Macmillan Children’s Books swoops for pre-school animation series Odo  

Macmillan Children’s Books has secured the publishing rights for “Odo”, the “warm-hearted and funny” animated series commissioned by Milkshake (Channel 5).  

Publishing director, brands and media, Nicole Pearson acquired world rights in all languages for six books, with an option to acquire further formats and titles, from Vicky Miller, licensing director at Bulldog Licensing. The first picture books will be published in March 2023.  

“We are delighted to be working with Bulldog and Sixteen South on the delightful Odo – we were captivated by the beauty of the animation, how comedic and warm the stories are and, above all, by Odo’s strong central message of self belief and respect for others,” Pearson commented. “With such an impressive array of international broadcast partners already on board, we believe Odo has real global potential and look forward to seeing this little owl spread its wings far beyond its forest home.” 

“Odo” is a co-production between Bafta-winning Belfast-based Sixteen South and Polish animation studio Letko. The show premiered in the UK in August 2021 and has been sold to more than 150 territories.  

Of the series, the publisher wrote: “Although he is one of the littlest campers at the Forest Camp for Young Birds. Odo knows he can do absolutely anything he sets his mind to. With the help of his best friend Doodle, Odo positively tackles every challenge he faces, no matter how big. Filled with humour and heart the series aims to teach its audience to believe in themselves, sensitively touching upon problem solving, dealing with setbacks and respect for others and includes important themes such as immigration, and racism.” 

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, managing director at Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “We continue to invest in key licensed properties where we know that MCB can bring something unique and exciting to a brand, and publishing innovative and exciting formats that will engage children and families. This is exactly one of these properties and we are very pleased to be working in partnership with Sixteen South Studios on developing Odo’s world through our preschool publishing.” 

Miller said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Macmillan Children’s Books as our global master publisher. The team at Macmillan Children’s Books impressed with their plans, creative ideas and passion for Odo. I can’t wait to see our first titles hit shelves next year.”  

Colin Williams, creative director of Sixteen South, added: “We believe that we earn the right to tell these kind of stories if we can make kids laugh and we’re so delighted to see them now move from the screen onto the bookshelf! The series has a huge emphasis on lush design and if ever there were stories that deserved to be on paper, it’s Odo!”