Frankie Muniz My Dog Skip

So everyone has made plans to take their young’uns see “Where The Wild Things Are,” the film based on the classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak? The book is a staple in libraries for young people and is now a film director Spike Jonze.

Why, then, a look at the best movies based on children’s books? (To obtain this list, which considers only live action movies, not cartoons.)

Undoubtedly, most children’s films I’ve seen were when I was a kid, and then when my children were children. This leaves several blocks of time that I was not finding such deals in the movies. (I must also confess that I never read or seen “Where the Red Fern Grows”, which I am sure is high on the list of many.)

In addition, there have been some excellent books – such as “Charlotte’s Web and” The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe “- which have been justly honored for its quality. But I thought the movies were average. And do not expect to find either version of “Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” because I’m in the minority who are impressed with the two versions. (But fear not fans of Dahl, the author is represented in the list.)

So let’s get to my favorite films based on children’s books. When finished, please leave your suggestions. Thanks:

10. Harriet the Spy (1996), Louise Fitzhugh: A young woman has a habit of writing things down in a notebook. When you lose, and is discovered by her classmates, who wrote some hurtful things become public. Michele Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl, “” Buffy the Vampire Slayer “) plays in major role.

6. My Dog Skip (2000), Willie Morris, a shy boy (superbly played by Frankie Muniz of “Malcolm in the Middle”) is his only friend in a dog, and the two set out in great adventures. The film also features strong performances Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. Do not forget to bring your handkerchief!