TV Shows Based on Books

These days it seems like all the gripping must-see TV shows are based on popular page-turners. With the huge success of shows such as 13 Reasons Why and Game of Thrones, it's no surprise that so many TV series are getting inspired by books. But it's not only edgy novels for teens and adults that are getting the TV treatment. A ton of great shows for young kids and preschoolers feature beloved characters from popular picture books. Book-based television can also be a great way to make TV time count. So see if your favorite show based on a book made the cut, and be sure to check out our list of Movies Based on Books.

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Get Rolling with Otis Poster Image
TV

Get Rolling with Otis

age 2+

Sweet, gentle barnyard show teaches preschoolers empathy.

Network: Apple TV+ (2021)
Ada Twist, Scientist Poster Image
TV

Ada Twist, Scientist

age 3+

Fun series sparks preschoolers' interest in science.

Network: Netflix (2021)
Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices Poster Image
TV

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

age 3+

Virtual book club for preschoolers spotlights Black authors.

Network: Netflix (2020)
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That Poster Image
TV

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That

age 3+

Funny feline makes natural science fun for kids.

Network: PBS Kids (2010)
Clifford the Big Red Dog Poster Image
TV

Clifford the Big Red Dog

age 3+

Kids will love this big dog with lots of smarts.

Network: PBS (2000)
Curious George Poster Image
TV

Curious George

age 3+

Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers.

Network: PBS Kids (2006)
Guess How Much I Love You Poster Image
TV

Guess How Much I Love You

age 3+

Endearing book-inspired series centers on curiosity, love.

Network: Disney Junior (2012)
The Monster at the End of This Story Poster Image
TV

The Monster at the End of This Story

age 3+

TV version of beloved Sesame book helps kids face fears.

Network: Max (2020)
Mo Willems Storytime Shorts! Poster Image
TV

Mo Willems Storytime Shorts!

age 3+

Fresh, fun animated versions of Willems' adored books.

Network: Max (2020)
Thomas & Friends Poster Image
TV

Thomas & Friends

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

Network: PBS (1984)
Peg + Cat Poster Image
TV

Peg + Cat

age 3+

Spunky girl's math skills solve problems, teach lessons.

Network: PBS Kids (2013)
BookTube Jr. Poster Image
TV

BookTube Jr.

age 4+

Fun, diverse virtual book club for young readers.

Network: YouTube (2021)
Dog Loves Books Poster Image
TV

Dog Loves Books

age 4+

Canine book lovers bring stories to life in preschool show.

Network: CBeebies (2020)
Green Eggs and Ham Poster Image
TV

Green Eggs and Ham

age 4+

Charming book-inspired series has cross-generational appeal.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Llama Llama Poster Image
TV

Llama Llama

age 4+

Beloved books inspire charming, family-friendly series.

Network: Netflix (2018)
Pinkalicious & Peterrific Poster Image
TV

Pinkalicious & Peterrific

age 4+

Spunky book heroine continues to delight in animated show.

Network: PBS Kids (2018)
Olivia Poster Image
TV

Olivia

age 4+

Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.

Network: Nickelodeon (2009)
Babar Poster Image
TV

Babar

age 4+

Classic books make classy series for preschoolers.

Network: ION , NBC , qubo (1989)
Franklin and Friends Poster Image
TV

Franklin and Friends

age 4+

Friendly animal pals have positive social messages for kids.

Network: Nickelodeon (2011)
Octonauts Poster Image
TV

Octonauts

age 4+

Friendly adventurers teach kids about marine life, teamwork.

Network: Disney Channel (2010)