It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Working at the library has exposed us to many wonderful Christmas books over the years. We asked the library staff to recommend their favorites.

PICTURE BOOKS

Eloise, Cindy, Diane M., April, Tammra and Yara

recommend:

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey has been a favorite at Pleasant Grove Library for years. It is a simple and heartwarming story. Jonathan is lonely man mourning the loss of his wife and child. The pain of this loss makes it difficult for Jonathan to open up to others. Though many respect his talent as a wood carver, he is mistakenly judged as a miserable and mean spirited person. His life begins to change when a local widow orders a new manger scene and requests that her son watch Jonathan at work since the child hopes to be a woodcarver one day. The boy's simple goodness as well as the magic of the Christmas story begin to have an effect on Jonathan and he is eventually able to accept the love that the mother and her son wish to offer him. 

Diane M., Valerie, Tammra and Yara

recommend:

This book was written by Linda Bethers, one of our own librarians. It retells the classic story of the "Christmas Oranges," in which a young orphan girl named Rose discovers the spirit of generosity that lies at the heart of the holiday. When Rose is eight years old, an epidemic forces the closing of her beloved Greenwoods Orphanage, and she is shipped to Irongates, an austere, loveless institution run with Dickensian cruelty. Headmaster Crampton punishes Rose severely for a tiny infraction, decreeing that she miss the special treat of an orange on Christmas morning. How the other children circumvent his instructions to safeguard a glorious Christmas for Rose is the sweet message of this story, which is beautifully illustrated by Ben Sowards.



April, Kim, Yara and Tammra

recommend:

Three trees growing on a hilltop dream of grand futures, but when they're claimed by woodcutters, other things happen. One becomes a manger that holds the Christ child, another a humble fishing boat that carries Jesus and his followers, and the third is cut into stout timbers that become Jesus' cross. A traditional folktale about the power of God's love to transform and renew.

Tammra recommends:



On a wintry night two children and an adult walk outdoors and reflect on the contrast between the snowy scene that greets them and the balmy serenity in Jerusalem when Jesus was born: "There was no snow on Christmas Eve . . . no snow on Christmas Day. Instead a desert zephyr blew and palm fronds sang a rustling tune to welcome the awaited birth." 



    Linda Bethers recommends:

This is a sweet story about a family's Christmas tradition. Every year, they troop out into the forest to decorate their night tree, a living pine Christmas tree. The night tree is festooned with edible decorations. After the family enjoys the magic of the decorated tree, they depart, knowing that the friendly critters who inhabit the woods will enjoy the decorations as a Christmas time snack.

Tammra recommends:

This book tells the story of a little tree that wants to be chosen by the Queen. The tree wants more than anything to grow up to be perfect and tall and straight so that when the Queen's soldiers choose a Christmas tree, it can stand in the castle. Over the years the tree sacrifices itself to provide shelter for animals and as it does, it becomes a little less perfect looking. In the end, the Queen sees the true beauty of the tree that has given itself to others. The story is beautifully told and the pictures are exquisite.

Tammra recommends:

This is such a fun classic to be read over and over again.

April recommends:

It’s not just the Grinch who gets grumpy around Christmastime. Sometimes even the man in the red suit gets out of bed on the wrong side. In this light-hearted tale of woe, Santa stubs his toe on a bowling ball, has to wear his itchy wool suit when the elves shrink his other one in the dryer, and gets stuck in the first chimney he tries. That "bowl full of jelly" belly has apparently gotten out of hand (as a blue-eyeshadowed Mrs. Claus tries to tell him at breakfast). Of course, when you consider that even the Grinch has a change of heart eventually, you just know Santa will come through this crabby mood at some point. 

Tammra recommends:

During the seven days before Christmas, Ann Estelle engages in fun activities like baking cookies and going ice-skating. Most importantly, she continues to add items to the wish list that she has been keeping since last year. On Christmas day, she finally realizes that it's the fun she has had with family and friends, and not the presents, that is the most important part of the holiday.

