STELLA AND SAM

Radical Sheep Options TV Rights to a Children's Literary Gem

Radical Sheep Productions, leading producer of children's programming, has recently optioned the rights to produce a new 2D animated preschool series based on the cherished Canadian book properties Stella and Sam by acclaimed writer-illustrator Marie-Louise Gay.

The Stella and Sam series of books focus on the charming relationship between big sister Stella and her little brother Sam and their fanciful exploration of the natural world. The animated television series will stick closely to the playful and light tone of the book series and continue to exploit the wonderful nuances of childhood adventures, where a cardboard box becomes a space shuttle and the backyard, a lunar crater; where playtime is only limited by the expanse of a child's imagination.

Marie Louise-Gay is one of Canada's leading children's book author-illustrators. Loved for her works in both English and French, two-time Governor General's Literary Award Winner (and recipient of 7 nominations over the course of her career), winner of two Amelia France Howard-Gibbon Awards and winner of two Mr. Christie's Book Awards for her various illustration and literary works, Gay is a true Canadian treasure. The Stella and Sam series have been translated into 16 different languages and has sold nearly 800,000 copies worldwide.

"Marie-Louise Gay has enraptured all of us with her book series. We have all fallen in love with Stella and Sam, and cannot wait to take them into this new medium," says John Leitch, President of Radical Sheep Productions. "Stella has this habit of creating delectable environments for her and her brother to play in, now it's our job to take audiences there too."

Currently attached to the project are preschool animation heavyweights Director Ray Jafelice (Little Bear, Babar, Care Bears) and Writer/Story Editor Bob Ardiel (Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, Franklin, Berenstain Bears). Producer Pamela Slavin (Atomic Betty, Rolie Polie Olie, Little Bear) is consulting on the development of the series. The Stella and Sam series of books are published by Groundwood Books. Groundwood, an independent Canadian publisher for more than 25 years, is dedicated to the production of quality children's books for all ages, and counts many international successes.