‘Bluey Book Reads’ Announces Festive Double-Bill

BBC Studios and Ludo Studio have announced two new “Bluey Book Reads” in time for Christmas. The series was created by Ludo Studio and the BBC Studios Digital Brands team, who curate, commission and commercialize the digital footprint for “Bluey.”

“Christmas Eve with Verandah Santa” is now on the official “Bluey” YouTube channel and website Bluey.tv, read by Australian stand-up comedian and TV presenter, Adam Hills (“The Last Leg,” Channel 4).

It's Christmas Eve and Bluey, Bingo and Muffin can't wait to open their presents. But Bluey's dad reminds them that no peeking or no presents. So, they decide to play a game called Verandah Santa to practice no peeking. What will Santa bring them?

"My kids are honestly more impressed that I'm reading a ‘Bluey’ book than anything I've ever done,” says Hills. "That includes going to the Coronation, meeting Lady Gaga or the time I made pumpkin soup in an actual pumpkin."

On Dec. 1, “Christmas Swim,” narrated by the Australian Olympic medal-winning swimmer Ian Thorpe, will go live, along with the launch of the @officialblueytv digital advent calendar.

It's Christmas Day and it's the perfect weather for a family swim. Bluey has a new toy – meet Bartlebee. How will Bartlebee handle his first Heeler Christmas?

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

"When I was invited to read 'Christmas Swim,' I couldn’t resist diving right in (so to speak),” says Thorpe. “Celebrating Christmas outdoors is such an iconic part of Aussie life, being a passionate swimmer, this story felt like a perfect fit. I hope all the ‘Bluey’ fans around the world enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life."

“Bluey Book Reads” has captured the hearts of many, with Series 1 surpassing an impressive 75 million views across the official Bluey YouTube channel and bluey.tv. The stories featured in “Bluey Book Reads” series are published by Penguin Random House are based on episodes as seen on the TV animation, “Bluey,” which is produced by Ludo Studio and airs in the U.K. on Disney+ and CBeebies.

“We’ve been bowled over by the brilliant response from ‘Bluey’ fans to the first series of our book reads, so we just had to celebrate Christmas family fun with two more – and who better to voice them than Aussie icons Adam Hills and Ian Thorpe,” says Chris Allen, director, content, BBC Studios Digital Brands.

“Bluey Book Reads” brings these storybooks to life with a lineup of celebrity readers, making story-time even more special for families everywhere. Series 1 includes celebrities, Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Eva Mendes, Tom Daley, Rob Delaney, Romesh Ranganathan and more.

“Bluey Book Reads” Series 2 is anticipated to debut across the “Bluey” digital channels next year and has another star-studded line up of readers.“Bluey Book Reads” is commissioned by BBC Studios Digital Brands and a Ludo Studio and BBC Studios Digital Brands production, produced by Sasha Folker & Alice England (Ludo Studio) and Siobhan McKenna (BBCSD). The video editors are Anthony Pham and Daisy van Ghert (Ludo Studio).