Carolyn recommends:

It tells of a small angel who simply can't get with the program no matter how hard he tries until an understanding elder realizes that he is homesick and is able to retrieve a box of his most treasured possessions from "back home." When it comes time for Jesus to be born on Earth, the Littlest Angel gives his precious box to the Baby, but he is worried that God will think his gift too humble. However, God is pleased indeed, and transforms the box into the Star of Bethlehem.

Tammra recommends:

Pearl S. Buck has captured the spirit of Christmas in this elegant, heartwarming story about a boy's gift of love.

Katelyn recommends:

Late one Christmas Eve after the town has gone to sleep, the boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him: The Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives, Santa offers the boy any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the harness of a reindeer. The gift is granted. On the way home the bell is lost. On Christmas morning the boy finds the bell under the tree. The mother of the boy admires the bell, but laments that it is broken for you see, only believers can hear the sound of the bell.

Tammra recommends:

Amy Krouse Rosenthal's timeless morsels of wisdom paired with Jane Dyer's cozy illustrations are as irresistible as the aroma of cookies fresh from the oven. Go ahead, take another bite!

  Katelyn recommends:

This sentimental classic--perfect for any child who's ever thought that maybe, just maybe, his or her toys have feelings--has been charming children since its first publication in 1922. 

Diane W. recommends:

When Mr. and Mrs. Bear find that their extra-big Christmas tree won't fit in their house, they cut off the top half and share it with Mr. Fox and his son saying, "We took our tree and made it two. One half for us, one half for you." The Foxes love their new tree, but then they remember Old Rabbit, who lives alone. So the Foxes give half of their tree to Old Rabbit. And in turn, Old Rabbit gives part of his tree to a mouse family.

Diane K. recommends:

Diane remembers reading this story in a magazine when she was younger. She instantly memorized it and would recite it to entertain her brothers and sisters. It has remained a favorite over the years.

Valerie recommends:

Penny Paisley and her family have a special Christmas tradition. All year long they collect their loose change and drop it in a glass jar on the kitchen counter. Then, each December, Penny and her family make their most exciting decision of the year: Who will receive the Paisley Family Christmas Jar? This year, Penny gets to choose what to do with the jar, and she has something special in mind. Instead of just giving our jar to only one person or one family, what if we gave it to the entire neighborhood? said Penny. We could use the Christmas jar money to have the biggest and best party anyone has ever been to. No one will ever forget it! To earn money for the Christmas Jar, Penny sets up a hot chocolate stand in front of her house. Mr. Charlie, the kind elderly man across the street, is her best customer. He even helps her make invitations for the party. But when Mr. Charlie becomes ill, Penny sets a new plan in motion and gets the whole neighborhood involved. Yes, this will be a Christmas and a party that no one will ever forget! Children will not only learn about compassion and service but, most important, they ll see that no matter what your age, you can make a difference in the life of someone else.

ADULT FICTION, SHORT STORY AND CHAPTER BOOKS

Diane M. recommends:

First published in 1956, this much sought-after autobiographical recollection of Truman Capote's rural Alabama boyhood has become a modern-day classic. Seven-year-old Buddy inaugurates the Christmas season by crying out to his cousin, Miss Sook Falk: "It's fruitcake weather!" Thus begins an unforgettable portrait of an odd but enduring friendship between two innocent souls—one young and one old—and the memories they share of beloved holiday rituals. 

Eloise, Tammra and Diane M.

recommend:



Eloise: "Why the Chimes Rang" by Raymond MacDonald Alden is also a tradition in our family.  We were introduced to this story at a Primary meeting when we lived in Fresno and were expecting our third baby at Christmastime in 1982.  Having a baby at this time of year is wonderful and brings tender feelings, especially about Mary on the donkey and in the stable, to the surface. (Celebrating the birthday every year after is really difficult, though!)  I love this story because it illustrates that seemingly small gifts, given with the attitude of consecration, are the most meaningful.  



Ronnie and April recommend:

 This is a tender story of a young Appalachian boy, born mute, who speaks for the first time ever to a young couple and their newborn baby, who have taken refuge from a blizzard in a nearby church.



