Book Reviews: Read It, Watch It, Love It: Celebrate National Movie Night with These Classics
Celebrate National Movie Night on June 13th!
by Andrea Rose
Celebrate National Movie Night on June 13th!
by Andrea Rose
May 29, 2025
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
By Judi Barrett & Ronald Barrett
$8.08; Ages 3-7
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Amazon.com
The weather is particularly strange in a town called Chewandswallow. Not only does precipitation come three times a day—at breakfast, lunch and dinner—very unusual things rain from the sky, including soup, juice and storms of fruits and vegetables. First published in 1978 and made into an animated film (PG-1:30) in 2009.
By E.B. White & Garth Williams
$6.29; Ages 5+
Publisher: Harper Collins
Amazon.com
This classic tale has spanned generations. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter. The book was published in 1952 and made into an animated movie in 1973 (G-1:34) and remade in 2006 (G-1:37).
By Chris Van Allsburg
$9.87; Ages 5-8
Publisher: Andersen Press
Amazon.com
You probably know at least one version of the film—the 1995 version (PG-1:40) led by Robin Williams or the 2017 version starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black and Kevin Hart. But did you know it was originally a 1981 book that tells the story of Peter and Judy, who were bored and decided to play a Jumanji game. But his was no ordinary board game!
By E.B. White & Garth Williams
$6.99; Ages 5-9
Publisher: Harper & Row
Amazon.com
Another E.B. White/Garth Williams classic! Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City and embarks on the great adventure of trying to find his best friend, a little bird named Margalo, who has disappeared from her nest. The book, written in 1945, was made into an animated movie in 1999 (PG-1:24).
By J.K. Rowling
$7.14; Ages 8+
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Amazon.com
Harry Potter isn’t like other boys. He lives in a tiny closet in the home of his horrible aunt and uncle. But his life quickly changes when he’s invited to a magical place that introduces him to wands, spells and Quidditch. This first book in a seven-book series was published in 1997 and made into a movie in 2001 (PG-2:32).
By Kate DiCamillo
$5.76; Ages 8-10
Publisher: Candlewick
Amazon.com
This New York Times best-seller has become a beloved classic featuring an adorable dog who helps 10-year-old Opal make friends. In fact, Winn-Dixie changes Opal’s summer and her whole life. The 2000 book became a 2005 film (PG-1:46) starring AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels and Cecily Tyson.
By Jonathan Swift
$6.99; Ages 8-12
Publisher: Wonder House Books
Amazon.com
This classic work of English literature shares the adventure of Lemuel Gulliver, who travels the world visiting strange sights and seeing odd characters. The book may be a little heavy for some kids, but the 2010 movie (PG-1:33) starring Jack Black makes it fun!
By Margery Sharp & Garth Williams
$9.99; Ages 9-12
Publisher: NYRB Kids
Amazon.com
This adorable story follows Miss Bianca, a white mouse chosen to rescue a Norwegian poet imprisoned in the Black Castle. Originally released in 1959, this book has gone on to become a classic, thanks in part to a 1977 Disney film with the main characters voiced by Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor (G-1:16).
By Meg Cabot
$8.29; Ages 11-13
Publisher: Harper Collins
Amazon.com
The Princess Diaries is the first book in the beloved, best-selling series that tells the tale of Mia Thermopolis, an awkward freshman, as she tries to navigate changes in her home life and school life. The first book was published in 2000 and made into a feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews in 2001 (G-1:51).
By Ann Brashares
$6.98; Ages 11-13
Publisher: Ember
Amazon.com
This young adult novel follows the adventures of four best friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen—who will spend their first summer apart. So, what happens when a magical pair of jeans comes into their lives? The first book in the five-book series was published in 2001 and made into a 2005 film (PG-1:57) starring America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel.
