One of the best things you can do with kids on a rainy day? Pick a book, read it together, then curl up and watch the movie. Sometimes the book is better than the movie (it usually is), but there have been some genuinely great films to come out of these stories — and reading first is a brilliant way to get kids excited about books.
We’ve put together this guide covering picture books, middle grade reads, teen novels, and a special section for Australian books that made it to the big screen. Always check the age recommendations for both the book and the film — we’ve included ratings to help. For a closer look at content, Common Sense Media and Australian website Know Before You Go are great resources.
Picture Books Made Into Movies (Ages 3–7)
Great for little readers — these beloved picture books have been brought to life on the big screen.
The Gruffalo — Julia Donaldson
This clever mouse provides a great example of quick thinking for kids. He escapes from a series of would-be predators by telling them about the fearsome gruffalo. A perfect read-aloud before settling in for the animated film. Rated G.
The Cat in the Hat — Dr. Seuss
This classic rhyming picture book is a delight for young kids. Note: the film is targeted at older kids and rated PG, so it’s worth a read first to decide if it’s right for yours.
Where the Wild Things Are — Maurice Sendak
An imaginative kid, Max is sent to bed without dinner after threatening to eat his mum — but escapes, at least in his mind, to a mysterious island inhabited by Wild Things. Rated PG.
Winnie the Pooh — A.A. Milne
Discover the classic adventures of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga, Roo and Eeyore in the Hundred Acre Wood. Timeless for a reason. Rated G.
Horton Hears a Who! — Dr. Seuss
Horton lives peacefully in the Jungle of Nool until the day he hears a nearly inaudible call for help. A heart-warming story about listening to those whose voices are small. Rated G.
Peter Rabbit — Beatrix Potter
Peter Rabbit can’t help sneaking into Mr McGregor’s garden, even though he knows better. Classic mischief. Rated PG.
Madeline — Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline is one of 12 boarding school girls living in an old house in Paris. She’s the smallest but definitely the bravest. Rated G.
Harold and the Purple Crayon — Crockett Johnson
Harold discovers that anything he draws with his purple crayon comes to life. Based on the beloved 1955 picture book. Rated PG.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day — Judith Viorst
Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in his hair. And it got worse. Rated PG.
Middle Grade Books Made Into Movies (Ages 7–12)
These are ideal chapter book reads before settling in for movie night.
Matilda — Roald Dahl
Matilda is an intelligent little girl with the worst parents ever. She uses her telekinetic powers to teach them a lesson — along with her demonic headmistress Ms. Trunchbull, who is known for throwing pupils over the school fence. Roald Dahl at his most delightfully wicked. Rated PG.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Roald Dahl
Who doesn’t want to win a Golden Ticket? This book follows Charlie Bucket and his adventure visiting the mysterious chocolate factory with four other kids. Whether you’re watching the Johnny Depp version or the classic Gene Wilder one, be sure to have plenty of chocolate nearby. Rated PG (2005) or G (1971).
The BFG — Roald Dahl
The BFG follows the unlikely friendship between orphan Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant who abducts her and takes her to Giant Island. Sweet, funny and a little bit scary in all the right ways. Rated PG.
James and the Giant Peach — Roald Dahl
Poor James is living a life of servitude to his unkind relatives — until a peach tree grows a fruit big enough to live in, along with a group of surprisingly good company. Rated PG.
Fantastic Mr Fox — Roald Dahl
Mr Fox helps himself to food from three local farmers, who hatch a plan to kill him. Wes Anderson’s animated version is a treat for the whole family. Rated PG.
How to Train Your Dragon — Cressida Cowell
This bestselling series is about Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a Night Fury dragon named Toothless rather than killing him — in contrast to everyone else in his village. It’s a feel-good story about standing up for what you believe in, and the Dreamworks animation is superb. Follow up with the two sequels. Rated PG.
The Wild Robot — Peter Brown
After a shipwreck, robot Roz finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island, where she learns to survive and care for an orphaned gosling. The 2024 film is one of the best animated movies in years. Rated PG.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid — Jeff Kinney
Follow the adventures of Greg Heffley as he attempts to make himself more popular in middle school. There are so many books in this series to get through before movie night. Rated PG.
Dog Man — Dav Pilkey
Based on Dav Pilkey’s hugely popular series, this animated film follows Dog Man — a half-dog, half-man police officer — as he battles the mischievous Petey the Cat. Great for reluctant readers. Rated PG.
