The Canadian Press

TORONTO — The Berenstain Bears are headed to the big screen in a live-action version of the beloved book series.

The L.A.-based Walden Media, behind such children's films as the "Chronicles of Narnia" series and "Charlotte's Web," says it's acquiring the film rights.

It's teaming up with Toronto-based Nelvana Ltd., which produced the animated "Berenstain Bears" television series, and Montreal filmmaker Shawn Levy, who directed and produced the "Night At the Museum" films.

Walden says the movie version will feature live action mixed with computer-generated characters.

Illustrators Jan and Stan Berenstain created the family of comical bears in 1962 for their sons, Mike and Leo.

Mike Berenstain says he and his mother are delighted by the film plans and adds that his father, Stan, who passed away in 2005, would have been "tickled pink that his very own bears were going to be in the movies."