Barry Sonnenfeld is in final negotiations to direct "Andrew Henry's Meadow" for 20th Century Fox. John Davis is producing the coming-of-age story through his Fox-based shingle.

"Meadow" is based on Doris Burn's classic children's book, first published in 1965. The film's story was developed by brothers Zach and Adam Braff, and the screenplay was penned by Adam Braff.

Zach Braff will executive produce the film.

Burn's son, Mark, inspired the story, which was written during the period the family lived on Waldron Island in the San Juan Archipelago in Washington. The Pacific Coast island had no electricity, running water, telephones or stores.

The film will center on a boy inventor who escapes suburbia to an idyllic meadow, where he builds a utopia in the trees. There he becomes a reluctant hero who leads a band of fellow outcasts on a mission to awaken their families before it's too late.

Fox's Debbie Liebling will oversee for the studio.

Sonnenfeld, whose credits include the "Men in Black" films and "Get Shorty," most recently directed Sony's "RV." He is repped by CAA and attorney Melanie Cook.

Zach Braff, who stars on "Scrubs," recently signed on to helm Paramount Pictures' "Open Hearts," the follow-up to his feature directorial debut, "Garden State." He is repped by CAA, Sandra Chang at Industry Entertainment and attorney Ken Richman.

Adam Braff is repped by UTA, Helena Heyman at Industry Entertainment Partners and attorney Jared Levine.