Wonder — R.J. Palacio
August Pullman enters fifth grade at a mainstream school for the first time. This inspiring story has great messages about bullying, friendship and the power of being kind — and it holds up just as well on screen. Rated PG.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief — Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson finds out he is a demigod and ends up at Camp Half-Blood, a training camp for children of the Greek gods. There he meets Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and a young satyr named Grover, and they set off on a quest. Rated PG. (Also worth checking out the Disney+ series, which sticks much closer to the books.)
Charlotte’s Web — E.B. White
A heartwarming story about a pig named Wilbur who is destined for the dinner table — and Charlotte, the spider who vows to save his life. Pack the tissues. Rated PG.
Coraline — Neil Gaiman
A surreal and slightly unsettling tale about a girl who discovers a secret world that seems perfect, until it isn’t. Best for ages 10+. Rated PG.
Bridge to Terabithia — Katherine Paterson
Two outsiders become friends and build their own private kingdom of Terabithia to escape overbearing parents and bullies at school. Touching but ultimately tragic — worth a heads-up for parents before watching with younger kids. Rated PG.
A Series of Unfortunate Events — Lemony Snicket
The three Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with the evil Count Olaf after their parents die. Available as a movie (PG) or Netflix series (PG) — the series follows the books more closely.
The Spiderwick Chronicles — Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
After finding a mysterious handmade field guide in the attic of their new home, three siblings discover a magical faerie world existing parallel to our own. Rated PG.
Nim’s Island — Wendy Orr
After her scientist father is delayed from returning home by sailboat, Nim — who lives on a tropical island — must survive on her own. A great adventure story for independent kids. Rated PG.
Paddington — Michael Bond
This beloved children’s classic is about a bear from darkest Peru who is adopted by an English family. The Paddington films are genuinely excellent — don’t skip them. Rated PG. (Paddington in Peru, 2024, is also now available.)
Stuart Little — E.B. White
What happens when a family adopts a charming little mouse as a brother for their son? Their cat doesn’t respond well to the family’s new addition. Rated PG.
Mr Popper’s Penguins — Richard & Florence Atwater
A house painter who enjoys National Geographic specials writes to an Antarctic explorer — and receives a live penguin in reply. He soon ends up with more. Rated PG.
Captain Underpants — Dav Pilkey
Two prank-loving best friends create the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school — and then bring him to life. Very funny. Rated PG.
Hugo — Brian Selznick
Hugo is an orphan, clockkeeper and thief who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. His prize possession is an automaton, and he’s determined to uncover its secret. A beautiful film directed by Martin Scorsese. Rated PG.
Jumanji — Chris Van Allsburg
Two kids find an old board game and start playing, not realising the effect it will have — unleashing vicious animals into a small town. The game’s creatures may not be suitable for younger viewers. Rated PG.
The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling
Follow the adventures of Mowgli, the mancub raised by wolves, and his laid-back bear companion Baloo. Available as the animated Disney classic (G) or the live-action version (PG).
The Secret Garden — Frances Hodgson Burnett
Young orphan Mary Lennox discovers a long-hidden garden on the grounds of her uncle’s remote estate in northern England. With the help of Dickon, they bring it back to life — and it changes everything. Rated PG.
Ella Enchanted — Gail Carson Levine
In this clever Cinderella retelling, Ella is cursed with obedience — but she refuses to accept it meekly and sets out to break the curse herself. Rated PG.
Harriet the Spy — Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet likes to observe others and write things down — but she’s in big trouble when her classmates discover what she’s written about them in her secret notebook. Rated PG.
Call of the Wild — Jack London
The story of Buck, a dog from California who is kidnapped and transported to the Yukon to become a sled dog during the gold rush. A classic adventure. Rated PG.
Teen Books Made Into Movies (Ages 12+)
These books tackle bigger themes — and are great for discussion after the credits roll.
Harry Potter Series — J.K. Rowling
Discover the magic of Harry Potter, an 11-year-old boy wizard. The first film is a fun and family-friendly introduction to the Wizarding World. The series gets progressively darker and more intense as the characters age — which makes reading along a natural way to gauge whether your child is ready for the next instalment. First film rated PG.
The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis
This much-loved series starts during the Blitz of World War II. While playing hide and seek, the Pevensie siblings discover the magical wardrobe that opens into Narnia — a kingdom under the power of the evil White Witch. Rated PG.
The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien
The timeless story of Bilbo, a hobbit who embarks on a strange and magical adventure to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Rated PG-13.
The Golden Compass — Philip Pullman
In this epic fantasy, 12-year-old orphan Lyra Belacqua’s life is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors. A rich and complex world. Rated PG-13.
The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins
This series of dystopian young adult novels follows Katniss Everdeen as she participates in a brutal televised survival competition. Think of it as a very dark, very high-stakes reality TV show. Rated PG-13. Best for ages 13+.
