The Harpers Collins book by Laurence Yep will become the network's next big movie project

Forget " Kung Fu Panda." Cartoon Network wants to introduce "The Tiger's Apprentice."

The cable network is creating a live-action/CGI movie based on Laurence Yep's bestselling young adult novel "Tiger's Apprentice," it was announced Thursday (Oct. 9).

"Tiger's Apprentice" is the first book in a trilogy (followed by "Tiger's Blood" and "Tiger's Magic") by Yep that follows the adventures of teenager Tom Lee, who was apprenticed to his magical grandmother until she died trying to protect a rare and precious object, which is then stolen. Orphaned, Tom is put under the protection of Mr. Hu, a mystical tiger who can also take human form.

Tom soon discovers a strange magical world in San Francisco's Chinatown that consists of characters that are the living incarnations of the Chinese zodiac, including Dragon, Monkey and Rat. With his new friends, he must train his powers and track down the stolen object in order to save the world.

"'Tiger's Apprentice' is an award-winning property that represents our expansion into the high-quality original TV movie event business," said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer at Cartoon Network. "We're proud to bring together a package of powerful writing and talent to a project we know is a passion for everyone involved."

Oscar-nominated "Finding Neverland" screenwriter David Magee adapted the book, and and Jane Startz will executive produce.

The project is currently in pre-production and is set to premiere in 2010.