Looking for holiday gift list ideas for Chanukah, Christmas, and more this holiday season? Look no further than this list of the Best Movie and TV Show’s adapted into children’s picture books (plus, I’ve included some great toys to go with them). Quite a few children’s book publishing companies including Quirk Books, Running Press Kids, Little Brown Young Readers, and Scholastic have jumped on this bandwagon and I am grateful for it.
It was April 2019 and on a whim I decided to search for a kids book of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for my 3 year old son. I know…why on earth I thought this was a possibility is beyond me. A children’s book of Buffy after all? How weird would that be! Imagine my surprise when I discovered that in late 2018, Quirk Books had released exactly what I was looking for: a children’s book of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – kid friendly (she’s 8 and afraid of the monsters in her closet) and full of nostalgia for me too. I was so excited to share my love of Buffy with my son! After I found this book, I became addicted. What other movies and TV shows had been adapted into books for kids? It’s hard to find a list online, so for all of you movie and TV lovers out there, I have collected a list of the best adaptions so you can share your classic TV and movie love with your child too this holiday season!
This blog contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising/referral fees if you a make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps to keep this blog afloat! Thank you for your support.
Top 10 Picture Books To Buy This Holiday Season
Adapted from Your Favorite Classic TV Shows and Movies
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Children’s Book
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Picture Book (Pop Classics)
Obviously, I’m going to start with my favorite! A child friendly TV book adaptation, the story is about Buffy being 8 years old and afraid of the monsters inside her closet. With advice from her watcher, Giles, Buffy and her friends Willow and Xander decide to face the monsters. Much to their surprise, the monsters are friendly monsters.
For fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you will be thrilled to see the page of monsters. I was giddy to point out the names of the characters to my son including Werewolf Oz, The Gentlemen, The Judge, Sid the Dummy, and so many more.
This is my favorite of the TV to children’s book adaptions because it takes beloved characters and creates an original story. We desperately are hoping that Quirk Books will release some more original stories about Buffy as a child. I’m sure they could figure out something about child Angel being a vampire with a soul and not fitting in with the other vampires, right?!
The perfect toys to accompany the Buffy Children’s Book as presents this holiday season: Your little one will absolutely love playing with these adorable Felt Buffy the Vampire Slayer Figures from Etsy shop owner galleriestgery.
2. Back to the Future Picture Book
Back to the Future: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
Back to the Future is my family’s favorite movie so believe me when I say, I was thrilled to discover Quirk Books had also created a movie book adaption of this pop classic! Unlike the Buffy book, Back to the Future is an adaption of the movie, rewriting the story to a more kid friendly version. The basic plot points are there: Marty’s parents not being happy and Biff being a bully to George, Marty going back in time (they skip the mall chase scene of course!), Marty needing to get his parents together before he and his siblings fade away, George standing up to Biff (they skip Biff attacking Laurene), his parents getting together, and them all living happily ever after.
The book turned our son into a fan of the movie series and I couldn’t be more grateful. I just hope Quirk Books releases a Back to the Future Part 2 and Part 3 version soon!
Your child’s holiday is not complete without getting some matching toys to go with Quirk Book’s Back to the Future Children’s Book. Check out Playmobil’s awesome Back to the Future line!
- Back to the Future Delorean
- Back to the Future Advent Calendar
- Back to the Future Part III Advent Calendar
- Back to the Future Marty’s Pickup Truck
- Back to the Future Part II Hoverboard Chase
Set up Hill Valley on one of these epic play rugs designed with 5″ roads to fit the Delorean and other Playmobil and toy cars.
3. Clueless: A Totally Classic Picture Book
Clueless: A Totally Classic Picture Book
As if! Imagine my surprise when I came across Running Press Kids version of Clueless: A Totally Classic Picture Book. I loved this movie as a kid (and I still do as an adult). I was hesitant at first, wondering what kind of lessons they could possibly be teaching children with a movie book adaption about Cher and Dionne. They weren’t exactly role models (although that computerized closet of hers is definitely a goal I aspire to!).
