In a post- Harry Potter world, the race is on to build the next great fantasy franchise that will drive young readers into the theaters and capture their imaginations with big, billowing magic. Many have tried and failed, and while "The Spiderwick Chronicles” does not quite achieve the enveloping aura of the films based on J.K. Rowling 's books, it succeeds on its own charms.

Based on the novels of Tony DiTerlizzi...