5 Awesome Books and Movies (and the Food That Goes With Them) to Enjoy During Your Kids’ Winter Break
Winter break is the perfect time to combine a few of our favorite things — reading, watching, and snacking
With any luck, you’re all enjoying your respective winter breaks. This happens to be the perfect time to read a book, watch a movie, and even enjoy a related snack. (Don’t forget to talk to your kids about the book and movie; compare and contrast the two versions of the story.)
There are many children’s books that have been adapted and made into great movies. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
There are several movie versions including the animated The Grinch as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey. Yummy snacks include hot chocolate and candy canes. And while it might be difficult to find Who-pudding, chocolate pudding is a good substitute!
Matilda
Every year I read this book to my fourth-grade students. You know it’s a good book when your students ask you to keep reading. And while the film version, directed by Danny DeVito, shared many similarities to the novel, there were also a few surprises. Related snacks include tea and cookies, chocolate cake (remember Bruce Bogtrotter), and honey graham crackers (for Miss Honey, of course).
James and the Giant Peach
Another book my students love. The movie version is a mix of stop-motion and live-action. And, of course, the snacks have to be all-things-peach, including peach iced tea, peach pie, fresh or canned peaches, and gummy peaches.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
The movie Ramona and Beezus is not based on any one Beverly Cleary Ramona book. Instead, it pulls from scenes from several books. Before watching this movie, you could read any installment. But when you do watch, don’t forget to drink lemonade (just make sure it’s bug-free!). And if you snack on hard-boiled eggs, make sure they are in fact hard-boiled.
Because of Winn-Dixie
My students love this book, and I was thrilled to discover my son does, too. Who can resist the story of Opal finding a dog in a supermarket? While watching the movie, make sure to snack on peanut butter sandwiches and wash it down with some “Dump Punch.”
Wendy Kennar is a freelance writer who has lived her entire life within the same zip code. She was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave her teaching career. She is constantly amazed and inspired by her young son.
Her writing has appeared in numerous publications and anthologies including the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, and L.A. Parent. In addition, she is a regular contributor at MomsLA.com. She writes at wendykennar.com.
