Guppy signs first screen deal for Dolan's Ghost Scouts series

Guppy Books has signed its first screen deal after production company Threewise optioned the Ghost Scouts book series, written and illustrated by Taylor Dolan.

The deal was done between Marc Simonsson of Soloson Media on behalf of Bella Pearson, publisher at Guppy Books, and Raquel Dobson, head of distribution and licensing at Threewise. 

The series was first published by Guppy Books in 2020, leading to a UK-wide tour from Dolan for World Book Day 2020, and a range of virtual events throughout the pandemic alongside the publication of the second and third books in the series. The books centre on Lexie Wilde, who joins a summer camp with a twist, and follows her adventures with her and her band of unusual friends, exploring themes of acceptance and celebrating difference at its heart. 

Michael Ford, head of content at Threewise, said: “Whether you’ve ever been part of a scout troop, or simply stuck in a kids’ club during summer vacation — you’ll know that fitting in, and standing out, are equal challenges to overcome! Threewise loved the spooky twist that Taylor has created with her campfire tales of Lexie Wilde and her supernatural sisters at Camp Croak. The story of a very human girl finding a home away from home among a troop of werewolves, zombies and ghosts is packed with heart, hijinks and hilarious goings on, and we can’t wait to bring these characters to the screen!” 

Dolan added: “Having my little monster world of Camp Croak come to life in the capable hands of Threewise is just an impossible dream come true. I simply cannot wait to see what magic they create!" 

Development has now begun, commencing with the search for a head writer as well as an international animation partner, all with the aim of bringing the series to market in 2022. Threewise says it is “particularly on the hunt for authentic East Asian talent with experience of writing for kids to be part of a future writers room”. The goal is to reflect the cultural heritage of the series’ lead heroine, Lexie, who is herself half-Japanese.