Two Kids' Book Adaptations for the End of Winter

February is hard for parents. Winter's nearing an end, which also means the end of patience; trying to keep children occupied when it's cold, wet, and dark outside. We have two movie adaptations that will help. The Tale of Peter Rabbit has been brought into 2018 with action and adventure. Then later in the month, Robert Kimmel Smith's The War with Grandpa is multi-generational family dynamics in war. The fun prank kind, of course. Bundle up the kids and spend warm toasty afternoons laughing.

Peter Rabbit

Today a feature-length movie adaptation of The Tale of Peter Rabbit opens in cinemas. Beatrix Potter's little story for little people has been modernized for the screen with a mix of CGI and live action. Naughty Peter is sassy and declares war on Mr. McGregor, the new farmer next-door, reminiscent of Home Alone. James Corden leads an all-star British cast, voicing a CGI Peter Rabbit. Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars, Harry Potter) is Mr. McGregor, and Rose Byrne plays his love interest (and rabbit protector) Bea. While the new movie adaptation is more action and attitude than the original story, the trailer shows a lot of cuteness that'll appeal to slightly older children than the books.

The War with Grandpa

Later in the month is another movie for mischievous children. The War with Grandpa opens in North America on February 23. For those who don't know Robert Kimmel Smith's story—Chocolate Fever is his better-known book—it's Grandpa coming to live with Peter and his family after his wife's death. Peter's excited Grandpa is coming but not excited that Grandpa is given Peter's bedroom. So, Peter declares a prank war, and Grandpa fights back.

Giving the book, and subsequently the movie, a unique difference is the lack of children in a children's story. Current stories are about empowering children and letting them be the adult. This is more family, and as Peter is an only child, there are few children in the story. The movie is enhanced with some of Hollywood's top actors. Robert De Niro plays Grandpa, Uma Thurman is Mom, and Rob Riggle is Dad. One of Grandpa's friends is played by Christopher Walken.

With all the pranks and tricks on both these movies, we recommend parents watch for flying pillows and skipping rope trip lines in the house. Both are adorable stories, with lots to teach mischievous children.

Read more by Bianca Smith