’Spot’ Preschool TV Series in the Works at Guru Studio (Exclusive)
The adaptation of Eric Hill’s book series, which has sold 65 million copies worldwide, will be overseen by former Amazon Kids+ exec Sarah Maizes.
Guru Studio, the animation studio behind the popular PAW Patrol TV series, is developing Eric Hill’s book series Spot as an animated preschool TV series.
Former Amazon Kids+ exec Sarah Maizes will oversee the adaptation of the the kids books series, which has sold over 65 million copies worldwide. Toronto-based Guru Studio optioned the TV rights to the Spot books, which includes the Where’s Spot? series, with the literary property published by Puffin.
The books center on Spot, a rambunctious and curious puppy, and his adventures with family and friends. “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,” Frank Falcone, president and executive creative director of Guru, said in a statement.
“As stewards of this cherished literary legacy, we will inspire that same engaged curiosity, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel for today’s preschoolers,” he added. Puffin-parent Penguin already manages the consumer products and licensing program around the Spot book series in-house.
Maizes, who will oversee the TV series project for Guru, worked at Amazon Kids+ and the Jim Henson Company. Her credits include Harriet the Spy (AppleTV+), Dinosaur Train (PBSKids), Randi Zuckerberg’s Dot and Hello Kitty: Super Style (Amazon Kids+).
Besides PAW Patrol, Guru’s other TV credits include Netflix’s True and the Rainbow Kingdom and Sesame Streets animated spin-off Mecha Builders. The studio is currently in production on the family mini-series adaptation of Charlottes’ Web for Warner Bros Discovery’s Max.