Valerie recommends:

The story relates how a young couple, Richard (who narrates) and Keri, accept a position to care for a lonely widow, Mary Parkin, in her spacious Victorian mansion. As Christmas draws near, Mary becomes anxious about Richard's obsession with success and his failure to make time for his family. She urges him to reconsider his priorities, but he is always too busy to heed her advice. It is only when Mary is on her deathbed and her secret sorrow is revealed through the letter-laden Christmas box of the title that Richard realizes what she has been trying to tell him. The message concerns love, of course, and the strings Evans pulls to vivify it should squeeze sobs from even the stoniest of hearts

Holly recommends:

A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night. If the experience doesn't change Scrooge's ways, he will end up walking the Earth forever being nothing but an invisible and lonely ghost, like his deceased friend Jacob Marley. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/moneychanger who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth. He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love, and the Christmas season.                                       

 DeeAnn recommends:

It is Christmas Eve in New York City when Brian, a determined seven year old, follows the thief who took his mother's wallet, hoping to retrieve the St. Christopher's medal that he believes will save his father, who has leukemia, just as it saved his grandfather in World War II. However, the child is kidnapped by a vicious escaped convict who needs a hostage. The central characters come to life rapidly as the fast-moving story quickly builds suspense.          

Megan recommends:

The book contains two stories. The first is of Nathan, a young boy who's mother is dying of cancer. This will be her last Christmas as death is just around the corner. Nathan wants to make this Christmas the "best ever" for his mother. The second story is about Robert, a man who has just realized that he has put his business life in front of his family for way too long. When his wife tells him that she wants to leave him, Robert realizes that he has been a bad father and husband all these years and sets out to make things right again.

                             

                                                                            

       Yara recommends:

Hallelujah is the remarkable story of one of the greatest events in musical history, the creation of George Frederic Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah. Composed in just twenty-four days, Handel’s “Grand Oratorio which rendered him immortal” was birthed in the darkest and most desperate hours of his life. His health was failing. Critics ridiculed him. Creditors hounded him. Enemies persecuted him. Pride had nearly destroyed him. Yet, out of Handel’s night emerged the dawn of Messiah.

                

 Tammra recommends:

Born on Christmas Day, Carol is the Bird family's special Christmas baby. As her tenth birthday approaches, declining health threatens young Carol's life. Her only wish, however, is to plan an unforgettable Christmas celebration for the poor Ruggles children next door.

Ronnie recommends:

The horrible Herdmans are the meanest kids around. They lie, steal, cuss, and smoke cigars -- even the girls. The last place anyone expected to see them is in church. So when the Herdmans storm Sunday school and take over the annual Christmas pageant, everyone braces for the worst. But no one is prepared for what really happens when the rottenest kids in the world take over the greatest story ever told. It's a pageant full of surprises for everyone -- including the Herdmans themselves.

                             

Tammra recommends:

                     



Two old ladies find themselves alone in a nursing home during the Christmas season, but one of them still believes in goodness, faith, and hope. She believes that one phone call to her children will show that kindness to strangers still exists. But something unexpected even miraculous happens that will change both women's lives forever.



Eloise also recommends this delightful poem by Ogden Nash. Her husband's rendition is a much- looked-forward-to tradition in her home each Christmas

