On Writing : If you could see any childhood favorite book adapted into a film or TV series, what would it be? by Ashley Renée Smith

Ashley Renée Smith

If you could see any childhood favorite book adapted into a film or TV series, what would it be?

It’s always exciting to see a beloved book series make the leap to the screen, especially when it’s one that captures the magic of childhood imagination and mystery.

StudioCanal and Strong Film & Television are developing a new TV adaptation of Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike, a series often described as Enola Holmes meets Agatha Christie. The story follows two rebellious 1930s teen detectives, Hazel and Daisy, as they solve murders with wit, humor, and sharp intuition.

The six-part series is being written by Anna McCleery (Free Rein) and directed by James Strong (Vigil), with plenty of room to grow thanks to the 12 books in the series. You can read more about the project here:

https://deadline.com/2025/10/studiocanal-developing-murder-most-unladyli...

As a lifelong book lover, I find these kinds of adaptations so inspiring, especially when they bring strong young characters to life for new audiences.

If I could see any beloved book from my own childhood adapted into a film or series, it would have to be a Junie B. Jones kids’ show. Her quirky personality and hilarious honesty would make for such a fun and nostalgic adaptation.

What about you?

If you could see any childhood favorite adapted into a film or TV series, what would it be and why?

Maurice Vaughan

The Wayside School book series as a live-action movie series, Ashley Renée Smith! I remember the books being so weird and fun. I think they'd be perfect on the big screen/streaming, and I think they'd be hits.

Lauren Hackney

The Berenstain Bears - how no one has milked this yet I do not know. I loved the books - I have so many of them!

David Horton

I was going to add The Hardy Boys, but there have been 2 attempts at a series - in the late 1970s and just a few years ago in 2020. However, it doesn't mean there can't be another reboot.

Ashley Renée Smith

Oh, I love that idea, Maurice Vaughan! Wayside School would be such a blast to see brought to life. It has that mix of nostalgia and chaos that could really resonate with both kids and adults today, especially if they leaned into the surreal comedy style of something like Matilda or A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Ashley Renée Smith

Yes, Lauren Hackney! The Berenstain Bears would make such a heartwarming and visually charming series. There’s so much timeless wisdom in those stories about family, kindness, and learning life lessons, plus the cozy setting of Bear Country would look amazing in animation or even as a live-action hybrid. It’s the kind of feel-good storytelling the world could always use more of.

Ashley Renée Smith

I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed the recent remake, David Horton! I think The Hardy Boys still has so much potential for another reboot, there’s a timeless appeal to that mix of mystery, adventure, and sibling dynamics.

David Horton

Ashley Renée Smith I recently saw The Amateur - with Rami Malek. It's based on the novel by Robert Littell. There was a film made in 1981 with John Savage, as well. In some ways, the Rami Malek film was better than the John Savage film. Updates for the 21st century, etc. So, having said that, I feel The Hardy Boys could be updated, as well, for all the reasons you mentioned. We could see them as older siblings and perhaps - they both work for the CIA.

Carol M. Salter

Mine. I have seven published. However if it has to be something from my child hood then The Folk of the Faraway Tree.

Dwayne Williams 2

Ashley Renée Smith I’d want Calvin & Hobbes adapted as a fast-paced action thriller, where their boundless imagination explodes into epic, high-stakes adventures on screen.

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