Long-running book series to get animated content and a global licensing program.

Author Mercer Mayer has partnered with the newly created company Little Critter LLC to develop the Little Critter publishing brand into a global entertainment franchise.

John R. Sansevere, a producer and writer who co-created Little Critter LLC, will spearhead the venture and plans to create animated content for the brand and develop a global licensing and merchandising program across a multitude of categories.

Sansevere established Little Critter LLC with Sword, Rowe and Company, DisruptiveLA and Richard Dreher. Sword, Rowe will serve as its strategic and financial advisor, while DisruptiveLA will provide extensive production expertise and Dreher will bring his knowledge of capital formation.

Additionally, Stuart Snyder, former president and chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting System’s animation, young adults and kids media division, will provide strategic guidance and support across all elements of the project including identifying business opportunities.

“The unwavering popularity of Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter not only in the U.S., but also in overseas markets, solidified for Mercer and myself that it’s time to bring fans new ways to engage with Little Critter,” says Sansevere. “In our fast-paced modern world, the importance of embracing traditional family values and the simple things in life are important to parents, and are the heart of this classic and beloved IP. With tens of millions of preschoolers all over the world and the boom of new outlets for children’s programming, Little Critter multiplatform content makes more sense now than ever before.”

Little Critter has been featured in more than 300 books, which have sold 200 million-plus copies worldwide in the past 40 years. In the U.S., there are currently more than 100 titles in print.