The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus by Ogden Nash

In Baltimore there lived a boy. He wasn't anybody's joy. Although his name was Jabez Dawes, His character was full of flaws. In school he never led his classes, He hid old ladies' reading glasses, His mouth was open when he chewed, And elbows to the table glued. He stole the milk of hungry kittens, And walked through doors marked NO ADMITTANCE. He said he acted thus because There wasn't any Santa Claus. Another trick that tickled Jabez Was crying 'Boo' at little babies. He brushed his teeth, they said in town, Sideways instead of up and down. Yet people pardoned every sin, And viewed his antics with a grin, Till they were told by Jabez Dawes, 'There isn't any Santa Claus!' Deploring how he did behave, His parents swiftly sought their grave. They hurried through the portals pearly, And Jabez left the funeral early. Like whooping cough, from child to child, He sped to spread the rumor wild: 'Sure as my name is Jabez Dawes There isn't any Santa Claus!' Slunk like a weasel of a marten Through nursery and kindergarten, Whispering low to every tot, 'There isn't any, no there's not!' The children wept all Christmas eve And Jabez chortled up his sleeve. No infant dared hang up his stocking For fear of Jabez' ribald mocking. He sprawled on his untidy bed, Fresh malice dancing in his head, When presently with scalp-a-tingling, Jabez heard a distant jingling; He heard the crunch of sleigh and hoof Crisply alighting on the roof. What good to rise and bar the door? A shower of soot was on the floor. What was beheld by Jabez Dawes? The fireplace full of Santa Claus! Then Jabez fell upon his knees With cries of 'Don't,' and 'Pretty Please.' He howled, 'I don't know where you read it, But anyhow, I never said it!' 'Jabez' replied the angry saint, 'It isn't I, it's you that ain't. Although there is a Santa Claus, There isn't any Jabez Dawes!' Said Jabez then with impudent vim, 'Oh, yes there is, and I am him! Your magic don't scare me, it doesn't' And suddenly he found he wasn't! From grimy feet to grimy locks, Jabez became a Jack-in-the-box, An ugly toy with springs unsprung, Forever sticking out his tongue. The neighbors heard his mournful squeal; They searched for him, but not with zeal. No trace was found of Jabez Dawes, Which led to thunderous applause, And people drank a loving cup And went and hung their stockings up. All you who sneer at Santa Claus, Beware the fate of Jabez Dawes, The saucy boy who mocked the saint. Donner and Blitzen licked off his paint.

We all wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and look forward to a happy New Year full of wonderful reading experiences and good times at the library!

                                                                                 

December R.E.A.D. Book Group

R.E.A.D. Book Group was fun and different this month. We met in the little theater in the basement of the library. We displayed a few movies and the books they were based on. Many people who attended were surprised by some of the titles. They didn't realize that they had been books first. They were also thrilled to see that there were movies they weren't aware of based on books that they love.

 

Many did not realize that Dances with Wolves was first a book. They were anxious to check that one out. They were also delighted to see that some of their favorite Hallmark movies were also based on books.

Everyone agreed that the A&E and BBC film editions of their favorite classics were top on their list of the best books made into movies.

 

We also displayed some well-loved t.v. series in DVD sets that are based on books. 

A refreshment table was set up so that we could enjoy treats during our movie. 

It gradually became filled with all kinds of holiday goodies.

 

Everyone brought delicious Christmas treats to share.  The table was soon covered with delights such as divinity

nut brittle

cream puffs

caramels

and some yummy brownies.

We had a brief discussion about books being made into movies. We all agreed that the book is always better than the movie because you get so much more information in a book. A favorite among many of those who attended is Shadowlands which stars Anthony Hopkins as C.S. Lewis. 

 Books and movies are very different entities. Films leave little to viewers’ imaginations. When you read, you’re creating your own movie in a sense, and decide the most important parts: how the characters speak, what they look like, and what their surroundings are like. This process of imagining and interpreting as reader is a creative process distinctly different from viewing a film. Film viewing is a passive process distinctly different from reading a book.

We all agreed that it can be very frustrating when those making the movie change a beloved book too much or add scenes and language to "spice" it up. We love those movies that stay true to the books we enjoy. 

 

 The group started to assemble and get ready to watch 84 Charing Cross Road.

                        We eventually had about 25 people join us for our get-together.

The movie starred Anne Bancroft

Anthony Hopkins

Judi Dench

and Marks & Co. Booksellers, a quaint bookstore in London, England.

For the most part, the movie was enjoyed by everyone. Some found it a little hard to follow in places because the story switches back and forth between England and America but it wasn't a problem for most. A few had read the book first and found that it made the movie even more enjoyable for them.

The book was better than the movie....

It has been said so many times! However, it is always exciting to finish a good book and then see favorite characters and settings come to life in a movie. 

On Thursday, December 2, the R.E.A.D. Book Group will meet in the little theater at the library to watch the movie 84, Charing Cross Road and have a short discussion on books that have been made into movies. 

This delightful movie is based on the book 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff.

