Dutch writer-director Maria Peters, whose credits include the Netherlands' biggest local hit last year, Little Crumb (Kruimeltje), based on the novel by Chris van Abkoude, is developing another adaptation of the late writer's works.

Peters is combining all eight novels in Van Abkoude's Pete, The Rascal (Pietje Bell) series into one children's film.

Little Crumb (Kruimeltje), set in Rotterdam in the 1920s, attracted 1.2 million ticket sales after its 115-screen release by Buena Vista International in December last year. It grossed over $6m, more than the Dutch release of Tarzan which hit screens at the same time.

Dutch public broadcaster KRO, one of the backers of Little Crumb, has already acquired television rights to Pete, The Rascal. The rest of the project's funding will be raised via Dutch tax incentives.

Peters and producers Dave Schram and Hans Pos have been partners in Amsterdam-based Shooting Star Filmcompany since 1987. The company goes into production this month on Baby Blue, starring Susan Vidler (Naked, Trainspotting). The psychological thriller involving two couples who live next door to each other, is directed by Theo van Gogh from an original script by Willem Hoogendoorn.