Stuart Snyder to Help Develop Little Critter into Global IP

NEW YORK: Stuart Snyder, the former president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System’s Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media division, has been tapped to help develop the Little Critter book franchise into a global entertainment property across multiple categories.

Little Critter books have sold more than 200 million copies globally and there are 100-plus titles currently in print in the U.S. alone. Author and illustrator Mercer Mayer has now signed a deal with Little Critter LLC to develop the IP into a global entertainment brand. John R. Sansevere will head up the venture to create animated content for multiplatform distribution and to develop a global licensing and merchandising program.

Snyder and Snyder Media Group have been retained by Little Critter LLC to provide strategic guidance and support across all elements of the project, including identifying and evaluating business opportunities, and to provide leadership of the Little Critter brand.

Sansevere established Littler Critter LLC together with Sword, Rowe & Company, DisruptiveLA and Richard Dreher.

Mayer said: “John and I have worked together for many years, and there is no one whom I trust more to lead this esteemed group that he has assembled to bring new and meaningful Little Critter experiences to children everywhere.”

“The unwavering popularity of Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter not only in the U.S., but also in overseas markets, solidified for Mercer and myself that it’s time to bring fans new ways to engage with Little Critter,” commented Sansevere. “In our fast-paced modern world, the importance of embracing traditional family values and the simple things in life are important to parents, and are the heart of this classic and beloved IP. With tens of millions of preschoolers all over the world and the boom of new outlets for children’s programming, Little Critter multiplatform content makes more sense now than ever before.”

“I am excited to be working with John and Sword Rowe to help bring the evergreen character, Little Critter, to its next level of success,” added Snyder.