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Guru Studio has optioned the TV rights to Puffin’s popular children’s book series, Spot, 44 years after the pup’s first publication.
The new TV series will follow Spot on his adventures, with award-winning writer Sarah Maizes helping to guide the project for Guru Studio.
“Just like in the classic books, children will see their own everyday experiences reflected in Spot’s adventures with his family and friends as they discover the big, wide, world around them” Puffin said.
The media rights team at Penguin Random House UK brokered the deal with Guru.
Francesca Dow, managing director at Penguin Random House Children’s UK, said: “Puffin is proud to be the home of Eric Hill’s beloved Spot. His child-like, inquisitive nature and boundless energy have captivated small children for over 40 years. Spot’s timeless appeal lies in his simplicity and in Eric’s ability to capture the essence of early childhood experiences.
“Guru recognises Spot’s unique appeal and this, together with an impressive portfolio and roster of talent, creates an exciting opportunity to bring Spot to new audiences via animation. We can’t wait to see Spot come bounding onto screen to excite and entertain millions of young children and their families, reaching new fans and old.”
Frank Falcone, president and executive creative director of Guru Studio, said: “Spot holds a special place in the hearts of millions of families around the world as Eric Hill’s dynamic storytelling and lift-the-flap discovery moments invite children to become part of the story. As stewards of this cherished literary legacy, we will inspire that same engaged curiosity, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel, for today’s preschoolers.”
Guru Studio is behind children’s shows such as "PAW Patrol" and is currently in production on the family mini-series adaptation of Charlottes’ Web for Warner Bros Discovery’s Max.
Eric Hill’s iconic puppy Spot first appeared in 1980 in the first ever lift-the-flap storybook, Where’s Spot? and has since become a perennial best-seller. Puffin said it has sold over 65 million books worldwide, and has been translated into over 60 languages including braille and sign language. Hill died in 2014.
The FUN WITH SPOT consumer products and licensing programme, including toys, apparel and live experiences, is managed in-house by Penguin Ventures.