Are you a fan of Bookaboo ? If not, why ever not?! It’s a children’s TV show that airs on ITV in the UK and CBC in Canada. What on earth does it have to do with children’s literature you ask? Well, it features a rock puppy who just can’t perform unless he hears a story. Aimed at 3-6 year olds, it aired new shows last weekend and I’m a big fan.
The series will feature 14 picture books in total read by celebrities who read them aloud to Rock Puppy so that he can perform on stage in his rock band. I love it because it’s fun, engaging and it’s sole purpose is to feature fabulous stories that children will engage with and enjoy. To be honest, I’m not sure they really need celebrities to turn up each week for the reading-actors maybe as they have more ability (hopefully) to put interest into the reading, but I’m nit picking.
Rock Puppy is a brilliant creation and they feature some lovely books. One of which is on my all time favourites list ‘Aliens Love Underpants‘. A genius of a picture book. Written in rhyme and accompanied by lovely illustrations, it tells the story of what happens to those mysteriously disappearing underpants from your washing line-yes, it’s the aliens that love to have them. They wear them on their heads and use them as trampolines, apparently.
A wonderfully warm and funny tale that is lovely to read aloud and perfect for sharing. If the Bookaboo series introduces more people to this story then I’m all for it! This is one occasion where TV and traditional story books combine to bring the joys of reading to a whole new audience. If you have a moment to spare and enjoy picture books why not check out both the book and the programme? If you’re not the proud (yet tired) parent of young children, you may want to record it as it airs at 7.25am over the weekend!!
The Illustration Machine 