A 3-D animated feature based on Ricky Gervais' children's book, "Flanimals," is being produced at Universal's Illumination Entertainment. Variety reports that Gervais will voice the lead character and Matt Selman (TV's "The Simpsons") will pen the screenplay.

Illustrated by Rob Steen, "Flanimals" is a four-volume book series that features creatures that are so ugly and misshapen, they become "cute and endearing." Gervais will voice the character of an overweight, sweaty purple creature who goes on a mission to change the world.