Children's Books on the Big Screen

Summer 2011 is finally here, and it features some well-known children's books coming to the big screen:

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
Release Date: June 10, 2011
Synopsis: When her parents take an unexpected trip to California, third grader Judy Moody (Jordana Beatty) creates a series of dares in order to have the most thrilling summer of her life. Her cool Aunt Opal (Heather Graham) and little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) join in the adventures.

Mr. Popper's Penguins
Release Date: June 17, 2011
Synopsis: The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. Jim Carrey stars as Mr. Popper.

If you go to see either of these movies, I'd love to hear from you! Please give your opinion: Did the movie follow the book? Were the actors right for their roles? Thumbs up or down?

Lisa U., Chester County Library

Where the Wild Things Are -- Movie

Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, Where the Wild Things Are, is being made into a movie! The story is about Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, who creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures who crown Max as their ruler.

Voices for the characters are provided by Forest Whitaker, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano and Lauren Ambrose. The scheduled release date is October 16, 2009. Can't wait to see this one!

The Tale of Despereaux

For all of you who loved the book by Kate DiCamillo......The Tale of Despereaux movie is being released on December 19th. Here is a brief synopsis:

Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and learns to read (rather than eat) books—reveling in stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse, Despereaux is rescued by another outcast, Roscuro, who also wants to hear the tales. But when the Princess dismisses Roscuro’s friendship, he becomes the ultimate rat and plots revenge with fellow outsider Mig. After Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux discovers he is the only one who can rescue her…and that even the tiniest mouse can find the courage of a knight in shining armor. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are.

This movie features the voices of Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver, Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci and Robbie Coltrane.