Childrens author and illustrator John Patrick Green is has inked a first-look deal with Sycamore Studios, an upstart animation studio based out of Los Angeles and Austin.

Under the deal, Green will adapt Sycamores upcoming Doctor Dolittle movie as a graphic novel. The feature is in development with Paw Patrol scribes Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen. The animation studio will also get a first look at Greens future graphic novels.

Green is known for the InvestiGators middle-grade graphic novel series, which centers on a duo of alligator spies. He also is behind the early reader graphic novels Hippopotamister and the Kitten Construction Company duology. Along with titles such as Teen Boat! and Agents of S.U.I.T., his books have topped three million in sales and been translated into more than 18 languages. Sycamore was launched last year by former Participant executive Christian McGuigan and filmmaker Timothy Reckart, who received an Oscar nomination in 2013 for the animated short film Head Over Heels. McGuigan, who serves as CEO of Sycamore, noted he and McGuigan have eight kids under nine years old between their two families.

As dads, were always searching for books we can enjoy as much as our kids doand Johns work fits the bill perfectly. His books beautifully blend humor, adventure, and creativity, making them a hit with the whole family, said McGuigan.

Sycamore chief creative officer Reckart noted of Green: Johns talent for memorable characters and visual humor is unparalleled in this space.

The company sees Greens deal as underscoring their ambition to have works cross different media, with head of production and distribution Cooper Waterman saying of Green, were thrilled to have him join us in transforming our Doctor Dolittle film into a captivating book series.

Sycamore recently closed a series A funding round, with its slate also including an adaptation of Zita the Spacegirl.

Green is repped by IAG, Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management LLC, and Jamie Coghill at Surpin, Mayersohn.