Alex T Smith's Claude to be Disney Junior animation series

Alex T Smith's bestselling Claude books are to be adapted into an animated series for Disney Junior EMEA.

​The new series, aimed at children at the upper end of the pre-school age range, has just gone into production and is due to air in 2017. Picked up by Disney Junior Europe, Middle East, Africa & Australia/New Zealand, it was developed and will be produced for television by BAFTA-winning Belfast-based studio Sixteen South.

Smith's Claude books, published by the Hachette Children’s Group, follow the adventures of a little, beret-clad dog, Claude, and his faithful sidekick Sir Bobblysock. The books sell in 16 languages across five continents.

Sixteen South plans to bring Claude to the small screen in a "distinctive 2D hand-drawn style", to evoke the unique visual style of the original books. Creative director Colin Williams said: “We fell in love with Claude when we first saw the books and we’re thrilled that Disney have fallen in love with him too. We’re delighted that our little four-legged hero will be popping up on Disney Junior all across the world and we know that his fun stories and silly humour will appeal to children everywhere.”

Karen Lawler, executive manager of licensing at the Hachette Children’s Group, commented: “We’ve had a fantastic experience working with Sixteen South who really understand Claude’s humour and charm. We’re absolutely delighted the series will be seen on Disney Junior EMEA: having such high-calibre partners on board is a huge component of the Hachette Children’s Group’s vision for the future.”