I know what you might be thinking, because maybe it's what I was thinking too - Isn't the term "book-inspired television" a bit of a contradiction in terms, or maybe a way of justifying screen time because it's about a book so it must be more educational that other shows?

Well, I'm not saying that those first reactions aren't warranted, and for sure, reading a book is way more valuable in terms of experiences than watching a movie or show based on the book. However, everybody needs a little candy to balance out those kale chips, and I've noticed lately that streaming services that are providing their own original content are creating kid's shows based on picture books and children's novels. I find that interesting.

I am in no way paid by Amazon to say this, but their "Prime" streaming service has been bringing it in terms of book-inspired shows. We have been watching this Japanese animation series based on Astrid LIndgren's novel by the same name, Ronja the Robber's Daughter. We love it! Ronja is the daughter of the chief of a band of thieves that live in a magical forest, and she goes on lots of adventures. So far (we haven't watched the whole series yet), it seems to stick pretty true to the book.

Other shows that we found on Amazon's streaming service include a movie based on the classic picture book, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, and an original show called Bookaboo featuring a cute little British dog who loves to read.

I really hope other streaming services follow their lead and book-based kid's programming becomes a bigger trend.

What do you think? Do you like seeing book-based shows, or do you think it deters kids from reading the actual book? What books would you like to see turned into a show?