I always wonder about books that are “movie tie-ins.” Are they just a “regular book” with a “movie” cover? Or are they an adaptation of the book made into a movie and the book is an adaptation of the movie? Which came first: the book or the movie? If the case of these three books, the movie came first and the merchandizing for the targeted audience came second.
A quick review of each:
As it states in the title: Wonder Woman: The Junior Novel, is just that. It is adapted from the movie. All the highlights are hit. I have not seen this movie; therefore, I was unsure if it hits all the good points, or misses a few along the way. I am sure some of the “mushy” stuff and the more “violet” aspects are not included. However, not having seen the movie, I know I can carry on a conversation about it.
Being Batman (Lego Batman Movie) also is straight forward. However, I do not think I could carry on a conversation about this as it is a very basic boil down. The child having seen the movie will flip though. They will be able to say, “Oh this is where Barbara Gordon said this….” Or “Batman was really funny here.”
Zootopia Read-Along Storybook and CD: First, I do want to note that I did not listen to the CD as the copy I had was damaged and no CD). Second, I have seen this movie. The facts and just the facts are presented. You hit all the highlights. I can fill in the blanks left. I like the movie; therefore it is fun to “relive it” quickly.
My question is this: Are these books good for the child reader or just a merchandising gimmick? I never know. Yes, I get my reluctant reader to read, but these books tend not be “very good.” Forget about being the next Shakespeare, I just want a child to read. Perhaps, if you tell your child, “See? Reading is fun.” They then will expand. But who knows? Thoughts?