9 Story to Bring Little Critter Books to the Small Screen

TORONTO: 9 Story Media Group has inked a deal with Little Critter, LLC to produce a new animated show based on Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter children’s book characters.

The 80×11-minute series, which promotes social-emotional learning, will follow a variety of animals who experience the adventures and challenges of growing up in Critterville. In addition to producing, 9 Story will handle worldwide distribution and merchandising rights, excluding publishing and digital media content, which will continue to be managed by Little Critter, LLC.

The Little Critter franchise has sold more than 200 million books around the globe over the past four decades, with translations in eight different languages.

“I am thrilled to welcome 9 Story to the Little Critter team,” said Stuart Snyder, former president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System’s animation, young adults and kids’ media division, who negotiated the deal. “When John [R. Sansevere, the CEO of Little Critter, LLC] and I first discussed potential partners, I knew from first-hand experience that 9 Story would be a tremendous partner. With their capabilities across CG and 2D animation, commitment to quality storytelling and longstanding track record in international distribution, 9 Story has the passion and know-how to make a Little Critter series a hit show around the world.”

“Little Critter is an extraordinary brand,” noted Vince Commisso, the president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group. “There are very few book-based series as well loved, and with such a long history of success. Mercer Mayer has developed an incredible world, built around endearing characters and relatable stories. We are thrilled to work with Mercer, John, Stuart and the whole Little Critter team to bring this adored brand to life on screen.”

“When we first formed Little Critter, LLC, my goal was to find a strategic partner who recognized the global potential of the Little Critter brand and an animation team that could bring the classic art and stories to life,” added Sansevere. “We are very happy to have Vince and his team as our production, distribution and licensing partner on the new Little Critter series, as we feel they possess the creative sensibility to capture the timeless essence of Little Critter and have the international reach to place Little Critter on screens around the world!”