"The book is always better than the movie" is something that all kids should learn from a young age. Sure, movies are great [1], but there's nothing better than getting lost in the words on a page that come together with your imagination to create an incredible story.
If you want to encourage your child to read more [2] — or they're already little bookworms — entice them with these five kid and YA books that are becoming movies in 2017 (they'd make great holiday gifts [3]!).
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Ages the book is recommended for: 12 and up
What it's about: A boy named Conor seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mom's terminal illness.
Who's in the movie: Felicity Jones will play Conor's mother and Sigourney Weaver will play his grandmother. Liam Neeson voices the monster.
Get your child a copy of A Monster Calls [7] ($12) and watch the trailer [8] before it comes to theaters on Jan. 6, 2017.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Ages the book is recommended for: 8-12
What it's about: August Pullman, a fifth grader who was born with a facial deformity, wants to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his classmates can't get over his appearance.
Who's in the movie: Room's Jacob Tremblay is playing Auggie, Julia Roberts [9] will play his mother, and Owen Wilson [10] will play his father.
Get your child a copy of Wonder [11] ($17) before it comes to theaters on April 7, 2017.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Ages the book is recommended for: 7-10
What it's about: The first book of the series introduces a hypnotized elementary school principal in the form of Captain Underpants, the comic book character creation of two mischievous kids.
Who's in the movie: Kevin Hart will voice George and Ed Helms will voice Mr. Krupp, aka Captain Underpants.
Get a copy of The Adventures of Captain Underpants [12] ($6) before it comes to theaters on June 2, 2017.
The Divergent Series: Ascendant (Part Two of Allegiant by Veronica Roth)
Ages the book is recommended for: 13 and up
What it's about: In this second movie based on Allegiant, Tris and Four fight to end the Bureau of Genetic Welfare's reign over the US.
Who's in the movie: Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts [13], and Theo James will reprise their roles as Tris, Peter, Evelyn, and Four, respectively.
Get a copy of Allegiant [14] ($13) before part two, a TV movie, is released on June 9, 2017.
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
Ages the book is recommended for: 6-9
What it's about: When Judy and Peter find a board game — Jumanji — in the park, they hope it will alleviate their boredom. After a lion, crazy monkeys, and a bearded man come flying out of the game, they are no longer bored. (The remake of the 1995 Robin Williams [15] film will feature four teenagers who are sucked into Jumanji's world.)
Who's in the movie: Dwayne Johnson will play Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Kevin Hart will play Moose Finbar, and Jack Black [16] will play Professor Shelly Oberon.
Get a copy of Jumanji [17] ($19) and watch the original '90s film [18] with them before the remake comes to theaters on Dec. 22, 2017.