From Page to Screen: the Finest Books Adapted into Films and TV Series at SCRF

In recent years, technology has revolutionized storytelling, leading to the popular trend of adapting books into movies and TV series. These adaptations use visual storytelling to breathe life into characters and engage audiences, driving interest and sales of the original books. The impact of these adaptations is transformational in the entertainment industry.

Some of these notable titles are on display at Sharjah Children Reading Festival (SCRF), with 141 publishing houses participating in the event that highlights the transformative power of books in shaping children’s minds. Through these stories, children embark on immersive journeys, experiencing the emotions of their favorite characters and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. 

One of these popular titles is “Attack on Titan,” a youth Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. It is set in a world where humanity is forced to live in cities surrounded by three enormous walls that protect them from gigantic man-eating humanoids referred to as “Titans”. “Attack on Titan” has become a critical and commercial success since being adapted into a TV series, with over 110 million copies sold. 

As part of SCRF, visitors can enjoy watching the film adaptation of “Hunter x Hunter,” a beloved Japanese manga series for children and young adults created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, an exceptional being capable of greatness. With his friends and his potential, he aspires to fulfill his dreams of becoming a legendary Hunter like his father. The book has inspired numerous spin-off works, including movies and video games, and has sold over 84 million copies worldwide as of 2022.

“The Last Kids on Earth,” a children’s illustrated novel and subsequent book series by American author Max Brallier, takes young readers on an exhilarating journey of fantasy and suspense. When zombies and monsters invade his hometown, scrappy 13-year-old Jack Sullivan teams up with his friends to survive the apocalypse. The series has been adapted into a popular TV series streaming on “Netflix”.

The captivating worlds of “Pip and Posy: The New Friend” and “Bluey: My Mum is the Best” have enchanted young readers with their adventurous spirits and playful characters. These two beloved children’s series have been adapted into TV shows, gaining a new legion of fans and inspiring even more imaginative journeys. With their colorful illustrations, these series have sparked a renewed love for reading, motivating children to explore new ideas and perspectives through the power of storytelling.

SCRF, running until May 14 at the Expo Center Sharjah, celebrates the power of reading to inspire the next generation and instill a love of storytelling. It showcases a wide range of books, including those adapted into films and series that children have watched, engaged with, and experienced alongside beloved characters. With a focus on enhancing cultural awareness and leveraging technology to amplify the impact of literature, the festival is a must-attend for both book lovers and fans of on-screen adaptations.