Because of Winn Dixie - Children's Book & Feature Film

Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, may possibly be one of my new, most favorite books. This book was a Newbery Honor Book in 2001. It's the story of Opal, a preacher's daughter, who is new to the town of Naomi and doesn't have any friends. One day, while running an errand for her father, Opal meets a stray dog in the local grocery store. She decides to keep the dog and names it Winn Dixie, after the store in which she found him. Her father, the preacher, is withdrawn and quiet, but Winn Dixie quickly earns his love and affection. Throughout the summer, Winn Dixie gives Opal the courage to meet new people in town and to talk to her father about her runaway mother. In the end, it's becuase of Winn Dixie that Opal finally feels happy and her heart no longer feels empty.

Because of Winn Dixie was made into a full-length feature film in 2005. The movie is equally as charming as the book, but there were some differences between the two stories. One major difference in the movie is that the preacher does not immediately fall in love with Winn Dixie like he does in the book. In the movie version, the preacher makes Opal hang "Found" signs around town so that the dog's real owner can be found. At one point in the story he even calls the dog pound to come get the dog. In fact, it's not until almost the end of the movie that you hear the preacher say that he actually loves the Winn Dixie.

Another major difference between the two versions of this story is that, in the movie, there are two additional characters, who play small supporting roles. One is Mr. Alfred, the trailer park owner. He does not want dogs in his trailer park, so of course, he does not care much for Winn Dixie when Opal first brings him home. The other character is a rather unintelligent police officer, who brings some silly humor to the big screen version of this story. Overall, I found both versions of this sweet story of friendship to be very enjoyable. I would most definitely recommend this book and movie to classroom teachers and students, alike.

References:

DiCamillo, K. (2000). Because of Winn Dixie. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

The Reading Nook.com. (2007). Grade Level Reading Lists: Fourth Grade. Retrieved on April 9, 2008, from http://thereadingnook.com/fourth_grade/

Wang, W. (Director). (2005). Because of Winn Dixie [motion picture]. United States: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.