
10 kids’ books that were made into wintertime movies
December 19, 2024
Volunteer coordinator, Reading Partners Colorado
As the temperatures continue to drop and schools close their doors for the winter, families may be looking for ways to keep kids engaged in their reading journeys. While watching movies isn’t an obvious literary exercise, it does encourage reading for fun, especially when the story on screen is based on a wintertime book they’ve already read.
Reading a book and comparing it to the film adaptation can be a great way to continue building comprehension skills. You can ask questions about the differences between versions, such as “Did parts of the plot change?” or “Is there anything significant that was in the book and isn’t in the film?” These questions can turn into fun conversations and learning opportunities.
Here are some of our favorite stories-turned-movies that you can enjoy with your young readers this winter, ideally with a mug of hot cocoa and the coziest blanket you can find.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Believe it or not, Tom Hanks did not always run The Polar Express. Published in 1985, the original book was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg.
The illustrations in this one are timeless and so underrated. I might be biased when I say the book is usually better than the movie, however, this is especially true with The Polar Express.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol in 1843. Over a century later, we would eventually get the film adaptation that this holiday classic deserved.
I am sure that Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as Bob and Emily Cratchit were exactly what Dickens envisioned when he authored this tale about the true meaning of Christmas.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack
Keats
This one is a “teachers’ pick” and brings back some vibrant and wholesome memories with Peter’s little red snowsuit, a peak winter fashion moment.
The Snowy Day was published in 1962 and made into an animated film only two years later. A more recent adaptation was released on Amazon Prime in 2016 and made its Disney Channel debut in 2020.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
While this fan favorite is known for taking us through a journey of the whole academic year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, most readers associate the series with the snowy season. Maybe it’s because many of the films were released on Thanksgiving, or the unforgettable, over-the-top decorations in the Great Hall. Either way, it’s no secret that these movie marathons have become a tradition in many households during winter breaks.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
There’s no denying this is a story about a snowy season. Narnia is quite literally in a perpetual state of winter, thanks to the White Witch.
“Fantastic creatures, heroic deeds, epic battles in the war between good and evil, and unforgettable adventures come together in this world where magic meets reality, which has been enchanting readers of all ages for over sixty years.”
Eloise at Christmastime by Kay Thompson
Who is the little girl that lives at the Plaza? “I’m Eloise, and I’m 6!” This sound went viral on TikTok for a good reason.
A list of kids’ winter books turned movies wouldn’t be complete without Eloise and she probably would have scribbled her own name onto this list if we hadn’t.
Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
There’s some debate around whether or not this one is a winter season story.
Some would say that this story is set in the fall, and that’s a reasonable assumption.
I’d like to argue that the quest begins in December, which is also when the film was released, so it does deserve its place on a winter movie list.
Ice Princess by Hadley Davis and Suzanne Weyn
This 2005 Disney film about Casey, a STEM student who uses her physics skills to become a champion figure skater, is not based on a book.
Hear me out, though, there is a book that was published along with the movie. This story is too good to exclude from our winter books, so take a look!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
When most movie fans think of the Grinch, they think of Jim Carrey’s iconic performance in the 2000 film.
Dr. Seuss’ original was published long before that, though, in 1957. With its classic clever rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this is a winter break must-read.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman
The Nutcracker is the oldest book on our list, originally titled “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” in 1816 (I prefer the Maurice Sendak version, though). Eventually, in 1892, Tchaikovsky composed the ballet music that went along with it. The Nutcracker was transported to Barbie World 109 years later. There are several film adaptations of this story, much like A Christmas Carol, but I think Barbie is the best one.