The Nancy Drew mystery books have been made into a couple of different TV shows and movies. Most notably, there was a show back in the ‘70s, as well as one that premiered on October 9, 2019, and there was a movie in 2007, which starred Emma Roberts.
While it has been exciting to see this character in new and inventive ways, there are a few other book characters out there who deserve their own television shows and films! Down below, 10 of them are listed out, and whether or not these works ever get made, it is fun to think about what could be.
Shel Silverstein’s Characters
Shel Silverstein made up songs and poems that have been enjoyed all over the world for years and years. Some of his most famous works include Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Whatif, Lazy Jane, and Listen to the Mustn'ts.
Since these stories are so classic and so beloved by so many, it would be cool to see a short series on TV, which displayed these characters like Lazy Jane. Something like this would remind people of these thoughtful and humorous lines and could feature those classic drawings for which Silverstein’s books were known, as well.
Willy Wonka
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first a book by Roald Dahl written in 1964. There was then a movie that starred Gene Wilder from 1971, as well as a movie that starred Johnny Depp from 2005. There will be a Netflix animated series that focuses on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.
But how did the factory come to be? How did Wonka build it up? Where did the Oompa Loompas come from exactly? What became of all the other children? There are so many prequel and sequel stories that need to be told!
Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia is a well-known character who has been seen in numerous children’s books. Peggy Parish and Herman Parish, her nephew, told these stories, which have been featured through a couple of theater shows over the years.
In 2005, rumors came about that a live-action movie was going to happen, with Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, who are Universal Studios and Playtone partners. That obviously has not happened yet, but it definitely needs to be made.
Cam Jansen
The Cam Jansen mystery series was created by David Abraham Adler. The main character in these books was a fifth grade girl named Jennifer "Cam" Jansen, whose photographic memory gave her a nickname and helped her solve crimes.
While there was actually a stage musical version of this story in 2004, there needs to be, perhaps, an animated television series; this character is young, and a cartoon retelling of these mysteries would appeal to many young audience members.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
In 1967, Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle brought the world a classic kid's book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This is a picture book aimed at early readers, and some similar stories followed it: Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?, and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
These animals and the lessons they teach are quite popular, so an animated television series, which is also aimed at a young audience, would be so cute!
Luke Garner
Margaret Peterson Haddix wrote the Shadow Children series, beginning with Among the Hidden in 1999. This story is set in a dystopian future when families can only have two children. After the Garner family had Matthew and Mark, though, they also had Luke; since he was against the law, he had to stay hidden away all the time.
As fans know, Luke made an interesting discovery, and six more books were written within this series. It is a super interesting plot line, and it would be just as entertaining as a TV show or a film franchise.
Kira
Lois Lowry is the author of The Giver, as well as a companion (since it takes place in the same world and time period) to that, Gathering Blue, which came out in 2000. Its main character is Kira, whose leg is deformed and is an orphan who learns some tough lessons and truths.
This is a moving and an award-winning story, and since The Giver had its own film in 2014, it only seems fair that Gathering Blue should have one, too.
Celia Bowen And Marco Alisdair
In 2011, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was released, and as the name suggests, it is about a one-of-a-kind circus that is open at night. However, it is also about so much more! Within the circus, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair go up against each other, creating magical exhibits.
The film and TV rights were actually optioned by Summit Entertainment, and a movie version of this book is apparently coming. This news has been circulating for awhile, and just this year, a director was announced, so hopefully, The Night Circus will really make it to the big screen.
The Squickerwonkers
Actress Evangeline Lilly’s (known for her role in Lost) first book to come out was The Squickerwonkers, in 2014, about Selma of the Rin-Run Royals and the Squickerwonkers of the Squickershow.
This is a super unique story, with super intriguing illustrations (as seen by the accompanying photo). And this is yet another story that certainly deserves its own full-length film so that more fans can enjoy it in more ways.
Lurlene McDaniel’s Characters
Lurlene McDaniel is an author whose books focus on young people who have illness and diseases such as cancer. Some of her works include Don't Die, My Love, I'll Be Seeing You, Telling Christina Goodbye, Garden of Angels, A Horse for Mandy, She Died Too Young, A Season for Goodbye, and The Angels Trilogy.
While these are bittersweet stories, they teach lessons and tug at heartstrings. That being said, a TV series, which told a new story each week, could be a valuable way to display McDaniel’s work even more.