The Washington Post asks the question: Which is better, the book or the movie?

Each summer, The Washington Post KidsPost hosts a Summer Book Club.  The final Harry Potter movie has inspired this year's theme: Books vs. Movies.  Personally, I tend to think the books are always better, with the possible exception of A Little Princess - which isn't part of this particular list, but never mind that. 

This really is a something-for-everyone kind of list, with a number of wonderful books.  I hope you and your children take part in at least one of the discussions.

This has reminded me that I need to dust off my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - I think I only have 16 days to re-read it before the movie comes out.  

Following is the link and the text from the KidsPost: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-summer-book-club-books/2011/05/26/AGaH2KjH_story.html

Here’s the list of books in the KidsPost Summer Book Club: Books vs. Movies. Starting Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday through August 10, we’ll feature a different book. We’ll also offer suggestions for other books-turned-into-movies that you might like. In keeping with the theme, we’ll also publish excerpts from a review of the movie, done by Jane Horwitz, who writes the Family Filmgoer column in the Weekend section each Friday.

We hope you’ll read the books, watch the movies and talk with your family about that age-old question: What’s better, the book or the movie? If you have strong opinions you’d like to share with us about any specific book-movie combinations, e-mail us at kidspost@washpost.com. Keep your comments to no more than 100 words, include your name, age, home town and phone number. Your parent must give permission in the e-mail as well.

June 29: “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks. When Omri receives a three-inch-high plastic Indian from his best friend as a birthday present, he isn’t too impressed. After all, what can you do with a plastic Indian? Omri’s opinion changes when the Indian comes to life!
July 6: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. What can a lonely 10-year-old named India Opal Buloni and a dog named after a grocery store have in common? Find out in this beautiful book by the author of “The Tale of Desperaux.”
July 13: “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl. Can three mean-spirited farmers outwit the daring animal thief who has been robbing them blind?
July 20: “Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary. What will 4-year-old Ramona get into next? Ride her tricycle in the house? Parade around town like the Easter Bunny? Pretend she is walking her pet lizard? Whatever she’s up to, her big sister, Beezus, is there!
July 27: “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in school — again. And he’s not liking Florida much compared with his last home in Montana. That is, until he discovers that the Sunshine State is home to potty-trained alligators, burrowing owls, poisonous snakes and mystery.
August 3: “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine. While parents may think having a perfectly obedient child would be a blessing, Ella of Frell understands that it’s really a curse in a fairy tale filled with ogres, giants and princesses — and just a little bit of disobedience.
August 10: “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke. Reading aloud is one of the most magical experiences in the world. That’s especially true in this story of the father-and-daughter team of Mo and Meggie, who bring characters to life when they read. Dare to read this one out loud!