I'm a true book lover, so when I see one made into a film, I always hope for the best. In the classroom, short films can be extremely useful for many reasons, but mostly because they grab kids' attention and are helpful for visual learners. Here you'll find 20 short films that are either screen adaptations or based on some amazing children's books.
1. The Prince and the Pauper
Disney has a way of making films that are loved for generations and this one definitely hits the mark. The tale of The Prince and the Pauper has been told over and over again, in so many different versions, that it is an amazing tale to compare to a movie.
Learn More: Cartoons world
2. The Gruffalo
Is it real or not? A scared mouse thinks it is and they tell all the animals that want to eat it what the Gruffalo looks like. Wait for the twist at the end too! The original picture book was written by a British author and later adapted to film.
Learn More: Amazon
3. Hair Love
This beautiful picture book turned into a short film, is definitely a tear-jerker. A little girl tries to follow a hair vlog and it goes horribly. She gets some help from dad before they go to get mom from the hospital. If you have a child whose parent has cancer, then this film is a must for them.
Learn More: Sony Pictures Animation
4. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
The wolf finally gets to tell his side of the story in this tale. Everyone has always thought of him as the villain, but he really tries his best to convince us otherwise. He has an explanation for "trying to blow down" the pigs' houses, each plausible, but also hard to believe. Get ready for some laughs too.
Learn More: Kidz Digital
5. The Snowman
This is an older story and film but still delivers the message that in time, all things will die. While it's a sad tale, it is told in a way that makes it more relatable for kids.
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6. The Short Story of a Fox and a Mouse
A new take on the classic fable, this animated film shows how a fox hunting a mouse turns into the fox protecting the mouse from 2 owls. This is a fabulous children's story and movie.
Learn More: Amazon
7. The Hybrid Union
This short film is based on The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and shows how people have different needs, but sometimes have to work together to survive. It shares the same theme as the book and is under 5 minutes long, making it perfect for use in school.
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8. The Ant and the Grasshopper
The film adaptation of Aesop's Fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper is about a grasshopper who plays the summer away, while the ant gathers food for the winter and the grasshopper ends up hungry. Kids will learn to use their time wisely from this tale.
Learn More: Animaza Studios
9. The Fantastic Flying Book of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Morris Lessmore loves his books, so when they start to blow away, he's obviously upset. He ends up finding a library and a woman, who is blowing around like him and things end well for everyone. This fabulous children's story will be loved by all who see it!
Learn More: Moura Lacerda
10. The Wrong Rock
A mushroom thinks he's born on the wrong rock, so he goes off to look for others that look like him. He discovers that not everyone looks the same, but can live together anyway. Such a cute tale of accepting others for who they are, even when they look different from us.
Learn More: HEROmation
11. The Tortoise and the Hare
This classic is told in a short 4-minute video. It is narrated, rather than the characters speaking for themselves and the moral is stated at the end. Even though it is sweet and simple, it's still a great film to go along with the fable.
Learn More: Animaza Studios
12. Lost and Found
A young boy tries to help a lost penguin get home. Once they get to the South Pole, he finds out that the penguin just needed a friend. There is such cute animation in this film and kids will love it.
Learn More: Iustinn
13. Mickey and Minnie's The Gift of the Magi
O' Henry's tale is told in true Disney form. Mickey sells his prized harmonica to get Minnie a necklace for her watch, which she sells to get him a harmonica case. The film version is found in Once Upon a Christmas.
Learn More: Amazon
14. The Giving Tree
Based on Shel Silverstein's book, this short film shows how one can give love to another, you can't expect the same in return. It is narrated by the acclaimed writer as well.
Learn More: TalesFromTheNegative
15. Humpty Dumpty
This super short (1 minute) film, shows the classic childhood nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty. My son had a school assignment in pre-k where he had to come up with a reason why Humpty Dumpty fell and it turned out to be very intuitive.
Learn More: Amazon
16. Room on the Broom
When a witch loses her wand and broom, she's relieved when they are found and returned. All she needs to do is give a broom ride to get her things back and the new friends end up being even more helpful than she first thought. This fabulous children's book and the film will leave you with warm and fuzzies.
Learn More: Amazon
17. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Narrated by Meryl Streep, this fabulous children's story shows a boy who wants to learn more and more about the world. He's constantly reading and exploring, with the support of his parents, in this heartwarming film.
Learn More: Apple TV
18. The Lost Thing
While searching on the beach, a man discovers something and wants to help it get home. This wonderful book comes to life in this film and shows you how some people miss things when going about their daily life.
Learn More: Amazon
19. Little Miss Muffet
The classic children's fairy tale turned into a film! This version is sweet, as Miss Muffet and the spider become friends and play together. It's made with animated felt, which also adds to the fantastical experience.
Learn More: Amazon
20. Peter and the Wolf
This captivating story is told beautifully in this Oscar-winning film. While it is depicted as little boys overcoming their fears, it tells the original story in a new and exciting way and can be used as an opportunity to compare and contrast or discuss how society has changed over the years.
Learn More: Amazon
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