Lion Forge Pacts with Penguin Young Readers

Lion Forge Entertainment has entered into a partnership to develop film and TV projects based on popular children’s books published by Penguin Young Readers.

Lion Forge Entertainment will retain the rights to develop and adapt a multi-title slate of Penguin Young Readers’ books as animated and/or live-action properties. The initial books selected for development include Wannabe Farms (kids 8 to 12), North Pole Ninjas (3 to 7), Monster Juice (8 to 12) and The Pathfinders Society (8 to 12).

The projects will be led by Lion Forge Entertainment’s president and chief content officer, Stephanie Sperber. Projects that go into production will be produced by Lion Forge’s founder and CEO, David Steward II, along with Sperber, Francesco Sedita from Penguin Young Readers and media consultant Rich Korson.

Sperber said, “The creative team at Penguin Young Readers is as passionate about storytelling and world-building as we are at Lion Forge. Their publishing list aligns perfectly with the content we bring to market, and we are eager to develop these books for kids and family audiences globally.”

Steward II added, “Each book we’re developing with Penguin offers something different to audiences, but all share the heart, humor and sense of discovery that we love to highlight at Lion Forge Entertainment. We look forward to working with these talented authors to bring their stories to the screen.”

Penguin Young Readers’ president, Jen Loja, said, “Lion Forge is the perfect partner to bring some of Penguin’s most exciting properties to screens worldwide. With their expertise in engaging diverse audiences with unique yet universal stories, we couldn’t be more excited to see how these projects develop.”