Family movie nights are a special treat in our household, and it is such a glorious thing when they can include a story we have read together! When it comes to literature, the Spring season is a great time for stories of fairies, talking rabbits, windy weather, and immortal water. The following Family Read Alouds don’t disappoint in those areas.
It is a well known saying: “The book is better than the movie”, and while I’m not sure that’s always true, I am certain reading the book before the movie is of great importance! When a book is read first, the child’s imagination creates the characters, the setting, and the intensity of the story. It also challenges them to comprehend the story on different levels. In contrast, when a child sees the movie or visuals first, it can impede their wonderful creative imaginations, and also be a crutch for comprehension.
If you know where to look, you can find education in everything. Reading a story first, then watching the movie, is one of my favorite ways to teach the skill of comparing and contrasting. It is also a wonderful tool for checking comprehension, as well as understanding theme and theory. While I believe it is incredibly important to be discerning about the movies being shown, there are still many ways to use the combination of books and movies to teach Language Arts and Creative Arts fundamentals.
We have created a download for the Language Arts skill of comparing and contrasting. It is a great way to expand on what your student(s) have gathered from the book and movie versions of the stories.
This download is free to members.
Following are our favorite Spring Family Read Aloud books with movie night options! Enjoy!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Saint P
Best For: Sprouts, Buds, Blooms
Peter & Wendy

Originally titled Peter and Wendy, this story is now widely known as Peter Pan. As a renowned children’s classic, it is famous the world over, and has been used to inspire various stories, movies and plays.
You’ve likely heard this story, or at least the names Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. But if you’ve never read the book, you are in for a treat!
Best For: Buds, Blooms
My Side of the Mountain

Originally titled Peter and Wendy, this story is now widely known as Peter Pan. As a renowned children’s classic, it is famous the world over, and has been used to inspire various stories, movies and plays.
You’ve likely heard this story, or at least the names Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. But if you’ve never read the book, you are in for a treat!
Best For: Buds, Blooms
Tuck Everlasting

A childhood favorite, this book has been beloved in my home for nearly 40 years now. I also jumped at the chance to teach it when I was a public school teacher.
The themes in this story are deep and thought provoking. An absolutely wonderful book to read and discuss as a family.
Best For: Sprouts, Buds, Blooms




