Guru to adapt Spot for TV with Sarah Maizes consulting

The Puffin picture book franchise has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide and already has a robust consumer products program out at retail.
February 27, 2024

Toronto’s Guru Studio has optioned the TV rights to develop an animated preschool series based on Spot, the popular picture book series from Penguin Random House Children’s UK imprint Puffin that has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide. 

Like the books, Guru’s adaptation will feature the first-time experiences had by Spot the puppy as he explores the world around him. The studio behind True and the Rainbow Kingdom has brought in former Amazon Kids+ content executive Sarah Maizes to consult on the series. 

Maizes launched an LA-based development and production company called Cheeky Squirrel Productions last July. She’s an apt fit for the Spot project since she started her career in publishing at William Morris Endeavor, representing kids book brands including Captain Underpants. And while working as VP of television for The Jim Henson Company from 2016 to 2020, she developed and produced Harriet the Spy for Apple TV+. 

Created by author/illustrator Eric Hill, the Spot book range kicked off in 1980 with Where’s Spot?—which was cutting-edge at the time as the publishing market’s first lift-the-flap storybook. There are now more than 50 Spot books in print that have been translated into 60-plus languages (including French, braille and sign languages). And UK consumers alone have bought more than one million copies since 2020.  

Puffin has also developed a Fun with Spot licensing program that consists of apparel, plush, toys and live events. Sam Bradshaw Productions is currently producing a stage show called Spot’s Birthday Party, which is touring the UK into June. 

About The Author
News editor for Kidscreen. Ryan covers tech, talent and general kids entertainment news, with a passion for kids rap content and video games. Have a story that's of interest to Kidscreen readers? Contact Ryan at rtuchow@brunico.com

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