Sky Kids has secured a development deal for children’s book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, with Lightboat Media. The book by author Sarah S. Brannen, illustrated by Lucia Soto, is an inclusive story celebrating family and love in all forms, and will be made by authentic creatives at its heart.

The uplifting story is told through the eyes of a young girl Chloe, who learns that her beloved Uncle Bobby is getting married to his boyfriend, Jamie. At first Chloe can’t help but worry that she’ll no longer be her Uncle Bobby’s favourite, but after a fun-filled day with Bobby and Jamie, she soon realises that she’s not losing an uncle, but instead gaining a whole new one.

The book was originally released in 2008 in various territories in the world, and then re-released by Little Bees Books in 2020 in partnership with the LGBTQ+ media advocacy group GLAAD, is a story that while very specific in some ways, is universal in others. And in telling the story of Chloe, Bobby & Jamie, the book shows that what we have in common is much more powerful and beautiful than the things that keep us divided. 

Sky is adapting the book into a 1x30 animated special to launch in 2025 and the property is in active development with David Levine, Founder of Lightboat Media. The writer of the TV special is Michael Vogel (My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Transformers).

There are opportunities to join the wedding party as co-producer, distributor or pre-buy commissioner.

Sky Kids offers inclusive storytelling and endless opportunities to keep kids inspired and entertained; with an ad-free linear channel housing Sky Originals including much-loved book adaptions, thousands of episodes of on demand content and partner channels such as Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

Ian France, Commissioning Editor, Sky Kids said: “Our daughter brought Uncle Bobby’s Wedding home from school to read with her daddies, and we were all immediately taken with the story of change, inclusivity, and love. We at Sky Kids instantly knew that this book deserved to reach a wider audience. Just as Uncle Bobby touched our family, we look forward to inviting all families to share in the celebration.”

Sarah S. Brannen, author said: "I wrote Uncle Bobby’s Wedding nearly 20 years ago. Same-sex marriage had been legalized in the state of Massachusetts, where I live. I was surrounded by such joy, of people who had been together but had never thought they could get married. I was thinking about writing a wedding book and the two grooms, Bobby and Jamie, just appeared in my imagination and asked me to tell their story.

"I’ve been lucky enough to hear from many children who have told me how much the book means to them and I’m sure an animated TV version would reach even more children, not just the ones with two moms or two dads, but all who live in this time of change. They are our hope.”