“They left the best part out!”
“Annabeth is supposed to be blond!”
“I like the book much better. They ruined the movie.”
Over the years comparing books with movies has been a fun point of discussion and bonding for our family.
We have enjoyed reading illustrated classics and other great books followed by watching the movie of the same book…sometimes as the whole family and more often now with just my two youngest children and me. The three of us sit on the couch and take turns reading. We only read about 20 minutes at a time, but we have fun discussing and being together. When we finish a book we get to pop popcorn and watch the movie. It helps my kids compare what they imagined verses how the book was portrayed as a movie. Kids develop some pretty set ideas of what should have happened based on what they saw and felt in their mind’s eye…the discussion that follows is intriguing. We have found that it works better if you read the book before watching the movie. Subtly it often teaches them the value of books and reading rather than just being entertained. We try to keep our conversation casual and fun…here are some thought provoking questions to boost the conversation:
- Did you like the movie or the book better? Why?
- Did the characters in the movie look and act the way you thought they would after reading the book? What differences were there?
- Did the movie maker do a good job of creating the correct setting? What did you like about his/her efforts?
- If you could change the book, what would you change? The movie?
- If you made a movie based on the book, how would you do it differently?
When we share thoughts, we are allowing glimpses into our mind and heart. A special bond forms as we verbalize and think together. What a fun way to bond and grow as a family!
So snuggle up and read…then enjoy the show!
Here are some of our favorites to compare. (Make sure they match the interest and age level of your kids): Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, Percy Jackson Series, The City of Ember, Swiss Family Robison, Pride and Prejudice, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz, The Giver, The Work and the Glory, Harry Potter, Rapunzel/Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, …
The images in this post come from pixabay.com
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