In the end, I was over the moon with the storyline. The book follows Cher and Dionne as they make friends with a new girl at school, Tai. Tai is different than them and they try their hardest to get her to fit in with them. They soon discover that Tai is happy with skateboarding and her grungier clothes. Finally, the book ends with them realizing that people being different is actually what makes them so cool to hang out!
Whether you’re a Funko collector or you let your kids play with Funkos like I do, you can get a matching Dionne Funko Pop to go with the book!
4. Life is Better with Friends (Official Friends Picture Book)
Life is Better with Friends (Official Friends Picture Book) (Media tie-in)
Since the moment I discovered these books existed, I was searching the internet for a Friends TV Show picture book. This book by Scholastic Inc. is brand new. In fact, I just got my preordered copy this week!
Unlike the simplified adaptions of Back to the Future and Clueless, or the original plot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Friends TV book adaption is a simple kids book about friendship, utilizing the characters in basic scenarios for example:
One page reads, “Moving furniture? Definitely better with friends” with a drawing of Rachel, Ross, and Chandler trying to move the couch and yelling “Pivot!”.
This is a fun and entertaining book to get your kid familiar with the characters at a young age, without delving into the storylines…plus, as a fan, you will surely enjoy the artwork and throw backs to the show!
If you’re a Lego fan like I am, get the Lego Friends Central Perk Set as a gift this holiday season! I had so much fun building mine and now my son loves playing with his and singing “Smelly Cat” with his Phoebe Lego.
5. Home Alone Children’s Book Adaption
Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
Probably my son’s second favorite book of all, the Home Alone movie book adaption by Quirk Books even made me a fan of the story and the movie. As a kid, I never enjoyed the Home Alone movies and now I find them so much fun to watch. My son fell in love with the story and the antics of Kevin McCallister. The book skips the plot line about the parents forgetting Kevin and jumps straight into them just “disappearing” and him enjoying having the house to himself. Just like in the movie, he sets traps for the bad guys, and there is a fun full page spread of his map to stop them.
My son loved this book so much that he was thrilled when we got him the sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics).
For any kid ages 3 and up, give them the gift of a Kevin McCallister FunkoPop for the holidays to reenact the book with! You can even get a Marv FunkoPop and Harry FunkPop here too!
6. The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary Children’s Book
The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary
I’m not going to lie to you: I have not read this book yet, nor have I watched more than an episode of The Office. I have never been a fan. However, the reviews on this TV book adaption by Little, Brown Young Readers speak for themselves and I knew I had to include it! The plot of the book is as follows:
“Michael Scott is Line Leader at Dunder Mifflin Elementary! It’s a very big job, but Michael is sure he can liveup to the “World’s Best Line Leader” title printed on his water bottle. There’s just one problem–Michael doesn’t know how to lead the line. Filled with colorful, detailed illustrations and brimming with Easter eggs and nods to iconic moments from the show, this hilarious reimagining features a pint-sized cast. This story will introduce The Office to a whole new generation and will teach them that everyone needs to ask for help sometimes. Even Line Leaders.”
Get your littlest ones involved in the fun this Christmas and Chanukah with the Fisher-Price Little People Collector The Office Figure Set.
7: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Storybook
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
Another fun story by Quirk Books, E.T. is a simplified movie book adaption for young fans. Similar to Back to the Future, the book follows the movie closely without losing any important details, and eliminates more adult plots (Elliot and E.T. getting drunk and E.T. being caught by the government). The scenes are beautifully illustrated and a great way to share the Steven Spielberg classic with your kids.
Give the gift of a cuddly E.T. Plush friend to your child this Christmas or Chanukah to accompany the classic book.
8. Karate Kid Children’s Picture Book
The Karate Kid: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
The Karate Kid movie book adaption by Quirk Books is another simplified kid friendly version of the movie. Karate Kid follows Daniel, a young boy being targeted by the Cobra Kai dojo students. Daniel’s neighbor, Mr. Miyagi, agrees to train Daniel and teach him the art of karate.
The book is fun for kids, without delving too much into fighting (which was my biggest concern!) and focuses on Daniel’s journey as he learns to overcome the odds with a great teacher by his side.
