Kids' Books With New TV and Movie Adaptations 2023

Kids love to watch movies and tv shows, so why not motivate more reading with book choices that have stream-able adaptations? Many great children’s books have been adapted as movies or television series, just take your pick from the list below!

After the kids in your life have read the book and watched the adaptation, discuss which version your children liked best and why. What details would you have included or left out of the movie or television series? These questions will keep kids engaged and remind them that some of the best on-screen ideas come from books! Happy reading and streaming!

Picture Books

Nintendo® and Illumination present The Super Mario Bros. Movie Official Storybook

by Michael Moccio, illustrated by Random House

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Kids who can’t get enough of Super Mario Bros. will love this picture book based on the movie. Young readers can relive the excitement, adventure, and favorite moments from the film as they flip through the pages again and again.

Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Peacock summer 2023!

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The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash

by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Paul Kellam

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If you counted down the days until The Little Mermaid live adaptation hit theaters, you’ll want to add this gorgeous picture book to your collection. Beautiful artwork accompanies the beloved story of Ariel as she rescues a prince from a shipwreck, falls in love, and makes a deal with a sea witch to become human.

Catch The Little Mermaid in theaters in May 2023!

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Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Lockwood & Co. Series

by Jonathan Stroud

Netflix adapted this five-book series into a television show. It’s about three teens who team up to solve hair-raising paranormal mysteries in London. These spooky novels are excellent to listen to on audio during road trips or on vacation.

Watch Lockwood & Co. on Netflix.

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The Magician's Elephant

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka

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Several of Kate DiCamillo’s beloved children’s novels, such as The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn Dixie, and Flora and Ulysses, have been adapted into films. The Magician’s Elephant is her latest novel to come to the screen, and the animated movie captures the magic and wonder that made the book a bestseller. It’s about a young boy whose search for his missing sister takes him on an unforgettable adventure.

Watch The Magician’s Elephant on Netflix.

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A Kind of Spark

by Elle McNicoll

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When an autistic teen learns about the witch trials hundreds of years ago in Scotland, she wants to create a memorial for them. Her unique perspective and fierce determination to honor the misunderstood people from history resonates with readers of all ages. The movie adaptation promises an uplifting and heartfelt viewing experience.

Watch A Kind of Spark on BYUtv.

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Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

by Judy Blume

Judy Blume’s beloved novel has been essential reading for pre-teens since its publication in 1970. Now, generations of readers can re-experience the iconic coming-of-age story about a girl grappling with growing up, crushes, faith, and friendship.

Watch Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret in theaters!

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Peter Pan & Wendy

by Elizabeth Rudnick

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Flying and fairies and pirates—oh, my! Kids will dive head-first into this novelization of Disney’s live-action Peter Pan & Wendy movie. Young readers will escape to Neverland, where they will meet familiar characters, cross swords with Captain Hook, and unravel the mystery behind Peter Pan. They’ll love watching the movie after devouring the book!

Watch Peter Pan & Wendy on Disney+.

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White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel)

by R. J. Palacio

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Readers who loved Wonder and its movie adaptation will also want to read White Bird, which tells the story of Julian’s grandmother, before the big-screen adaptation arrives in theaters. It’s about a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France and the family who took her in and kept her safe.

Watch White Bird in theaters in August 2023.

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The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr. Willy Wonka

by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake

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Before seeing Wonka in theaters, candy lovers will want to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. This book contains both stories. Wonka is a prequel to the novels and gives viewers a glimpse into Willy Wonka’s early life when he met the Oompa-Loompas and created his candy empire.

Catch Wonka in theaters in December 2023!