A middle grade series by Guillermo del Toro, which was initially shopped a few years ago before being shelved, is back on track. The series will mark the second major book project from the director, whose vampire series The Strain, which is written with author Chuck Hogan, is published in the U.S. by William Morrow.

Agent Richard Abate, at 3 Arts Entertainment, who handles the director's book projects in the States, confirmed that the middle grade series is being shopped. Abate said he just closed a deal with Hyperion in the U.S. for the series. (Hyperion was originally slated to publish the series, before the project was put, as Abate phrased it, "on hold.") The series has also sold in Spain. Agent Melissa Chinchillio, with Fetcher & Company, is handling foreign rights for the series at the book fair.

Del Toro, who is from Mexico, has directed such films as The Devil’s Backbone and Hellboy. He was set to direct the film adaption of The Hobbit, but stepped down from the job in 2010, remaining on the film as a screenwriter.