Portland-based Laika Entertainment is developing an animated feature based on author/illustrator Alan Snow’s best-selling children’s book series, Here be Monsters. The book, which is currently a best-seller in the U.K. will be published Stateside this July by Simon and Schuster rights.
The first volume in a trilogy called The Ratbridge Chronicles, Here be Monsters centers on a young boy named Arthur who is aided by his band of motley friends to fight Snatcher, a nasty villain who has taken over their town. Snow has illustrated over 160 children’s books throughout his career, penned the recent best-seller How Santa Really Works, designed a children’s science museum in Japan as well as a toy robot currently on sale worldwide.
The acquisition announcement was made today by Laika’s CEO Dale Wahl. ‘Great animated feature films begin with engaging stories and appealing characters. This book has both, as well as a wonderful sense of humor. It’s a great addition to our development and production slate, which currently includes the CG and stop-motion movie Coraline and the CG film Jack & Ben’s Animated Adventure.’
Laika’s supervising director Henry Selick echoes Wahl’s feelings. ‘Like Shrek, Here Be Monsters is packed with multi-layered humor appealing to both child and adult audiences. It has a winning combination of the familiar elements of a boy’s fight against evil, set in an extraordinary world, with a whimsical cast of characters.’ For more info, visit www.laika.com
