Read Together, Watch Together

Many books have been made into fabulous film adaptations. So what is the best option… read it and then watch it? Watch it and then read it? The choice is for you and your family to make. You could even listen to the audiobook first. Here are some of our favorite book and film pairings for you to discover (or rediscover) beloved characters in literature.

Afterward, compare the book with the film. Are they similar? Was one better than the other? Was it how you imagined it? Fully discuss – no doubt, these will be rich, articulate, and memorable family conversations.

Here are some books, audiobooks, and movies certain to entertain and spark thought and conversation.

Toddlers, Preschoolers

Richard Scarry’s Best Little Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry – Join school age kitten Huckle Cat and his best friend Lowly Worm as they travel Busytown and help us expand our vocabularies. Read Richard Scarry’s Best Little Word Book Ever on OverDrive and watch The Busy World of Richard Scarry – Season 1 on Hoopla.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney – Our friend Llama loves his Mama and together they learn to overcome fears and frustrations. Read Llama Llama Red Pajama or listen to Llama Llama Red Pajama and 19 Other Favorites on OverDrive and watch Llama, Llama – Season 1 on Hoopla.

Kindergarteners

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans – Join our favorite uniformed school gal, Madeline, as she bravely traipses through Paris enjoying adventures and solving mysteries. Check out Madeline using curbside pickup and listen to Madeline’s Rescue or watch Madeline: Lost in Paris or Madeline: The Original Specials, Season 1 on Hoopla.

Curious George by H. A. Rey – What amusing antics with our inquisitive monkey will be next, and can his best friend the Man with the Yellow Hat keep up with him and keep him safe? Read Curious George on OverDrive or Hoopla and watch Curious George Rides a Bike on Hoopla or check out a DVD.

Grades 1, 2, and 3

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White – An unforgettable spider named Charlotte shares her wisdom and declares her feelings to friend Wilbur the pig. Pick up a copy of Charlotte’s Web at the library, listen to the audiobook on OverDrive, and watch it on DVD.

Princess and the Frog – Disney’s Princess and the Frog is a delightful story showing the importance of being yourself. Watch the DVD and read Tiana's Winter Treats on OverDrive.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl – Lonely orphan James, raised by wicked aunties, gains his freedom with magic crystals, creates his own family of unique friends, and embarks on a great journey. Read James and the Giant Peach on OverDrive and pick up the DVD from the library.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – Join our mustached hero as he speaks out and protects his home – everyone’s home – from pollution and destruction. Read on OverDrive and pick up the DVD from the library.

Grades 4, 5, and 6

Matilda by Roald Dahl – A brilliant child, with horrible, disinterested parents, learns that she has the magical power of telekinesis and that love can be reciprocated. Read or listen to Matilda on OverDrive and watch on DVD.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio – Auggie, a boy with a unique face, starts a new school. Can kindness overcome bullying? Read Wonder on OverDrive, and get it on DVD.

Nonfiction

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly – Read about the amazing accomplishments of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, then watch the DVD.

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges – Ruby Bridges tells us what it was like to be the first African-American child to attend an all white school in 1960. Read the book on OverDrive and watch the DVD Ruby Bridges.

You can also check out our Page to Screen book collection on OverDrive for more family favorites. 

Read together. Watch together. Discover together.

Whether you prefer a traditional print book or ebook read aloud, an euadio that reads aloud for you, a DVD, or a streamed film from our vendors – we are happy to provide you with numerous formats to feed your both your family’s understanding of the world and your imagination.