Wayside – the cartoon

I was walking past my daughter’s room yesterday and heard the TV announce, The Wayside cartoon coming up next. “Wayside cartoon?” I asked my daughter. “Are they talking about Sideways Stories?”

“Yep,” she said.

Hmm…I was intrigued. I am usually quite disappointed when books become movies or TV shows, but, with a fun and silly book like Sideways Stories, it just might work! The books (there is a series) were written by Louis Sachar, and the kids and I just love them!

So I sat down to watch an episode with her. It was kind of cute, and definitely fun. There was a bit lost in translation, especially if you have never read the books. But, I suppose, if it is a good jumping-off point to get kids to read the books, and then further enjoy the TV show, that’s all good, right? Watch the show –> get interested –> read the books –> watch the show with the book knowledge –> read the books some more because you’re having so much fun! That sounds like a good plan to me!

It comes on Nickelodeon, and the Nick webpages for it look like they could be lots of fun, too! You can reach them here: Wayside And it is actually being co-produced by Teletoon in Canada.

There is already a Wikipedia entry for it, although it just premiered on June 25th! You can read it here: Wayside (TV series)

There was a great article about it in the Boston Globe, by Joanna Weiss, in which she puts into words so well the thoughts and feelings that I was having about this much-loved book-turned-cartoon. The article is aptly titled, “‘Wayside’ skips the nuance, but, not the fun”.

I would have to say that, so far, I am actually happy with this project that very well could have tarnished a cherished children’s book series. I think they’ve actually done a good job in representing the silliness that is Wayside, and possibly even gotten some children excited enough about the chaotic fun to read the books!

GO READ A BOOK!