Irish animation studio Telegael has optioned Betty G. Birney’s popular children’s book series According to Humphrey for TV and film.
The books are narrated by a classroom hamster named Humphrey, and are published in the United Kingdom by Faber & Faber and in the United States by G.P. Putnam’s Sons. The best-selling series of books has won numerous awards, including seven U.S. State Awards, two Children’s Crown Awards and a Christopher Award. The seventh book in the series comes out in 2011.
Telegael’s credits include co-productions on Tutenstein, Dive Olly, Dive, Hero 108 and Toddworld. Current productions include DaVincibles with Moonscoop and NEO Network, SpeedRacer: The Next Generation with Toonz and NickToons and The Woodlies with Flying Bark Productions and ZDF. Grainne McNamara, head of international development, and Siobhan Ní Ghadhra, head of production, will oversee the development at Telegael.
“Betty Birney is an exceptionally talented children’s writer and storyteller. We are looking forward to working with her to develop a magical and engaging animated television series based on the hugely successful Humphrey books” says Ní Ghadhra.
