‘Mirror’ reflects movie

It can be difficult to encourage a child to choose a book over easy entertainment like video games and TV shows. But if it’s a chapter book based on a magical new movie about a legendary princess, they just might be tempted to crack its spine.

A new take on the Grimm Brothers’ “Little Snow White” fairy tale, the PG-film “Mirror, Mirror” is an adventure comedy directed by Tarsem Singh (“Immortals”), starring Oscar-winner Julia Roberts as the greedy, vain Queen and Lily Collins (“The Blind Side”) as Snow White. Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) plays her seriously handsome Prince, while Nathan Lane delivers comic relief as Brighton, the Queen’s bungling servant.

The movie-inspired novel, adapted by Lexi Ryals, is a suspenseful read with eight pages of color pictures from the film, highlighting the magnificent costumes by another Oscar-winner, the late Eiko Ishioka (“Immortals” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”).

Parents, be warned that the book (geared toward kids ages 7 and up) contains much calling for the death of Snow White; a teeth-gnashing beast; magical, murderous mannequins; and — spoiler alert — an apple-related murder-suicide. Overall, however, the novel about the generous, sympathetic Snow, who finds the metaphorical and literal strength to fight evil, turn a band of thieving dwarves into heroes, save the prince from a humiliating potion, and aid her impoverished townspeople, is a great way for your young reader to relive the memory of seeing the film with you, while they hone their reading skills.

“Mirror, Mirror: The Movie Novel” adapted by Lexi Ryals (Scholastic), $5.99. For more, visit www.scholastic.com.