TV Shows Based on Books

Last updated: June 10, 2025

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.

Apple TV Educational (2021)

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Ada Twist, Scientist Poster Image

TV

Ada Twist, Scientist

age 3+

Fun series sparks preschoolers' interest in science.

Netflix Educational (2021)

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Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices Poster Image

TV

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

age 3+

Virtual book club for preschoolers spotlights Black authors.

Netflix Educational (2020)

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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.

PBS Kids' Animation (2000)

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Curious George Poster Image

TV

Curious George

age 3+

Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers.

PBS Kids Kids' Animation (2006)

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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.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2012)

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Lulu Is a Rhinoceros TV Show Poster: Lulu, a bulldog, sees her reflection in building glass. Her reflection is a rhinoceros.

TV

Lulu Is a Rhinoceros

age 3+

Self-love and acceptance shine in sunny musical special.

Apple TV Educational (2025)

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Mo Willems Storytime Shorts! Poster Image

TV

Mo Willems Storytime Shorts!

age 3+

Fresh, fun animated versions of Willems' adored books.

Max Kids' Animation (2020)

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Peg + Cat Poster Image

TV

Peg + Cat

age 3+

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

PBS Kids Kids' Animation (2013)

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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.

PBS Kids Kids' Animation (2010)

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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.

Max Kids' Animation (2020)

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Thomas & Friends Poster Image

TV

Thomas & Friends

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

PBS Kids' Animation (1984)

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Babar Poster Image

TV

Babar

age 4+

Classic books make classy series for preschoolers.

ION , NBC , qubo Kids' Animation (1989)

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BookTube Jr. Poster Image

TV

BookTube Jr.

age 4+

Fun, diverse virtual book club for young readers.

YouTube Educational (2021)

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Dog Loves Books Poster Image

TV

Dog Loves Books

age 4+

Canine book lovers bring stories to life in preschool show.

CBeebies Kids' Animation (2020)

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Franklin and Friends Poster Image

TV

Franklin and Friends

age 4+

Friendly animal pals have positive social messages for kids.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2011)

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Green Eggs and Ham Poster Image

TV

Green Eggs and Ham

age 4+

Charming book-inspired series has cross-generational appeal.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2019)

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Llama Llama Poster Image

TV

Llama Llama

age 4+

Beloved books inspire charming, family-friendly series.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2018)

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Octonauts Poster Image

TV

Octonauts

age 4+

Friendly adventurers teach kids about marine life, teamwork.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2010)

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Olivia Poster Image

TV

Olivia

age 4+

Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2009)

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