Artemis Fowl — Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius and the descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. In the first book, he attempts to kidnap a fairy and hold her to ransom. Rated PG.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — Ransom Riggs
Jacob sets out to a remote island off the coast of Wales to learn more about his grandfather’s mysterious stories about life at Miss Peregrine’s. Rated PG-13.
Little Women — Louisa May Alcott
This American classic tells the story of the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — growing up during and after the Civil War. A timeless read. Rated PG.
Alice in Wonderland — Lewis Carroll
Alice follows a curious White Rabbit down a rabbit-hole and into a world full of unforgettable characters. Choose from the animated Disney classic (G) or Tim Burton’s darker live-action version (PG).
Paper Towns — John Green
Quentin lives next door to Margo, a popular girl who has mostly ignored him — until one night she convinces him to join her on a series of pranks. She disappears the next day, leaving clues only he can follow. Rated PG-13.
The Hate U Give — Angie Thomas
This powerful book for teenagers covers the complex subjects of racism, police brutality and grief. Starr Carter witnesses the fatal police shooting of her best friend and must decide how to respond. An important story, best read and watched together with older teens. Rated PG-13.
Lockwood & Co — Jonathan Stroud
This five-book series follows a girl with psychic abilities who joins two teen boys at the ghost-hunting agency Lockwood & Co, fighting the deadly spirits plaguing London. The Netflix series is excellent — but fair warning, it was cancelled after one season and ends on a cliffhanger.
A Wrinkle in Time — Madeleine L’Engle
Meg is struggling with her scientist father’s mysterious disappearance when three strange women arrive and take her, her brother and a friend through time and space to find him. Rated PG.
The Princess Diaries — Meg Cabot
In this modern-day Cinderella story, high schooler Mia discovers she is actually the princess and heir to the throne of a small European country named Genovia. Rated G.
The Princess Bride — William Goldman
A beautiful young woman, a daring hero, and a love story that’s suspenseful, action-filled and funny. This is a great one to read together before watching — one of those rare cases where the movie is just as good as the book. Rated PG.
Australian Children’s Books Made Into Movies 🇦🇺
A section you won’t find on most “books made into movies” lists — these are Australian stories that made it to the big screen.
The Bad Guys — Aaron Blabey 🇦🇺
After a lifetime of pulling legendary heists, five notorious bad guys — Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark and Ms Tarantula — attempt their most challenging job yet: going good. The DreamWorks animated film is a total delight. Rated PG.
Storm Boy — Colin Thiele 🇦🇺
This classic Australian book is about a lonely boy and his pet pelicans living on a secluded stretch of South Australian coastline. This bittersweet story charts the relationship between Mike and a pelican named Mr Percival. The 2019 remake features stunning Australian landscapes. Rated PG.
Hating Alison Ashley — Robin Klein 🇦🇺
This book follows Erica Yurkin, who dreams of becoming a famous movie star to escape her unhappy life — until Alison Ashley arrives and appears to have the perfect life. A funny and relatable read for primary schoolers. Rated PG.
Looking for Alibrandi — Melina Marchetta 🇦🇺
In this coming-of-age story, Josephine Alibrandi falls in love, meets her father, and learns the truth about her family — all in her final year of school. Rated M. Best for older teens.
Tomorrow, When the War Began — John Marsden 🇦🇺
Ellie and her friends return from a remote camping trip to find their country at war. Without any training, the group decides to fight back. A gripping series for young adults. Rated M. Best for ages 15+.
Books Made Into Christmas Movies
Worth bookmarking for the school holidays or December movie nights.
The Polar Express — Chris Van Allsburg
This Christmas classic tells the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Cosy, beautiful and guaranteed to get everyone in the mood. Rated G.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas — Dr. Seuss
The Grinch’s fiendish attempts to steal Christmas from the citizens of Whoville. A perennial favourite. Live-action film rated PG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most popular include the Harry Potter series, Matilda, How to Train Your Dragon, Charlotte’s Web, and the recent hit The Wild Robot. For younger kids, picture book adaptations like The Gruffalo and Winnie the Pooh are perfect starting points.
There’s no wrong answer, but reading first tends to spark more imagination and gives kids something to compare. Many families enjoy the debate about which version they preferred — and the book usually wins.
Yes! The Bad Guys, Storm Boy, Hating Alison Ashley, Looking for Alibrandi and Tomorrow When the War Began are all Australian books with film adaptations.
Common Sense Media and Know Before You Go both provide detailed age recommendations and content warnings for Australian families.
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