Why Reading the Book Still Matters – Even When There’s a Film!
Why read the book when you can watch the film? This is one of my favourite questions to ask children as they prepare for school interviews — and it always gets them thinking.
Most know it’s a good idea to arrive with a favourite book (or author) up your sleeve. But it’s not enough to say what you’ve read — you need to explain why you liked it. What made it gripping? How did the writer draw you in? Was there anything you’d change?
For those who love English, I often take it one step further and ask them: Why bother with the book at all when there’s a film version to watch in a fraction of the time it would take you to read the book?
So, should you... choose to watch the film … or read the book?
The ‘right’ answer is obvious — READ THE BOOK! But can you really argue that if you’ve never done the comparison? The best way to build an opinion is to try both: read the book cover to cover, then watch the film. That’s when you notice the differences, the details, the director’s choices — and it’s also when you realise just how powerful your imagination can be.
And of course, being able to justify your thoughts is a key skill in any interview.
That said, I’m not against watching the film — in fact, I think it can have a part to play in building up knowledge of popular literature. Take Harry Potter, for example. If fantasy isn’t your favourite genre and you're short on time, watching the films can help you join in conversations with friends. They’re well-made, full of big stars, and full of detail — though you will have to overlook the fact that Harry’s eyes are not green in the film as we are constantly reminded in the books.
Another good reason to watch first is reading level. Many of the “classic” books you will find on reading lists were written over 50 years ago, and leafing through them will give you an insight into why it might be easier for many younger children to watch the film instead.
But here’s the magic of reading...
Books allow your imagination to do the heavy lifting. When you read, you create the mythical creatures, the mysterious landscapes, the tension, and the tone. The minute you switch to a screen, you’re looking through someone else’s lens — the director’s, not the author’s.
As historians would say, the book is the primary source. The film? That’s the interpretation. And sometimes, the book really does win hands down. I remember watching Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and both my children told me at the time: “The books are so much better.” Apparently, everyone knows this!
Why reading still matters — especially in the holidays
On the face of it, reading is often seen as “intellectual” and “worthy” and brings feelings of achievement to the reader and anyone encouraging them to read. But even more important than this, it improves comprehension, vocabulary, and stamina. You can re-read tricky passages, skim the boring bits, or even sneak a peek at the final page, if you'd ever dare.
More importantly, reading is personal. Authors use everything from metaphor and imagery to irony and alliteration to help you feel the story — and all of that takes root in your own imagination, not on a screen.
With screen time always creeping in, encouraging reading over the holidays is one of the best gifts you can give your child.
Read the book… Then watch the Film: 10 great book-and-film pairings for the summer holidays
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Matilda by Roald Dahl
– Clever girl, wicked headmistress — and a stage-musical-style film too. -
Holes by Louis Sachar
– Funny, mysterious, and full of twists. The film stays faithful to the plot. -
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
– A powerful story about kindness and courage. Even better on the page. -
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
– Magical mayhem and rich detail. Try book one before the films. -
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
– A timeless wintery adventure — best enjoyed in book form first. -
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
– Very different from the film. The book is funnier and more original. -
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
– A moving read for older children; the film adds another emotional layer. -
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
– Read the classic tale before the epic three-part film adaptation. -
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
– A gentle but unforgettable story. Bring tissues — for both book and film! -
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
– A beautiful story of friendship and healing — and several film versions to choose from.
So in answer to the question, why read the book when you could just watch the film? The book gives you the story your way — and that’s something no screen can ever replace. (Unless of course you become a film director, but that's for another day 🎬)
If this sparked your interest, take a look at my other blogs:
📺 Time Travel Through Your TV: If your child loves History, this is for you!
📚To Read or Not to Read: Fact or Fiction?
And if you’d like help preparing your child for a school interview, I’d love to help. Just get in touch — I have a few spaces left for online coaching sessions this summer.