Background
In 2008 ITV announced their commission of a part live-action and part animated series to promote child and adult literacy in the UK, in support of the National Year of Reading 2008. Bookaboo was commissioned by Emma Tennant, Controller of CITV and ITV3. The series, created and produced by Lucy Goodman will be directed by Lucy Goodman and Ian Emes for Happy Films. Tennant also acts as the executive producer for ITV.
The 13 part CITV series launched on Monday 2 March 2009 on the CITV channel and originally aired three times a day, broadcast every weekday at 12:15, 15:20 and 17:45. The central character is a drum playing rock puppy called Bookaboo, who is inspired by picture books, so much so says "I just can't play without a story a day!".
In each 11-minute episode, one of Bookaboo's celebrity fans goes back stage to the rock puppy's tour bus, the 'Bookabus', to see if they can tempt him back to stage by sharing a picture book with him.
In January 2009 ITV announced the list of celebrities who will be sharing a story with bookaboo; the list includes American rock singer Meat Loaf, British actress Amanda Holden, footballer David Seaman, and former Spice Girl Mel C, comedians Al Murray and Julian Clary among others.
Alongside the series there will an online Bookaboo Book Club, live events and in store promotions.
The show won the Preschool Live Action BAFTA for the 2009 British Academy Children's Awards.
A second series began airing from 1 November 2010, airing on both the CITV digital channel and ITV. It also introduces Bookaboo's bandmates, Growler and Paws.
Read more about this topic: Bookaboo
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