It tells the true story of an American writer (the author of the book) who strikes up a friendship by mail with a bookseller in England. The entire book is a series of unedited letters exchanged between Hanff and the Marks & Co. booksellers at 84 Charing Cross Road. Her primary pen pal is a man named Frank Doel, with whom she shares a love of old books. The correspondence runs from 1949 until 1969, during which time Helene and the people at 84 Charing Cross Road exchange Christmas gifts and news of their families as well as letters. This is a sweet story about kindness and how we can find our best friends in the most unexpected places.

There is a wealth of movies based on books at the Pleasant Grove City Library. 

One of the most watched DVDs in the library right now is Lark Rise to Candleford.

This dearly loved television series is based on the book Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson and is produced by the BBC. The library currently has the first three seasons available and you will want to watch them in order.

Lark Rise to Candleford is set at the end of the 19th century, and it follows the story of two communities in the midst of a developing Oxfordshire. One is a fast-growing market town, the other a sleepier, quieter place that's holding more onto the past. Centered on Laura, the eldest daughter in the Timmins house, as she leaves the quieter life for work in the market town, the stage is then set for a quality drama series. It is truly a delight!

Another fun television series is based on the book series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

It tells the uplifting fictional story of a Botswana woman who fulfills a longtime dream – and bucks daunting odds – by opening her country’s first and only female-owned detective agency.

Other favorites produced by the BBC are the miniseries' based on books by Elizabeth Gaskell.
 

Wives and Daughters is set in a richly portrayed society well-stocked with eccentric nobles and gossipy villagers, the story centers around 17-year-old Molly Gibson, the only daughter of a respected country Doctor.

North and South  is a top notch adaptation of an often overlooked British author that had wonderful social commentary about the time of the industrial revolution in Northern England set amidst a Victorian style drama with romantic inclinations.

The library also has Cranford and Return to Cranford on DVD.  They are also very good and based on the books written by Elizabeth Gaskell.

Another movie that is in demand is Pride and Prejudice.  The library has this A&E longer version done by the BBC and also the more recent version starring Kiera Knightly.

Jane Austen's classic novel about the prejudice that occurred between the 19th century classes and the pride which would keep lovers apart still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy.  We also have several other movies based on the books of Jane Austen.

You can also find several other movies based on classic literature at the library such as The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

This movie tells the story is that of the Joad family, a group of hard working, loving people who are forced out of their homes and sent looking for work. Tom, the eldest son, was recently released from prison, and he serves as the head of the house basically, helping his parents and siblings make their long journey to California. Along the way they meet greed and desperation in many forms.

The library also has movies based on East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Woman in White by Wilkie Collins and many more.  There is also a wonderful selection of movies based on the books of Charles Dickens.

We also have musicals that are based on books.

You may enjoy watching The Sound of Music based on The Story of the Trapp Singers by Maria Von Trapp or The Phantom of the Opera based on the book by the same name written by Gaston Leroux.

Some favorite movies of our patrons are based on Christian novels such as the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke.

This is a beautiful collection telling the stories of women in the pioneer days, the trials and tribulations that they experience. The stories center around one particular family, from one generation to the next.

Other favorites are the movies based on The Work and the Glory series by Gerald Lund.

These movies  blend high-powered fiction with true events from the life of Joseph Smith. They tell of the tragedies and triumphs of the Steed family amid the raging controversy that surrounds the teachings of one of the most influential religious leaders in American history.


You might also be interested in a movie about Queen Ester based on the book Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney with Mark Andrew Olsen.

One Night with the King is a sweeping epic about Hadassah, the young Jewish girl who becomes the Biblical Esther, Queen of Persia. Despite her position, Hadassah's life is in danger, as the state has decreed that all Jews will be put to death. Defying warnings to remain silent, however, Hadassah struggles to save her people, evens as she seeks to win the heart of the king, in this exciting and inspiring story about destiny.

If you are more interested in thriller and adventure type books we have many movies based on those too.  Some very popular ones are based on the Bourne Identity series by Robert Ludlum.

The twisting plot revs up in Zurich, where amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne, with no memory of his name, profession, or recent activities, recruits a penniless German traveler to assist in solving the puzzle of his missing identity. While his CIA superio dispatches assassins to kill Bourne and thus cover up his failed mission, Bourne exercises his lethal training to leave a trail of bodies from Switzerland to Paris.

