MUMBAI: Zodiak Kids Studios, part of Banijay, has secured a development deal to produce a live-action TV series for seven to twelve-year-olds, based on the Cookie books written and illustrated by Konnie Huq.
Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World was first published by Piccadilly Press in 2019, followed by Cookie and the Most Annoying Girl in the World in 2020. The award-winning series starring science-mad Cookie has now sold over 60,000 copies in the UK.
TV presenter and writer Konnie Huq is a popular favourite in the children’s book world and is described by fans as “a brilliant, engaging writer who understands what children enjoy.” David Walliams called the books “smart, funny and full of warmth” and Jaqueline Wilson said they were “fresh and very funny.” There are further adventures planned for 2021.
The working title for the TV series is Cookie!, named after the titular character in the books. The show will follow the hilarious adventures of British-Bangladeshi Cookie whose big mouth and overactive imagination often land her in hot water.
The executive producers for the series will be Zodiak Kids creative director Steven Andrew, Terrible Productions’ James Farrell (This Is Going To Hurt) and Konnie Huq.
Andrew said, “I loved Cookie from the first page and I am thrilled that we have been able to secure the rights to make the TV series. Konnie has created a delightfully funny, flawed but wonderfully accessible character whom all children will be able to relate to and I am sure will become an iconic part of children’s culture for years to come. I am looking forward to working with Konnie to bring Cookie to the small, medium or even large-sized screen.”
Konnie Huq added, “It’s so great to be working with Steven Andrew (who I worked with in Blue Peter days) once again and also the fabulous team at Zodiak. I know they’ll do a brilliant job of bringing Cookie to life! Growing up from a minority background, it’s important to me that all children feel they’re represented. Although Cookie can feel like a bit of an outsider, she has a lot to offer. I’m a huge fan of bringing together education and entertainment, and I hope viewers will be belly laughing and perhaps even getting a dose of stealth science.”
Zodiak Kids own international distribution rights to the series.
