Confirmed Critter.
I did read the book, although I saw the movie when I was around six years old, and didn't read the book until I was in my 20s. I think they did a very good job figuring out the elements from the written story that translated best into the visual medium, but I agree that the book does add a lot more depth.
I was honored for them to become official Minecraft art when I worked with J!nx to put them on shirts, posters, etc. :)