BBC Studios, Penguin Random House Renew Multiyear Global Deal for ‘Bluey’

BBC Studios and Penguin Random House have announced the continuation of their successful book publishing deal for the TV sensation, “Bluey.” The renewed partnership sees Penguin Random House secure rights for all languages in the U.K., U.S. and globally, excluding Australia, New Zealand and China, each of which have Penguin Random House contracts with BBC Studios.  

Ladybird, an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s UK, has been publishing Bluey since 2021 and has sold over two million books in the U.K. through TCM. Ladybird’s Bluey list for 2024 includes lift-the-flap formats, a jigsaw puzzle book and “Where’s Bluey? at Christmas.” 

In EMEA, Penguin Random House Children’s U.K.-based rights team has sub-contracted 22 foreign language translation deals for Bluey books on behalf of BBC Studios. In Spain, Bluey is the No. 1 book publishing license.  

“We are thrilled to extend our highly successful collaboration with Penguin Random House,” says Jan Paterson, director of book and audio publishing, BBC Studios. “As ‘Bluey’ fandom continues to soar, we look forward to bringing even more Bluey stories inspired by the beloved TV show to families, inspiring cherished reading moments for children and their parents around the world.” 

“The success of ‘Bluey’ is down to its exceptional storytelling, which clearly distinguishes it from so many other children’s brands,” says Francesca Dow, managing director, Penguin Random House Children’s U.K. “Play and family fun is at the center of every story, but real-life emotions and challenges are subtly addressed too. A preschool TV show which can capture the hearts of adults as well as children is a truly rare thing, and we’re proud to be a part of bringing those stories to an even wider audience through our books.” 

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“We are delighted to be continuing our global partnership with BBC Studios on the absolute phenomenon that is ‘Bluey,’” says Leanne Gill, publishing director for licensing, Penguin Random House Children’s UK. “Hilarious and heartfelt storytelling is at the very core of the brand, so we and our partners at Penguin Workshop in the U.S. can’t wait to keep bringing these stories to life on the page through a variety of engaging picture books, fun family activities and innovative novelty formats.”  

The extension with Penguin Random House follows BBC Studios renewal with master toy licensee, Moose Toys, in May and precedes the international debut of the second batch of “Bluey Minisodes” to be released in October on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for audiences in Australia, and on Disney Jr. and Disney+ for the rest of the world. 

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