Over the past few years, audiences have been seeing some classic children’s stories brought to life on screen or re-made for the next generation of audiences – everything from Paddington Bear to Pinocchio. We’ve seen so many beloved stories turn into spectacles on the big screen, allowing us to see childhood characters we adored come to life.

And while many children will still recognize these classics, they aren’t always the stories that newer generations are now growing up with. There is no shortage of brilliant children’s books being used in classrooms or for bedtime stories, and these fun modern tales deserve a chance to be seen on screen too.

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Julia’s House for Lost Creatures is a Charming Monster Story

     Macmillan Publishing

This delightful picture book trilogy centers around a lonely girl in her big house, making it a welcoming home for wayward monsters and creatures. This book is chock-full of funky and friendly creatures that try their best to help around the house and are thrilled when Julia’s home turns out to be resting on the shell of a giant turtle that begins to make its way towards new adventures.

The story is written and designed by Ben Hatke, who has a unique style of art that can be recognized through all of his published kids’ books. It’s whimsical and captivating and creates special critters everyone is sure to love. His art is the perfect blueprint for an animated children’s film, inspiring a similar feel to movies such as The Secret of Kells or those by Studio Ghibli. It would be a beautiful opportunity for animators to create fun new creatures and bring to life a charming story about a girl and her wayward monsters.

The Graveyard Book Would Bring to Life Another Neil Gaiman Classic

     Harper Collins

Then there’s an often forgotten classic by Neil Gaiman, a spooky story about a baby who was meant to be killed alongside his parents but ends up in a graveyard where the ghosts and ghouls raise him as their own. It’s a story with a somewhat haunting premise that reveals itself as a tale about found family, identity, and courage. There were murmurings a few years ago of a movie being produced, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

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This book could lend itself to either an animation or live-action film, as there aren’t many illustrations throughout this chapter book, leaving more creative freedom for the production company. It could follow in the footsteps of Coraline, one of the scariest animated films, or it could follow the examples of haunting live-action set by Guillermo del Toro. Either way, the story could be brought to life in a stunning and memorable style sure to please and spook audiences of all ages.

Pirate Stew Would Allow for a Unique Movie Experience

     Harper Collins (US)

A more recent publication by Neil Gaiman is this picture book about two kids whose babysitter is a round old pirate who brings along his troublesome crew, and they make a cauldron of stew that can turn other people into pirates. The book has a fun art style and premise that could lend itself to all sorts of cinematic animation – anything from Treasure Island to Loving Vincent.

The book is also written in rhyme, allowing for a film adaptation to have a musical element. After all, who doesn’t love a good pirate shanty? This story could become an adaptation reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’ funky tales or a hilariously hectic Disney/Pixar film. The book has lots of versatility, creating opportunities for a unique movie-going experience.

Julian Is a Mermaid Would Leave Kids Feeling Empowered

     Candlewick Press

Then there’s this heartfelt story by Jessica Love about a young Latino boy who wants to dress up as a mermaid to participate in a parade. It follows Julian and his Abuela, who supports him and loves him as he is, encouraging him to dress feminine and be a mermaid if that’s what he wants to be. This is a beautiful story with themes of diversity and inclusivity and has the makings of being a modern classic.

There have been a lot of Latin stories being brought to life on screen in an animation style inspired by their cultures, and Julian is a Mermaid would be a perfect addition to that list. This gorgeous watercolor book is a story that every child needs to see – a story of acceptance, love, and beauty that deserves to be brought to life on the big screen. It’s incredibly memorable visually and thematically and will surely leave kids feeling empowered while their parents are holding back heartfelt tears.

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While these books might look different from the fairytales and classics we’re used to being adapted, that doesn’t mean they don’t merit their own chance. The younger generations deserve to see stories that they know and recognize not as something their parents or grandparents grew up with but something unique to their generations.

Seeing their favourite characters and books brought to life would inspire them to keep reading and enjoying these books and inspire them to accept the messages that these stories teach them.