How the Dickens do we inspire kids to read Dickens? Maybe good movies would help.

With families flocking to see "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," bookstores are stocking their shelves in anticipation of adding to the 95 million copies of the Narnia Chronicles already sold since the books were published in the 1950s.

If bookstores are thrilled, so are parents.

Nothing thrills parents more than being able to give a child a book for Christmas -- and then watch their offspring curl up in the corner and actually read it!

In recent years, movies and books have worked together to keep kids up late reading. The "Lord of the Rings" movies, the "Harry Potter" movies and now the "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" have all promoted the reading of the books upon which they were based.

But the news gets even better: There are lots of other movies out there in video stores which just might inspire kids to read the books!

Now I realize that some scholars believe that movies have actually stopped kids from reading -- kids are hooked on visuals, on video games and on the Internet now, so goes the argument.

But I remain convinced that a good movie can still promote good reading.

In that spirit of optimism, I offer a list of some good movies that might inspire reading over the holidays.

I recommend that families watch the movie together, and then that mom and dad take turns reading the book to the children afterwards.

Sure, you'll have those awkward moments were you have to explain that the movie isn't "exactly" the same as the book, but you'll survive -- and so will the happy kids sitting at your feet.

Without further ado, here are some films inspired by great books.

Warning: not all the films are "classics" and not all the films are completely faithful to the books. But let's retain the hope that we can hook kids on good books by showing them a good movie.

One more warning: You may well have trouble locating these films. Many are older classics that are not on the shelves of every library and video store.

However, when all else fails, a rental company like Facets of Chicago (www.facets.org), has thousands of classic titles available for rent or purchase. Check out the Facets Patron Circle membership: $24 per month, with no late fees for DVDs.

May I repeat the rules of this game: the family watches the movie together and then the parents start reading the book aloud to the child ... and then get them to read a few pages alone ... and before you know it...a kid is curled up with a good book.

And the television is turned off.

Hallelujah, holy libraries! Buy the kid a leather bookmark and dance a jig.

I'd love to hear from the readers about the multitude of titles I've overlooked that are your favorite films based on great books -- and I'll update the list for another holiday season. (bnorthup@mt.net)

Finally, a note to librarians everywhere: the best hope families have of finding these films is to have them available in a school or public library. Buy the films, let families know you have them -- and let me know you have them. I'll help spread the word!

I'm sure many of them are here right now, waiting for young minds to encounter them.

This ode to "fine books that inspired good movies" concludes with a list of all the movies mentioned.

Key "locater" information on the book and movie are included. Also, I try to include a sentence or two, usually from the book, to entice young readers. Read them those lines and see if their eyes light up!

If these passages do intrigue young readers, there are still three shopping days until Christmas -- and the bookstores are all open.

Happy movie viewing. Happy reading. And Merry Christmas.

Horse books

What better way to get kids in general, and girls in particular, interested in reading than to show them good horse movies. I offer this as the first suggestion, because lots of Montana kids love horses.

At the top of my list is "National Velvet," the 1944 Elizabeth Taylor tale of a girl who rides a horse to victory in the Grand National race. This is a timeless film that features a wonderful portrayal of a caring mother (Anne Revere) who supports her daughter's dreams, while supplying wisdom along the way.

Now, I'm not claiming this is the best horse book ever written, but I am willing to say that the movie makes me laugh, cry and smile every time I see it.

And the message about growing up and learning to trust people like Mickey Rooney is timeless.

"My Friend Flicka" is another fine kid-loves-horse film that might open the door to a good book. Again, the family values are rock solid.

Both "Black Beauty" and "Black Stallion" are respectable movies as well. Both focus on beautiful black horses who change the lives of those around them.

A recent horse classic is "Seabiscuit," a very touching story of a Cinderella horse and how a bunch of down-on-their-luck fellows managed to groom a champion.

I am also fond of "Misty," the tale of Misty of Chincoteague, based on Marguerite Henry's fine book.

This tells the story of the Pony Penning Day in which wild horses are rounded up and brought to town.

"Red Pony" is a classic film that is based on Steinbeck's novel. Steinbeck himself wrote the screenplay, adding integrity to the film.

If imaginary "horses" appeal to you, how about "The Last Unicorn," a beautiful film adapting a lovely book. Why is our friend the very last unicorn? The film and the book will both unravel the secret for you.

Animal books

Once again, I suggest we stay with animals to lead our kids to books. This time, though, we'll branch out to the non-horse variety. Let's start with dogs.

The films "Old Yeller," "Dog of Flanders" and "Big Red" are all touching tales of kids learning from their love of dogs. "Where the Red Fern Grows" is a timeless tale of boy's love of his hound dogs -- and the movie is also quite touching. Read these four around the fireplace with eggnog -- and invite me, please.

