Dr Seuss’ books helped bring up many children and are loved by hundreds of thousands of people, all over the world. So it makes sense to transform them from page to screen, right? That’s exactly what’s about to happen again, as THE LORAX is now showing on a big screen near you! In celebration of the Danny De Vito-voiced film, THN have compiled a top 10 list of kids books that should be converted to the silver screen. Enjoy!
10. Flat Stanley, written by Jeff Brown
Stanley Lambchop, our main character, goes to sleep one night, expecting to wake up the next day as normal. However, during the night a bulletin board falls on top of him and he’s squished flat. Being as thin as a piece of paper has its advantages, as at one point he’s sent off in the mail, while in another story his brother uses him as a kite!
If it were adapted as a film… Stanley would use his ‘flatness’ as a super power and – like THE INCREDIBLES’ Elastigirl – fight crime. From litterbugs to kids that hog the swings too long, Flat Stanley would come to the rescue of the sweet and innocent.
9. Six Dinners Sid, written by Inga Moore
Like many cats, Sid is very sneaky. By pretending to be homeless, he manages to squeeze in six meals a day from six different houses. That is, until he is found out!
If it were adapted as a film… Martin Scorsese would direct, as Sid is transformed into Slick Sid, dinner-stealer and charmer extraordinaire! Sid has to outrun a gang of vicious tom cats, as it’s discovered he’s deceiving The Humans for food that is left for them. Will he make it out of the alleyway alive?
8. Room On The Broom, written by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
One windy day, The Witch and her cat are swept into a mini vortex, until her hat, wand and bow are blown away. The next day a bird, dog and frog find the missing items. In return, they want a ride on The Witch’s broom. Everything’s fine until her new friends snap her only form of transportation in half. Following that, they wonder into the lair of a hungry dragon.
If it were adapted as a film… Imagine HARRY POTTER but with talking animals. The Witch and her new friends have to fight extreme natural forces, long walks and giant, angry, fire-breathing reptiles. A huge Halloween hit!
7. Mummy Laid An Egg! written by Babette Cole
Teaching young children the basics of baby-making (because, apparently, a 5-year-old needs to know this), two young kiddies ask their parents how they were made. Hilarity ensues when the parents try to avoid the truth and end up telling their impressionable children they came from giant eggs.
If it were adapted as a film… A mix of AMERICAN PIE and KNOCKED UP – but for kids! The children would keep badgering their parents until, one fateful evening, they walk in on them, ‘dancing’.
6. Captain Underpants, written by Dav Pilkey
When two school boys hypnotise their teacher, they accidentally create Captain Underpants. With his atomic wedgie power and love of crisp, white undies, Captain Underpants is every young boys’ best friend.
If it were adapted as a film… Think of any recent, massively successful super hero movie (AVENGERS ASSEMBLE?) and Captain Underpants would go something like that. Fighting injustice in the playground, flirting with Thelma Thong (think along the lines of Catwoman) and generally being rather cool, Captain Underpants is everything a kid wants to be: half naked, but wearing a cape.
5. Spot The Dog, written by Eric Hill
Made up of more than 14 books, Spot’s had one heck of a life for a dog. Between going to the park, visiting his grandparents and playing with a marching band, we’re surprised Spot hasn’t kicked the bucket yet.
If it were adapted as a film… Part live-action, part animation, Spot’s Epic Life would be played out from his birth to timely death (SPOILER ALERT: kind of like MARLEY AND ME).
4. The Tiger Who Came To Tea, written by Judith Kerr
While indulging in some afternoon tea, Sophie and her mother are joined by a tiger, who eats everything in sight and then leaves. The next day, Sophie’s dad suggests they go out for dinner to encourage the tiger to return. When he doesn’t turn up, Sophie becomes depressed. Even after her mother buys a tin of tiger food (look close enough and every Sainsbury’s sells it), he still doesn’t return. The end.
If it were adapted as a film… Something quite ‘indie’, with lots of shots of the characters’ unhappy faces. Sounds depressing, doesn’t it? However, imagine the tiger scene from THE HANGOVER when their furry friend arrives in the kitchen.
3. The Twits, written by Roald Dahl
Although it’s been reported The Twits is going to be directed by Conrad Vernon, this was so popular we’ve stuck it in here anyway. Mr and Mrs Twit spend their whole lives playing tricks on each other, torturing animals, abusing children and avoiding showers. However, when the animals get their revenge, the couple becomes helpless.
If it were adapted as a film… Think along the lines of HOSTEL – The Twits keep a dungeon full of children and animals, and torture them much like we see in the film. That is until the Roly-Poly Bird breaks into the house and rescues everyone. The victims then torture the adults – but much, much worse.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by Eric Carle
The story starts with a simple egg, which cracks and reveals a very hungry caterpillar. Our character eats his way through the book (literally) until he can’t move. After forming a cocoon, he transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Awww!
If it were adapted as a film… Our little hero would have to fight off giant wasps, starving birds and angry humans to get to the food he needs. Imagine something like ANTZ and A BUG’S LIFE. An epic family-friendly adventure.
1. The Large Family, written by Jill Murphy
This family of six, large elephants struggle to keep things together but all that matters is that they love each other, right? The stories follow the family through dieting, romance, trying to find some peace and homework – normal family life (if you’re an elephant, apparently).
If it were adapted as a film… This could go two ways. You could try creating it with six real-life elephants, but I doubt you’ll get clothes to fit them. Or you could try it with people instead – that sounds much more sensible! Think CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, with John Goodman as the father and Melissa McCarthy as his wife? Two comic geniuses bringing up a family. I’d pay to see it!
THE LORAX is in UK cinemas now.
