Gibbs Smith to Develop BabyLit Animated Series

Gibbs Smith Publishing has joined forces with executive story editor and writer Katherine Sandford to develop its BabyLit and Little Leonardo book series into an animated series concept.

The BabyLit brand includes board books and storybooks for kids aged 2 to 5 and spans several categories. Counting, colors, emotions and the weather are explored through novels; The Little Poets titles celebrate poetry; and The Little Naturalists highlight mini-biographies of nature advocates. The Little Leonardo series, meanwhile, introduces STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts to kids ages 4 to 8.

Sandford has most recently been an executive story editor for Elinor Wonders Why (PBS Kids) and The Book Hungry Bears (TVNZ/TVO); and co-executive producer and executive story editor for The Adventures of Napkin Man I-II-III (CBC).

The ThinkTank Emporium previously partnered with the Gibbs Smith to develop the book series into an animated show, as well as pursue licensing opportunities.

Suzanne Gibbs Taylor, creator of the BabyLit brand and group publisher/chief creative officer at Gibbs Smith, said: “We have had studio interest in our BabyLit brand, and we are thrilled to take the next steps with veteran writer Katherine Sandford to create a vision for what an animated series will look like. This series continues to garner attention and find new audiences as we strategically continue to craft fresh content.”

The ThinkTank Emporium’s David Wollos said: “We are pleased to be working with Katherine to bring the wonderful world of BabyLit to a global audience via various media platforms and additional licensed product opportunities. The sheer potential in all these areas for BabyLit is a wonderful asset for Gibbs Smith and its strategic relationship with Katherine.”

Sandford added: “The BabyLit brand is a very special property. Gorgeous, thoughtful and inspiring, they are beautifully designed and intelligently written. I am excited and honored to be working with Think Tank and Gibbs Smith as we explore the future of BabyLit.”