the house. Everyone is thrilled to be along for the ride when Julia’s home turns out to be resting on the shell of a giant turtle that’s venturing on to even more new and exciting adventures.
This story was written and designed by Ben Hatke. His unique style of art can be recognized in all of his published kids’ books – It’s whimsical and captivating and creates special critters that everyone is sure to love. It’s also the perfect blueprint for an animated children’s film, inspiring a similar feel to movies such as The Secret of Kells or movies by Studio Ghibli. It would be a beautiful opportunity for animators to create fun new creatures and bring to life a charming story about a girl and her wayward monsters.
The Graveyard Book (2008)
The Graveyard Book is an often-forgotten classic by Neil Gaiman. This spooky story is about a baby who was meant to be killed alongside his parents but ends up in a graveyard where the ghosts and ghouls set out to raise him as their own. Its somewhat haunting premise is a tale all about found family, identity, and courage.
There have been murmurings of a movie being produced, but nothing has yet to come to fruition. The good news is this book lends itself to both animation and live-action. There aren’t many illustrations throughout, which would give more creative license to the production company. It could follow in the footsteps of animated horror movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas or Coraline, or it could take note of the haunting renditions of Guillermo del Toro. This story could easily be brought to life in a stunning and memorable style that is sure to spook audiences of all ages.
Pirate Stew (2020)
Another more recent publication by Neil Gaiman that would also lend itself well to the big screen is Pirate Stew. This picture book is about two kids whose babysitter is a round old pirate. He brings along his troublesome crew, and together they make a cauldron of stew that turns anyone who eats it into a pirate.
This book has a fun art style and a premise that could lend itself to all sorts of cinematic animation, from Treasure Island to Loving Vincent. It is also written in rhyme, which would make for a wonderful musical element. Who doesn’t love a good pirate shanty, after all? This story could also become an adaptation reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’ funky tales or a hilariously hectic Disney/Pixar film. The point is, Pirate Stew has lots of versatility.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1992)
Even after 30 odd years, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales has aged surprisingly well. Written by Jon Scieszka, this modern children’s classic is well known for its absurd re-creation of fairy tales, featuring spoofs of anyone from the Gingerbread Man to Little Red Riding Hood to the Ugly Duckling.
Stylistically speaking, it is perhaps just as well known for the iconic illustrations of Lane Smith. A reinterpretation of this book might look something like James and the Giant Peach. An alternative brainchild of the pair, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, as told from the point of view of the Big Bad Wolf, would also be an obvious choice for a sequel.
Mamma Don’t Allow (1984)
While judging a book by its cover is considered a major faux pas in real life, if the cover of Thacher Hurd’s Mamma Don’t Allow is any indication, this story’s illustrations would translate perfectly to the big screen. This Reading Rainbow-approved story follows saxophone-playing Miles and his swamp-based band after they come in contact with a sly congregation of oddly enthusiastic alligators.
Hurd actually comes from a family of creatives in the children’s space. His father illustrated the children’s classic Goodnight, Moon (which is dedicated to his just-born son), as well as several of his wife’s books. This film could be reminiscent of The Princess and the Frog, though it would likely benefit from an edgier styling. Based on a traditional song, the film could also quite easily throw in some fantastic musical stylings for good measure.
Amelia Bedelia (1963)
It is astounding that Amelia Bedelia has yet to cross over to the big screen… And no, we’re not counting the short-lived live-action TV show from the 80s. The character of Amelia Bedelia was first introduced in 1963 in this self-titled book. Since then, she has amassed over 20 more.
Inspired partly by the language snafu’s of the original author’s third-grade class, most of the series follows Bedelia as she works as a maid for a wealthy family. Bedelia is notorious for misunderstanding figures of speech and often takes requests and commands such as drawing the curtains a little too literally. While the stories most feature her as an adult, part of the series also explores her childhood.
Originally written by Peggy Parish, with illustrations by Fritz Siebel, Parish’s nephew Herman took over the series after her death (which had been followed by an influx of disappointed letters from pint-sized fans). This generational fan-following might prove pivotal to a box office breakout. Often considered to be on the spectrum, Bedelia would also serve as a wonderful role model for young viewers.
And Tango Makes Three (2005)
Loosely based on the heartwarming (true) story of two male penguins that adopt an abandoned egg at the Central Park Zoo, And Tango Makes Three would make a welcome addition to the animated children’s space. Written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole, this adorable book has unfortunately been met with pushback, making it on and off the American Library Association’s Yearly Banned Book List practically ever since it was published.
Animated films about penguins, from Happy Feet to The Pebble and the Penguin to Penguins of Madagascar, might be common, but that is exactly why this book would shine. Its focus on found family and LGBTQIA+ representation is a little-seen part of the children’s animated space that is in dire need of more attention. Perhaps framing this in a familiar medium will help to sell it to the masses.
While these books might look different from the fairytales and classics we’re used to, that doesn’t mean they don’t merit their own chance to shine. Younger generations deserve to see stories that they know and recognize. Seeing their favorite characters brought to life will go on to inspire them to keep on reading and learning from them.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
