The Jim Henson Company has optioned two classic book properties--Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy novels and Audrey Penn's the Kissing Hand picture books--for development as television series in partnership with Rehab Entertainment and 2 Friends Entertainment.
Harriet the Spy is being developed as a new stylized 2D animated series that will follow the title character as she observes and writes about New York in the 1960s. BAFTA and Emmy Award- winning Karrot Entertainment (The Snowy Day, Sarah & Duck) is attached to animate the series.
The Kissing Hand will be brought to life with puppets from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, as Chester the raccoon learns how to navigate going to school, making new friends, and dealing with the daily anxieties of a preschooler, with the love and support of Mama Raccoon.
"Both of these classic book properties share the Jim Henson Company's commitment to entertain and inspire children, featuring dynamic characters and stories that celebrate creativity, empowerment, and joy," said Halle Stanford, president of television for the Jim Henson Company. "We have a deep respect for Harriet the Spy, and her many fans, and we're ready to bring this real girl to audiences around the world. Similarly, the Kissing Hand, which is arguably the top book parents use to prepare their children for preschool and kindergarten, is deeply nurturing and perfectly suited for puppetry. Now more than ever, we believe children need the stories of Chester Raccoon and his Mama to encourage them to adventure in the world while still maintaining the loving connection of family and friends."