We also have the movies based on Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown as well as Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy or Hidalgo by Frank Hopkins.

Some movies are based on great historical books such as Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake.

This is the engrossing story of a white soldier who single-handedly mans a post in the 1870 Dakotas, and becomes a part of the Lakota Sioux community who live nearby.

You might also like to watch the movie made from the book Flyboys by James Bradley.

Inspired by the true story of the legendary Lafayette Escadrille, this action-packed epic tells the tale of America's first fighter pilots. These courageous young men distinguish themselves in a manner that none before them had dared, becoming true heroes who experience triumph, tragedy, love, and loss amid the chaos of World War I. Hang on for the ride of your life!

For fantasy lovers we have all the movies based on The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien and several based on the Harry Potter books by J.K Rowling as well as many others.

The Lord of the Rings is a critically acclaimed epic trilogy which follows the quest undertaken by the hobbit, Frodo Baggins, and his fellowship of companions to save Middle-earth by destroying the One Ring and defeating the evil forces of the Dark Lord Sauron.

You can also find many recently released movies that are based on books at the library.  One favorite is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

 This is a movie tells the story of Lily Owens who lives on a peach farm in South Carolina with her father after her mother was killed when Lily was only 4 years old. Her best friend and substitute mother is a protective and fierce African American woman named Rosaleen. Together they have quite an adventure as they escape to a town called Tiburon which is mentioned on the back of a picture that had belonged to Lily's mother. When there, they are taken in by an eccentric trio of beekeeping sisters named May, June and August.

The movie based on the book Blind Side by Michael Lewis can also be checked out at the library.

Michael Oher, a hulking but gentle African-American teen in Tennessee, gets taken in by a well-to-do white family; the mother, Leigh Anne Touhy, pushes and mothers the boy, who eventually wins a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi.

We also have some great chick flicks at the library.  Our most recent addition is Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.

This one is about an angry rebel, John, who dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life--until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love--and face the hardest decision of his life.

We also have some great movies based on young adult novels such as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

Bored and restless in his new home, Bruno, an innocent and naive eight year old, ignores his mother and sets off on an adventure in the woods. Soon he meets a young boy, and a surprising friendship develops. Set during World War II, this remarkable and inspiring story about the power of the human spirit will capture your heart and engage your mind. There are scenes at the end of the movie that could be too intense for young children. You may want to stick with a young adult audience for this one.

We think you will really enjoy the movie based on Flipped by Wendlin Van Draanen.

This cute movie treats viewers to a sweet but honest glimpse into the lives of a young girl and boy during the early 1960s as they maneuver through first crushes and heartbreak.

In the junior fiction section we have several movies based on some well loved books. These include The Bridge to Teribithia by Katherine Paterson.

Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable. Together, they create an imaginary, secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only by swinging across a creek bed on a rope. But one morning a tragic accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's life is changed forever.

As well as the movie based on Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Modern and mythical worlds collide in this thunderous fantasy-adventure. Percy Jackson is no ordinary teenager...he’s just learned he’s the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’ ­lightning bolt – the most powerful weapon ever created! With storm clouds brewing, Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt and prevent a war amongst the gods that could destroy our world!

We have entire sets of DVDs based on beloved junior fiction books such as Little House on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Children will also love to check out movies based on Holes by Louis Sachar, The Secret Garden or A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, or one of the many more we have on the shelves.  They will also love the Disney movies based on some well loved classics.

We even have several DVDs based on picture books for children such as Little Bear by Maurice Sendak.

It's interesting to note that we also have books that were made from movies!  An example of those are the very popular Star Wars movies and books.

We have so many DVDs and videos based on books that it would be impossible to list them all.  We hope you will come to the library and see all that we have to offer.

If you'd like to search the library's catalog online to find out what movies we have you can do a search by call number and then type DVD in the space. It will scroll through DVD fiction, DVD junior fiction and the DVD young adult fiction.  You can follow the same process for videos by typing VID in the search space.

Movies can be checked out from the library for a week at a time. There is no charge. You can take up to 7 DVDs and 7 VHS if you'd like.

Please watch for an update on this post after R.E.A.D. Book Group meets.  That post will include interesting thoughts and discussion about books being made into movies.