I thought the movie was actually better than the book. So I recommend reading the book first if you can in a way then you can enjoy both.

There is less violence and conflict in the book than in the film, so my wife who disliked that in the film may prefer the book here. I'll probably listen to the second one if I can find it on CD, but probably won't spend my own time.

I think it would be a good "chapter book" to read to young readers, unfortunately neither of my kids are ever down for that. Similar stories like Charlottes Web and Stuart Little being read to me by my mom are great memories to this day.