Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came for Tea gets film deal

HarperCollins Children’s Books is partnering with Lupus Films to produce a TV version of Judith Kerr’s classic picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

Lupus, the London-based animation studio that made We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, will create a hand-drawn animated special of the book, which was first published 50 years ago. The film will be produced by Lupus Films’ founders Camilla Deakin alongside HarperCollins Children’s’ Ann-Janine Murtagh (executive publisher), Katie Fulford (special projects director) and Mia Jupp (producer).

Deakin said:  "We are thrilled that HarperCollins has chosen to work with Lupus Films on this very special project. It is an honour to be adapting such an iconic children's book in its landmark anniversary year and we will do our very best to capture the charm and magic of the original book to create a timeless film for children and family audiences."

Murtagh added: “HarperCollins Children’s Books leads the way in multi-platform storytelling. Quality and authenticity is paramount to our success and it is fantastic to be partnering with Lupus Films who share this vision and have created some of the most treasured animated films of recent years. We are incredibly proud to publish Judith Kerr and how wonderful to be bringing her iconic picture book to life for television whilst we celebrate the golden anniversary year of The Tiger Who Came to Tea.”

HarperCollins’ is also marking the 50th anniversary of the book with a series tea parties, which will take place across the UK later this year, as well as new publishing.