Read Before You Stream:
Kids’ Books With New TV and Movie Adaptations
by Melissa Taylor
Kids love to watch movies and tv shows, so why not motivate more reading with book choices that have stream-able adaptations? Many great children’s books have been adapted as movies or television series, just take your pick from the list below!
After the kids in your life have read the book and watched the adaptation, discuss which version your children liked best and why. What details would you have included or left out of the movie or television series? These questions will keep kids engaged and remind them that some of the best on-screen ideas come from books! Happy reading and streaming!
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Picture Books
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Let's Go, Team! (Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go)
Available from:Little train enthusiasts have always loved Thomas the Tank Engine and his wholesome adventures. With the new series, Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go™, on Netflix, it’s the perfect time to read this Little Golden Book featuring the beloved engine. Children will also enjoy similar titles like The Cake Chase and Thomas and Bruno.
Watch Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go™ on Netflix and Cartoon Network.
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Disney Junior Ariel: A Magical Mess
Available from:Kids who watch the Disney Junior Ariel television series will love curling up with this picture book based on the show. Ariel uses magic to clean her room, with disastrous results! If your child likes this book, check out the other titles in the series, including The Endless Sleepover and Cuttlebaby Sitter.
Watch Disney Junior Ariel on Disney Junior.
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Disney Snow White
Preorder from:Introduce your child to the magical story of Snow White before the live-action movie comes to theaters. Kids will love this Little Golden Book that tells the story of a princess, a prince, and an evil stepmother consumed by jealousy.
Catch Snow White in theaters March 21, 2025!
(On sale: 3/25/2025)
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I Lost My Tooth! - An Unlimited Squirrels Book
Available from:Mo Willems's books teach preschool and early elementary concepts through humor, and the new television show based on his Unlimited Squirrels series will do the same. Young children will giggle as a group of silly squirrels learn science, facts, and life lessons served up with jokes and songs.
Watch Unlimited Squirrels on Cartoon Network in the fall of 2025!
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The Cat in the Hat
Available from:If your child loves Dr. Seuss, you’re in luck! A new animated film featuring the mischievous Cat in the Hat is heading to theaters in 2026. This story about a cat visiting two siblings while their mother is away has been a fan favorite for generations.
Watch The Cat in the Hat in theaters March 2026!
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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A Minecraft Movie The Junior Novelization
Preorder from:Kids can relive every exciting moment of The Minecraft Movie when they read this junior novelization. The book is perfect for kids ages 7-10 and even includes a full-color insert.
Catch A Minecraft Movie in theaters April 2025!
(On sale: 4/8/2025)
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The Twits
Available from:One of Roald Dahl’s quirkiest and funniest novels is getting a movie adaptation in 2025! Before the movie hits Netflix, read it with your kid or have them read it independently. Readers of all ages will appreciate the silly, stinky, laugh-out-loud story.
Watch The Twits on Netflix in June 2025.
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Unicorn Academy Series
Available from:Magic, unicorns, and friendship make this series a must-read for kids ages 8-12. It’s about a magical school for girls where the students bond with unicorns and go on adventures. Young readers who enjoy the books will also want to watch the Netflix series.
Watch Unicorn Academy on Netflix.
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Max and the Midknights
Available from:If your kid hasn’t discovered Max and the Midnknights yet, now is an excellent time to introduce them to it. This series is about a young girl who wants to become a knight and must prove herself by rescuing her uncle from the clutches of an evil king. This New York Times bestselling series is now an Emmy-nominated animated television show.
Watch Max and the Midnights on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.