Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Best Children's Books Adapted for the Screen

by Amy Mumper

May 26, 2009

As you know, I'm a HUGE booklover!  And, my mantra regarding movies made from books is simply, "The books are always better!"  The character development and subtle subplots are rarely recognizable in the screenplay adaptation, if they are there at all. 

But, when it comes to children's books, there are some books that come out on top.  It's as if moviemakers feel for us as parents and do their darnedest to maintain the integrity of the book for the film.

May I simply suggest a guideline?  Allow your child to fully enjoy the literature BEFORE seeing the movie.  Film is so entrancing and can bring visuals to a book like nothing else.  Wouldn't you agree, though, that visualizing a book - its characters and scenery in all their glory - in your mind truly complements imagination and is ESSENTIAL to reading comprehension?  Read the book aloud together first, using the movie as an incentive, if you need to.  Compare the book to the movie when you see it, talking about similarities and differences and what aspects were better in each medium.  Ok, ok.  Dismount from the soapbox.  Here's my list:

5.   Nim's Island: Wow! The movie was amazing. Good family fun.

4.   Harry Potter: My daughter and I just recently began the mesmerizing series and have finished book one and seen the movie. STUNNING!!! A great job bringing the book to life and keeping the integrity of the book. I hope the rest are as good!

3.  Jumanji:  Actually, a simple story book by Chris Van Allsburg, made into big time action movie with Robin Williams... two of my favorites.  If you enjoy it, the sequel, Zathura is an equally intriguing book, hopefully the movie is as well.

2.  Charlotte's Web:  A timeless classic in print and this movie is rated G.  What a relief.

1.  The Wizard of Oz:  Yes, it is a book.  And wouldn't you know it?  This is the exception to my rule:  I think the movie is better, actually.  But, at least get the book from the library and have it lying around.  It's the principle of the things.  Thanks.

Movie night: No Sitter Required!

by Amy Mumper

May 25, 2009

Ah, date night.  Sounds like a luxury of days gone by, doesn't it?  It doesn't have to be, if you can follow some ground rules and get creative about where to get your movies.  You can do it with no sitter and your tv set.  Here's how:

First, agree to turn off all accessories:  the computer, the laptop, the phone, the monitors (if you're really brave and no one is sick!)  Don't worry about the laundry or how much the things on and around your tv need to be dusted and/or thoroughly cleaned.

Next, pick out your favorite snacks and comfy clothes.  Oh, another rule:  this is about fun and relaxation (and whatever else you make it) but don't make it about fat and calories. 

Finally, pick your movie.  Probably easier said than done, but what about taking turns picking something out, or better yet - settle in for two movies?  My newest discovery is redbox at my local biggs.  (I'm sure they're in other grocery stores, too, but I'm pretty loyal to biggs.  Anyway...)  It's only a dollar!  I thought for sure they wouldn't have the newest releases, but they do!  (Found this out while prepping for my Oscar night with the Movie Club!)  Awesome.  One dollar. Can't be beat.

There's always your On Demand channels on your local cable.  They run about $3.99 with some classics as low as $1.49.  That's probably easier than getting out to the movie rental store with the Littles, don't you think?  I'm not familiar with satellite cable, but surely they have an On Demand equivalent?  (Satellite lovers, fill us in!)

I have lots of friends who do Netflix.  I think it's $8.99 a month for all the DVDs your can order.  They come to your door.  Sounds good, doesn't it?  Not to mention, your "queue" where you get to contemplate your movie choices before they come and plan movie nights waaay in advance!

There you have it.  You can do it.  Have fun!

Movies, Maybe?

by Amy Mumper

March 19, 2009

I'm lovin' National Amusements right about now.  They seem to know that we moms need some time out to just chill.  Here are a couple of ideas:

1. First, try National Amusements for "Nick Jr. at the movies", starring Dora, Backyardigans and more.  What a great way to introduce your child to the movie experience!  It's every Thursday and Saturday mornings, just $6. 
2. Offered by National Amusements as well...  "Kidtoons" serves up G rated movies fro kids every Sunday and Tuesday at 10am for just $3.50 at the Springdale cinema de lux.

Also in on the movie action is "Omnimax" films at the Cincinnati Museum Center.  This is an amazing experience and well worth it!

As another option altogether, try the Wizard of Oz by the Frisch Marionettes at the Sharonville Community Center at 7pm Saturday.

Whatever you choose, how about letting us know?  What's worth taking time to do in the tristate?  Let us hear from you!