Now here's a genre I never thought Zack Snyder would tackle -- kids films! Variety reports that Snyder has signed on to direct Guardians of Ga'Hoole, an animated children's film based on the books by Kathryn Lasky.

The story is set in the Forest of Tyto, where Barn Owls live in peace until their kingdom is threatened by an evil that could destroy their home. There are currently 14 books in the series out of a planned 25 -- man, kids books just go on forever these days. It makes Harry Potter look like a picture book. Anyone have kids who are into this series? Is it any good?

It's being penned by two excellent adapters -- John Orloff, who scripted A Mighty Heart, and John Collee, who wrote Master and Commander. There must be something good there to warrant those two. Few realize that Snyder has young children (his son is a young and battered Leonidas in 300), so he's probably aiming to make a film they can actually watch. It's being put on the fast track by Warner Bros with an expected release of 2009 or 2010.