Two Children’s Book Classics Will Be Out On Video This Week
Adults aren’t the only ones who eagerly await movie versions of their favorite bestsellers. Even preschoolers can supplement their reading pleasures with moving pictures.
On Friday, two kiddie classics become available on video: “Sweet Dreams Spot and Other Delightful Stories” by Eric Hill and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories” by Eric Carle.
After 50 books and 15 years, Hill knows why his “Spot” books, with their peek-a-boo design, remain a favorite among children and parents. “It’s the simplicity, the sweetness, the nice nature” of the stories, says the father of two from his home outside San Luis Obispo, Calif. The books started in 1980 as entertainment for his son, then 2 years old. Hill’s “Spot” books have been translated into 62 languages.
The British-born Hill acknowledges it “took quite a long time to get my approval” to turn his stories into videos, but he is pleased with Disney’s screen adaptations. “I wasn’t sure if the simplicity of the story and illustrations could be captured in the best possible way.” But as produced, he thinks the stories work.
The fifth and latest installment in the “Spot” series for Disney continues the adventures of a small, mischievous puppy.
“Caterpillar” author Carle reflects on the success of his more than three-dozen children’s books from his Boston home. The author says he always comes to a similar conclusion about his books, which focus on bugs and animals.
“I see it as a metaphor for childhood,” the father of two grown children says, citing “Caterpillar” as a prime example. The book lets children count along as a ravenous little caterpillar eats his way into a surprise transformation.
“Caterpillar’s” activity booklet features an interview with Dr. Dorothy Rich (author of “Megaskills”) about teaching teamwork at home. For the kiddies, there are activities designed to help them think about numbers, shapes, colors, nature and more.
Both authors agree that they’d rather have children read their books first and then look toward the videos as supplemental.
“The videos just bring the stories to life so wonderfully,” Carle says happily.