Don't expect 'Bridge to Terabithia' to be a simple fantasy film. Visit the Photo Place

Know what children's books, films will deliver

Don't get an unpleasant surprise when you sit down to watch a movie or read a book with your child

Date published: 2/20/2007

"NO SURPRISES" is the motto of every boss I've ever had. Many parents and teachers feel the same about books for children.

No one likes to experience what a friend of mine once did: In a hurry to choose a book to read aloud, she picked up a picture book with a pretty cover, began reading it to a group of kindergartners, and only then discovered it was actually a book about a little girl whose uncle was dying of AIDS.

Useful though the book might be, this was not what she or the class expected!

This issue has been on my mind ever since I saw the trailers for the new children's film, "Bridge to Terabithia." Based on Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award-winning book, the movie details the growing friendship between 11-year-old Jess and a new girl in town who invites Jess to explore her imaginary world of Terabithia. But while Terabithia is an important element of the story, the heart of the book lies in the relationship between the children, and a tragic event that changes them forever.

But the trailer makes it look like a fantasy along the lines of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." As one reviewer says, "Bridge to Terabithia is an example of a movie that does not deliver what the marketing campaign promises." (Although he goes on to say that, in fact, "it delivers something richer and more meaningful.")

How can you, as a parent or teacher, avoid unpleasant surprises in the books you choose for your young readers? First, the old cliche is true: You can't judge a book by its cover. But you can judge it, at least partially, by the jacket flap. This is where the publisher is trying to sell the reader on the book. Not every plot point is detailed, but you'll get an idea of what's in store.

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Date published: 2/20/2007