Studio to produce animated comedy series, based on author Dermot O’Leary’s book series, about Toto, a partially sighted cat with razor-sharp senses, a nose for danger and a crime-busting spirit of adventure.
Jellyfish Pictures’ kids and family content division, Jellyfish Originals, has acquired rights to adapt Dermot O’Leary’s book series, “Toto the Ninja Cat,” into an animated series. The book series, illustrated by Nick East, is inspired by Dermot’s own cats; the show will be based on Toto, a partially sighted cat with razor-sharp senses, a nose for danger and a crime-busting spirit of adventure, incorporating themes of friendship, inclusivity, and winning in the face of adversity.
Award-winning writing duo Huckerby & Ostler (Peter Rabbit, Moomin Valley, Danger Mouse) are heading up the TV adaptation, with O’Leary serving as executive producer, alongside Dee Koppang O’Leary, whose credits include Bridgerton, The Crown, and The Split and Rivals.
Karen Lawler, Head of Media Rights & Audio at Hachette Children’s Group (HCG), and Natalie Llewellyn, Managing Director – Animation & Originals at Jellyfish Pictures, negotiated the deal.
“Toto is a strong, empowering female lead who demonstrates positivity, adaptability, and resilience,” commented Llewellyn. “We’re delighted to be working with Dermot and HCG and can’t wait to bring Toto’s hair-raising adventures to life, encouraging kids everywhere to embrace their inner ninja!”
Lawler added, “The HCG Media Rights team have loved Toto since her first day in print. We are committed to fostering strong relationships between book creators and producers, working with the best in the business, and pairing our books with the right partners – and we know Jellyfish Pictures will be the purr-fect match for Toto!”
“’Toto the Ninja Cat’ is about to go on her next big adventure, being brought to life in her own animated children’s series,” shared O’Leary. “I had so much fun writing the books, and so I can’t wait to see the world I created on the page unfold on the screen. I look forward to working with Jellyfish Pictures and Hachette on making this a reality.”
Source: Jellyfish Pictures
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
