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10 Kids’ book adaptations we love

The live-action film versions of The Jungle Book and Alice Through the Looking Glass were two of the most-anticipated releases of 2016. And since we adored reading the books as children, we can’t wait to see them on the big screen. But before Alice and Mowgli, some of our other favourite characters made the leap from the page to the screen and delighted both kids and adults alike.

1 The Witches(1990)

Having to go up against the grand high witch as a mouse wasn’t easy, but that surely didn’t stop Luke (Jasen Fisher) from trying. As kids, we hid our heads at the appearance of Anjelika Huston as the grand high witch but now we can fully appreciate her stellar performance.

2 Harry Potter(2001–2011)

With eight movies in total, even if you haven’t read the J.K. Rowling books, we’ve all embarked on the magical journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From epic Quidditch matches to wingardium leviosa, the tale of an orphaned boy who finds out he’s a wizard touched hearts everywhere, including those of its young and talented cast – Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger).

3 Nanny McPhee  (2005)

With her mystical powers, Nanny McPhee, played by Emma Thompson, knew how to keep everything together in the Brown family. And despite her appearance, we – just like the Brown kids – fell in love with her beautiful soul and quirky habits.

4 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(2005)

There have been numerous iterations of Roald Dahl’s tale but none as wildly applauded as Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s collaboration. With newcomer Freddie Highmore as Charlie, Johnny assumes the role of the whimsical and unusual Willy Wonka who takes five lucky winners on a tour through his magnificent chocolate factory.

5 The Chronicles of Narnia  (2005-2010)

After searching the backs of our cupboards for days, we eventually had to admit that there was no Narnia (not in our homes anyway). Then director Andrew Adamson blessed us all with three big-screen versions adapted from the book series. We’re patiently waiting for the next instalment, which has been on hold for years as the book rights make their way from one Hollywood production house to the next.

6 Alice in Wonderland  (2010)

Tim Burton, who again enlisted Johnny Depp alongside Helena Bonham-Carter, to play larger-than-life characters the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen respectively, brought Lewis Carroll’s titular character to life. The sequel, released earlier this year,  sees Mia Wasikowska as a nineteen-year-old Alice who returns to the magical world from her childhood.

7 Snow White and The Huntsman(2012)

Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman and Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen? We were glued to our seats from the opening credits! Then the filmmakers threw in a little Sam Claflin and we nearly choked on our popcorn at the good-looking cast.

8 Cinderella(2015)

After many animated versions of the fairy tale beloved by little girls everywhere, Cinderella was finally given her big-screen debut in the 1998 live-action film Ever After, starring Drew Barrymore. But while that film was a darker, post-feminist tale, the more recent version harks back to its Disney animated counterparts with magically altered mice and pumpkins that turn into carriages.

9 Pan(2015)

Although we loved Robin Williams as Captain Hook in the 1991 fantasy adventure film aptly titled Hook, it was young Levi Miller that sold the tale of Peter Pan in last year’s remake. The movie had us all wanting Tink to sprinkle her magic fairy dust and fly us all off to a land far, far away.

10 The Jungle Book (2016)

After an entire year of teasers, this past April saw the man-cub Mowgli hit the big screen in a big way! With a star-studded cast and amazing 3D graphics and effects, the tale translated seamlessly from the book – and we were definitely singing along to Baloo at the top of our voices!

Reviews, author interviews and must-read lists – our Book Club has it all!

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