National Geographic Kids Ent. has picked up television development rights to award-winning author Jerdine Nolen’s popular children’s book Plantzilla. Both Nolen and illustrator David Catrow will work with writer Mark Drop (Kim Possible, Lilo & Stitch: The Series) and the creative team at National Geographic to help develop an animated show for kids 6-11 that follows the adventures of over-protected third-grader Mortimer Henryson and his best friend, a classroom plant.

“PIantzilla holds a special place in my heart because I based the story on my son and the plant he brought home one day,” Nolen comments. “I am thrilled to join forces with the talented team at National Geographic Kids Ent. to bring forth new exciting adventures for Mortimer and Plantzilla as they find their way into kids’ hearts on television.”

Nolen’s other award-winning children’s books include Raising Dragons, which received the Christopher Award, and Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm, recipient of the Kentucky Bluegrass Award. Collaborator Catrow has illustrated more than 60 children’s books, including the recent New York Times bestseller Ain’t Gonna Paint No More and the perennial favorite Take Me Out of the Bathtub. His political cartoons have been syndicated to more 900 newspapers and magazines across the country.