LA animation studio Oddbot options trio of coming-of-age graphic novels

The Okay Witch will be based on Emma Steinkellner’s debut graphic novel

LA-based production company and animation studio Oddbot has acquired the rights to three coming-of-age graphic novels as it looks to expand beyond preschool.

The company, which produces Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies and Netflix superhero adventure series Action Pack, is set to develop and animate The Cardboard Kingdom, Séance Tea Party and The Okay Witch.

Planned as a 22-minute CG series, The Okay Witch follows a 13-year-old “witch in progress” as she learns the surprising truth about the history of her hometown and her family. It is based on the debut graphic novel of the same name by Emma Steinkellner.

The Cardboard Kingdom, planned as an 11-minute CG/2D series, follows a diverse neighbourhood of kids who transform ordinary boxes into colourful costumes. The project is based on a graphic novel drawn and written by Chad Sell.

Oddbot is also adapting Reimena Yee’s graphic novel Séance Tea Party as a 60-minute CG special. The story follows a 12-year-old who will do anything to remain a kid forever, including befriending a ghost who haunts her house.

Oddbot president Chris Hamilton said: “While OddBot is known for our work in the preschool space, these three latest titles are fantastic additions to an already growing slate of kids’ and family projects with more complex, relatable storylines, and we’re excited to help them jump off the page where they’ll be enjoyed by new and existing fans alike on screen.”

In addition to Muppet Babies and Action Pack, Oddbot is producing an animated musical series, Kindergarten: The Musical, for Disney Junior. Oddbot is also the animation house on the musical Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience for HBO Max and Cartoon Network.