Toronto, Canada-based 9 Story Entertainment and Paris, France-based MoonScoop Productions have teamed up with Italian production company Atlantyca Entertainment to develop a new animated series based on the bestselling international book series Geronimo Stilton.

Published throughout the world, the books for middle-graders from Italy’s Edizioni Piemme revolve around the life and globetrotting adventures The Rodent Gazette editor Stilton which have included mountain climbing and solving cheese-related mysteries.

First published in 2000, the books have sold more than 14 million copies in Italy alone and have been translated into 29 different languages.

The newly hatched cross-Atlantic team has started pitching the 26 x 24-minute animated series with additional multi-platform ready content to buyers at this week’s MIPTV in Cannes.

The three companies will also share in the international distribution rights: 9 Story holds the television and home video rights for all English-speaking territories, while MoonScoop distributor Taffy will handle all French-speaking territories. Atlantyca retains the rights in Italy and remaining territories and will partner with 9 Story for North American distribution.