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The problem with knowing that your favorite children and YA books have been turned into movies without your knowledge is that 90% of the time your ignorance was a good thing. Still, I like seeing how people mess up one way or another when they decide to put a popular title up on the silver screen.

First of all, was anyone aware that they'd turned Tom's Midnight Garden into a film? I can see now why no one's done it before. The poor guy playing Tom has to appear in his pajamas for most of the film. Also, Tom's a bit too old here, yes? Looks like he'd rather be kissing Hattie than scampering about with her.



From England to Venice. When I stumbled on the DVD of The Thief Lord in the Scholastic bookstore, I was shocked. Since then, I know of people who've seen this film. This trailer is a bit squished and gives away huge plot elements. It doesn't seem to work. Then again, I didn't really think that the magic parts gelled with the original book either.



And then there's Moomin. The Japanese made him into an animated series. Finland meets Japan and it looks like an ideal match. I was a little amazed. This isn't film per say, but it's pleasant enough to include.



And just to switch gears entirely, remember that recent adaptation of Blood and Chocolate? No? Here's why.



And finally, this is the worst. The worst of the worst of the worst. A perfect way to round out my selections. You say you don't remember the Five Children and It movie? This might be why. Oh. Sweet. Lord. Why, Eddie, why?

By and large I tend to turn a blind eye to YA news since a children's librarian has to draw the line somewhere. I draw mine at the age 14 and up. But who am I to prevent you good and wonderful people from free books? Basically there's a giveaway going on regarding one Cynthia Leitich Smith's newest offering Tantalize.

All you need to do to win one of 20 copies of the book?

"Make up a favorite recipe/dish for either a vampire or a werewolf. Be Creative! And remember, answers DO count!"

I hope they have the good grace to post the results. With any luck there'll be lots of magnificently horrible puns. And speaking of werewolf YA novels, how many of you noticed that Blood and Chocolate's movie was already released? That pup sank like a stone, no?

In a related matter, Ms. Smith's hubby Greg Leitich Smith has written an article entitled How Bleak Thou Art on his blog. In it, he laments the dearth of comedic YA out there today. Comedy never really gets its due, to my mind. And article worth considering, debating, and generally discussing.