There’s something truly special about watching a beloved children’s book come alive on screen. When done well, the best adaptations of children’s books become more than entertainment, they become shared family memories, the beginnings of inside jokes, the stories our kids carry into their own imaginations. As a writer and lifelong reader, I believe the best adaptations of children’s books don’t replace the book, they deepen a child’s relationship with the story.
Here are five book-to-screen adaptations I wholeheartedly recommend for parents who want to nurture curiosity, empathy, and storytelling in their kids. These are, in my view, some of the best adaptations of children’s books ever created.
Anne of Green Gables (1985 Miniseries)
It’s impossible to begin anywhere else. The 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables is, in my opinion, one of the most faithful, heartfelt, beautifully cast literary versions and truly one of the best adaptations of children’s books. Megan Follows is Anne, fiery, imaginative, tender, and unapologetically herself.
Why it matters for kids:
• It celebrates creativity, resilience, and the beauty of being different.
• It shows healthy friendships, emotional honesty, and found family.
• It gives children permission to dream boldly and speak their truth.
This adaptation is slow, warm, and deeply human, perfect for cozy family viewing and long conversations afterward.
Matilda (1996 Film Adaptation)
Roald Dahl’s Matilda has seen multiple adaptations, but the 1996 film remains iconic. It’s funny, rebellious in the best way, and overflowing with heart. Mara Wilson embodies Matilda’s quiet brilliance and gentle courage with a sincerity that still holds up today, making it one of the best adaptations of children’s books from the 90s.
Why kids love it:
• It empowers children to question unfairness and believe in their own strength.
• It celebrates intelligence, kindness, and chosen family.
• It balances humor with important emotional lessons.
For parents, it’s a wonderful reminder that the right adult can change a child’s entire world.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005 Film)
Few adaptations capture childhood wonder as beautifully as this one. Everything, from the snow-covered lamppost to Aslan’s grand presence, feels exactly like stepping into the pages of C. S. Lewis’s classic. It remains one of the best adaptations of children’s books for families who love fantasy.
Why it’s a great choice:
• It introduces themes of bravery, loyalty, family, and self-sacrifice in accessible ways.
• The magical world inspires imagination and curiosity.
• It opens the door to reading the entire Narnia series.
This is one of those rare films that parents enjoy just as much as kids.
Paddington (2014 Film)
Some adaptations are charming. Some are heartwarming. And then there’s Paddington, a film so kind, funny, and beautifully made that it feels like a warm hug. Inspired by Michael Bond’s beloved books, this movie is often praised as one of the best adaptations of children’s books ever released.
Why parents should show it to kids:
• It teaches empathy through humor and misadventure.
• It models kindness, openness, and patience.
• It’s genuinely laugh-out-loud funny while still emotionally grounded.
Plus, Paddington’s message is timeless: everyone deserves a place where they are understood and loved.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010 Film)
While it takes creative liberties with Cressida Cowell’s book series, this adaptation is a storytelling triumph. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is one of the most touching friendships in modern children’s media, placing it among the best adaptations of children’s books that blend heart and adventure.
Why it’s special for kids:
• It celebrates differences and challenges expectations.
• It encourages empathy, even toward those we fear.
• It shows that courage often looks like gentleness rather than aggression.
Its soaring visuals, moving soundtrack, and emotional depth make it unforgettable.
Stories Grow When You Share Them
A good adaptation doesn’t replace a book, it becomes a doorway back into it. When children watch characters they love come alive, their connection to reading deepens. They start to notice details, ask questions, imagine new possibilities, and seek out new stories. Some of the best adaptations of children’s books do exactly this.
So choose an adaptation, make some popcorn, curl up together, and press play. The magic of storytelling gets even richer when it’s shared.
And if you’re looking for more stories to share with your little ones, my own books, His Name is Daryl, Billy and the Stubborn Dandelion, and Ben’s Backyard Dream, are also available now and make lovely additions to any child’s bookshelf.
