Banijay Kids & Family has signed an option agreement with Toronto-based publisher Kids Can Press to develop a new preschool TV series based on Arnold the Super-ish Hero.

The picture book, written by Heather Tekavec and illustrated by Guillaume Perreault, was published last year. Its titular character Arnold helps out at his family’s superhero business. Although he’s not a superhero himself, his trajectory changes one day when he receives a call from a young girl in need. Springing into action, the underdog and his unconventional heroic ways prove that even kindness can be a superpower.

Also in the works at Banijay is a TV adaptation of the bestselling What The Ladybird Heard book series. Banijay-owned Tiger Aspect Kids & Family inked a deal last year to develop this 52 x 11-minute series, which will be distributed by sister company Zodiak Kids & Family.

Owned by Canada’s Corus Entertainment, Kids Can Press caters to age groups from toddlers to young adults with a catalogue of more than 700 fiction and nonfiction books, including the Franklin the Turtle publishing franchise.