Burt the Beetle will be flying off the printed page and heading to viewers’ screens now that a 2D-animated preschool series from Toronto’s Epic Story Media (Hop) and regional broadcaster TVOKids is in the works. 

The alliteratively named insect is the title character for a series from Canadian kids author Ashley Spires. 

Spires and TV writers Hugh Duffy (Trucktown) and Carolyn Hay (PAW Patrol) are creating the toon, and they’ll all executive produce alongside Epic Story Media’s Ken Faier and Steve Couture. While the format is not yet finalized, a 52 x seven-minute treatment is being considered.

Comprising two book titles released in 2021 and 2023 by publisher Kids Can Press, Burt the Beetle revolves around a kind-hearted bug who learns to embrace his life as a June beetle—from figuring out what special power sets him apart from other insects, to searching for the perfect house to suit his size and his sticky legs.

In 2026, Kids Can Press will release a third book in this acclaimed series, which was shortlisted for the 2024 Eisner Awards (Best Publication for Early Readers). 

Spires is no stranger to the book-to-TV pipeline; this is her third kidlit franchise to get an animated TV treatment after Binky the Space Cat was adapted into Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe (with Spires, Duffy and Hay attached as writers) and The Most Magnificent took to the small screen as Millie Magnificent.

“The [Burt the Beetle] books’ distinctive graphic style is sure to captivate audiences and translate beautifully to the screen,” said Kirsten Hurd, commissioning editor for TVOKids. “We’re excited to help build a captivating universe with entertaining and funny stories that will spark curiosity about the world of insects.”