And we shouldn't over look "Lassie," and the many tales of the kind collie. There are some respectable films, particularly "Lassie Come Home" with Elizabeth Taylor.

A boy's love of a fawn proves a sad introduction to life in "The Yearling."

Or if animated creatures are appealing, the endless list includes spiders and pigs in "Charlotte's Web." A boy's friendship with a pelican named Percival powers the touching Australian film "Storm Boy."

Classic books

OK, let's tackle the hardest project -- let's drive the kids to Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott or Rudyard Kipling.

For Dickens, I'd probably start with the musical "Oliver!" or the 1935 adaptation of "David Copperfield." The 1948 "Oliver Twist" is a fine film, also.

And, obviously, there's always "A Christmas Carol," the timeless Christmas classic. There was a time when great directors made family films and hired top actors. Treat your family.

Obviously, the older the film, the more impatient the young moviegoer. But not always. You'd be surprised how a great performance and a great story can captivate a young mind.

There are few films finer than Gregory Peck's "To Kill a Mockingbird," a tale about growing up and learning about justice -- and injustice. The novel is even better than the fine Gregory Peck film.

The Spencer Tracy film "Captain's Courageous" is a exciting way to suggest to kids that Rudyard Kipling might just be worth reading. Tell the kids it's about going to sea to find your sea legs -- and finding your life legs along the way.

For young girls, "The Secret Garden" is a film that holds up well, and may drive kids to the wonderful Frances Hodgson Burnett book. It's a dark tale about hidden places and secret parts of the soul.

The best version of "Little Women" is the 1933 Katharine Hepburn film, although there are many who also love the June Allyson 1949 version. "Christmas just won't be Christmas without any presents, groans Jo!"

The classic *"Heidi"* with Shirley Temple and Jean Hersholt might just interest young ladies in reading the original book.

Obviously, "The Wizard of Oz" is a delightful film based on a book by L. Frank Baum.

I would also put in a plug for the movie "How Green Was My Valley," even though I have friends who regard the adaptation as unfaithful at times.

But I once met the descendants of the author of the book, and they are great fans of the movie. Personally, I simply love the movie.

And, for the record, the book is an unforgettable journey down inside a Welsh coal mine that's always worth reading.

Young books

for young moviegoers

The recent adaptation of "Polar Express" was a rare example of a picture book being brought to vibrant life on the big screen. It's not a perfect film, but if it takes kids back to the book, that's total victory.

Video stores carry episodes from the television series "Little House on the Prairie" that provide wonderful family entertainment.

The problem here, of course, is that the television show leaves the Laura Ingalls Wilder storylines far behind. But there are virtues: the sense of place and time is captivating and the portrait of a traditional rural family rings true.

I'd love to see young readers inside the original Big Woods/Little House books, and maybe a few TV episodes followed by a few read-aloud sessions with mom or dad would do the trick. The books are rich with detail of country life -- making pudding, harvesting crops, going to church.

The CBC television adaptation of "Anne of Green Gables" was a respectful rendering of a wonderful book. Girls who discover Anne Shirley will be reading those books for years on end.

"The Phantom Tollbooth" is a fine book that produced an OK film. The book is a delightfully written tribute to language that will make teacher smile -- while making the youngsters laugh.

"Tuck Everlasting" received a respectful adaptation recently in the film.

The book is, not surprisingly, better. It's the timeless tale of why living forever just might not be worth praying for.

"Sounder" is a tale of growing up black and learning about love -- and hate.

And "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" has two intriguing adaptations -- one is "Wilder" than the other -- that share the story of the search for a dream that tastes like a chocolate bar.

Dreaming of a Francie, reading on a staircase, I realize how overly optimistic I am that watching movies could prompt more reading. The key really isn't with the movie -- the key lies with the parents.

Parents who regulate media time and who use media constructively could work miracles.

Instead of watching mindless television with the kids, try renting a family film based on a great book.

Then, in the days afterwards, start reading that same tale to the kids. It's just possible they'll discover the joys of that book.

When I think of kids loving to read, I'm drawn back to "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

This book is a touching portrait of a young Brooklyn girl who runs home from the library and sits on the firescape reading. Francie never takes reading for granted -- it's one of life's great joys.

The power of the book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is the portrait of how a poor girl becomes rich -- in part, by discovering the richness of books.

As a teacher, I hope we can teach kids to love reading now as much as ever before. There's no reason why the rise of media has to kill reading.

Creative teachers and creative parents can use the new world of entertainment as entrees back inside the covers of the books we loved as children.

And remember: the bookstores are still open and there's room under the tree for one more package.

Books don't take up much space, but they can completely fill up a child's imagination.