inkpop Fundamentals: December 16, 2010

★ Author Suzanne Collins weighs in on adapting ‘The Hunger Games’ for the big screen Unlike many other authors in the industry, Suzanne Collins – the creator of the highly-successful The Hunger Games trilogy – has much experience with the entertainment industry. Since 1991, Suzanne has written for many children’s television shows – including Clarissa Explains It All, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, and more; thus, it should come as no surprise that she would have a hand – if only a small one – in bringing the bestselling series to the big screen. “Collins…wrote the first draft of the screenplay herself and says Lionsgate, who acquired the books, has ‘established a dialogue with me, making me feel my input was valuable and welcome.’” Entertainment Weekly.

★ Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ gets the musical treatment! Though Roald Dahl’s Matilda made it to the big screen in 1996 starring Mara Wilson as everyone’s favorite mistreated magic-doer with an IQ through the roof; few thought they would see it in its newest form…musical! More than three years in the making, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda, a Musical has finally come together, having premiered on December 9th, 2010, at the Courtyard Theatre – Stratford-Upon-Avon. The show will run through January 30, 2011. The Telegraph.

★ New Diana Wynne Jones headed to a bookstore near you! Diana Wynne Jones has been thrilling readers with books such as Howl’s Moving Castle (which was adapted into an anime film) and The Chronicles of Chrestomanci series for years; now she is ready to conquer a new generation with her whimsical writing via her upcoming release Earwig and the Witch. Described as a book for young readers; Earwig and the Witch tells the story of young Earwig, a child living at St. Morwald’s Orphanage – a location that she adores – until she is swept away by a peculiar couple – one of which, Earwig soon learns, is a witch! The Bookseller.

Over to you…did you know about Suzanne Collins’ prior work experience on children’s television? Are you excited to see The Hunger Games played out on the big screen – why or why not? What do you think of Matilda being adapted into a musical? If given the chance, would you be interested in seeing Matilda, a Musical – why or why not? Are you a fan of Diana Wynne Jones? Will you be reading Earwig and the Witch once it is released?

Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Erika (aka inkpoperika)