I had so much fun showing my son wax on, wax off, and he had a great time copying all of the hand movements as shown in the story.
9: A Rugrats Chanukah Storybook
A Rugrats Chanukah: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
To be frank, I hated the Rugrats growing up. Like, truly, fully, hated. I don’t know why. Honestly, I don’t remember a thing about the show! However, when I saw that Quirk Books had released a Rugrats Chanukah TV book adaption, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s very rare as a Jew to find a movie or TV show character celebrate Chanukah, and even more rare to find a fun children’s book with those characters celebrating it. For that reason alone, I had to include this! (Side note: maybe Quirk Books should bring The OC’s Christmukkah story to life? Who doesn’t want to see a child Seth Cohen starting his very first Christmukkah?)
While I have yet to read this book, I am very tempted to purchase it and hopefully change my mindset about Rugrats!
The description is as follows:
“On the eighth night of Chanukah, Grandma Minka reads aloud a story about the meaning of the holiday to Tommy, Chuckie, Lil, Phil, and Angelica. The babies imagine themselves as the characters in the story, but then Grandma stops reading to make latkes, and the ending is left unknown.
Soon they’re all off to the synagogue, where Grandpa Boris is acting in the Chanukah play. The kids, misunderstanding the phrase “the meaning of Chanukah,” believe that an actor in the play is the “meany of Chanukah” and storm the stage to save Grandpa. How will the Rugrats get out of trouble this time? And will they ever learn the true meaning of Chanukah?”
Read A Rugrats Chanukah while your child cuddles up to this Plush Angelica toy.
10. Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President Picture Book
Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President!
I have never seen a single episode of Parks and Recreation, but I know there are plenty of fans out there! This children’s TV book adaption of Parks and Recreation follows Leslie Knope on her journey running for class president. She campaigns with her Pawnee Elementary school friends, Ann and Ben, and soon gets overwhelmed when she starts making big promises that she’s unsure she can keep. Similar to the Buffy book, the storyline veers from the show and into it’s own plot, while incorporating the characters and fun references from the series.
Gift your child this cute Funko Pop Leslie from Parks and Recreations to go with the book!
Even More Picture Books…
I am always on the search for more TV and movie children’s book adaptions. Here are some more to check out:
11. The X-Files: Earth Children Are Weird Picture Book
The X-Files: Earth Children Are Weird: A Picture Book (Pop Classics 2)
12. Doctor Who: The Runaway TARDIS Children’s Book
Doctor Who: The Runaway TARDIS (Pop Classics)
13. Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics)
14. Ghostbusters: A Paranormal Picture Book
Ghostbusters: A Paranormal Picture Book
15. The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook
The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook
16. School of Rock: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
School of Rock: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics 10)
17. It’s a Wonderful Life: The Illustrated Holiday Classic
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Illustrated Holiday Classic
18. Jurassic Park Little Golden Book
Jurassic Park Little Golden Book (Jurassic Park)
19. Star Trek “Too Many Tribbles” Little Golden Book
Too Many Tribbles! (Star Trek) (Little Golden Book)
Baby Board Books featuring Classic Movies
For those of you with real little ones, there are even some options for the tiniest of tots! PlayPop books makes a line of pop culture board books featuring some of the classic movies listed above!
I just discovered these myself and ordered the Back to the Future: Telling Time with Marty McFly Board Book straight away. How could I resist?
Other pop culture board books by PlayPop include E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: E.T.’s First Words, Ghostbusters: 1 to 10 Slimer’s Loose Again, Ghostbusters: Book of Shapes, and Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up).
Have you read any of these books with your child? What movie or TV show would you love to see adapted into a children’s book? Sound off in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed these picture book gift ideas for your holiday gift list! Be sure to pick some of these pop culture book adaptions up for your kids this Chanukah, Christmas, and more this holiday season! Happy Holidays!
Oh My Goodness! I love this…and I just read a fun idea about 24 books of giving to use as a countdown. This post couldn’t have come at a better time! It is so much fun to find picture books adapted from some of the kid’s favorite movies!!!
I love the Friends one!
Such a helpful list. Thanks for putting this together.