In the past several years we have been blessed (or in some cases cursed) by the release of movies that were first released as children’s books. In the past month we’ve seen the release of Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Jeff Kinney) and How To Train Your Dragon (Cressida Cowell) and just before that Fantastic Mr. Fox (Roald Dahl) and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Rick Riordan).

I am thrilled to have the attention drawn to children’s literature and the aftermath of attention that is drawn to the books is awesome! If I had one wish come true it is that I could convince families to read the books BEFORE they see the movies. I love reading the words that help me sculpt the characters in my mind. On the rare occasion when I have seen the movie first it has always colored my mind as to the sights and sounds that have otherwise been part of my imagination. Once I see and hear the actor in the role, it is their face and voice I associate with the character and no longer my own vision. I am seldom disappointed in the book, especially because it is written as the author intended, but am often disappointed in a movie because the producer’s interpretation strays from the original text and the characterization doesn’t meet my expectations.

In this vein, I am thrilled to hear that one of Beverly Cleary’s classics is coming to the screen later this summer. Beezus and Ramona, a cute story about the trials and tribulations of being an older/younger sister is due out July 23. And in December, C. S. Lewis’ Voyage of the Dawn Treader will hit the screen.  I’m giving you fair warning so that you’ll put these on your summer reading lists. Both books are part of a series so you’ll have plenty to keep you reading this summer!