Guru Studio options TV rights to Spot

Guru Studio has optioned the TV rights to Puffin’s best-selling children’s book series, Spot.

Eric Hill’s loveable puppy Spot first appeared in 1980 in the first ever lift-the-flap storybook, Where’s Spot?. It has since become a perennial best-seller, with over 65 million books sold worldwide.

The series has also enjoyed recent growth throughout many key global territories, including the US and Australia. In the UK, over one million Spot books have been sold since 2020 alone, more than double the volume sold in the prior four years.

“Spot holds a special place in the hearts of millions of families around the world as Eric Hill’s dynamic storytelling and lift-the-flap discovery moments invite children to become part of the story,” said Frank Falcone, President and Executive Creative Director of Guru Studio.

“As stewards of this cherished literary legacy, we will inspire that same engaged curiosity, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel, for today’s pre-schoolers.”

Guru Studio is the animation firm behind recent hits like PAW Patrol, Netflix’s True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and Sesame Streets animated spin-off Mecha Builders. The studio has brought on board award-winning children’s author and TV veteran Sarah Maizes to guide the project. Sarah’s credits include Harriet the Spy (AppleTV+), Dinosaur Train (PBSKids), Randi Zuckerberg’s Dot. and Hello Kitty: Super Style (Amazon Kids+).

Francesca Dow, Managing Director of Penguin Random House Children’s UK, added: “Puffin is proud to be the home of Eric Hill’s beloved Spot.  His child-like, inquisitive nature and boundless energy have captivated small children for over 40 years.

“Spot’s timeless appeal lies in his simplicity and in Eric’s ability to capture the essence of early childhood experiences.  Guru recognises Spot’s unique appeal and this, together with an impressive portfolio and roster of talent, creates an exciting opportunity to bring Spot to new audiences via animation. We can’t wait to see Spot come bounding onto screen to excite and entertain millions of young children and their families, reaching new fans and old.”