The young stars, author, and producer talk about the new film, "Bridge to Terabithia"

Written by Katherine Paterson, "The Bridge to Terabithia" is a beloved and treasured children's book, which was first published in 1977.

The novel won The Newbery Award in 1978 and has been turned into a movie twice: a PBS made-for-TV film in 1985 and a 2007 Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media theatrical film.

Directed by Gabor Csupo ("Rugrats," "The Wild Thornberrys Movie"), the film tells the story of a fifth grader Jesse Aarons (played by Josh Hutcherson), who hopes to become the fastest runner in his class, but that goal is dashed when a new student Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) outruns everybody, including Jesse. The two kids become friends, and by using their imagination, create a magical kingdom in the forest where Jesse and Leslie reign together as king and queen. 

The fantasy / adventure story focuses on friendship, family, and the power of imagination. The creatures and effects were produced by the WETA Workshop, who also did the visual effects for "The Lord of the Rings."

In the February 2007 Sidewalks On-Demand interviews, host Cindy Rhodes had the opportunity to speak with "The Bridge to Terabithia's" two young stars, Josh Hutcherson ("RV," "Zathura") and AnnaSophia Robb ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Because of Winn Dixie"), and the book's author Katherine Paterson and her son David Paterson, who is also one of the movie's producers and co-screenwriter.

Hutcherson and Robb talk about working on the film, while The Patersons explain how David's real-life friendship with an eight year old girl was the basis for her children's novel.

"Bridge to Terabithia" opens nationwide on February 16, 2007.