Bookaboo

Did You Know?

• The show's music, including title music and songs, was written and composed by Mark Dyson.
• Bookaboo's drum solo is performed by Alex Toff, who wore a Lycra-chrome green suit while operating the puppet's arms.
• A pop-up book titled 'Pup Idol' with a sound chip was published by Walker Books in the UK and Australia.

Format

Bookaboo, a drum-playing rock puppy, refuses to perform unless he hears a daily story. His bandmates Growler and Paws find him on the Bookabus, but comedic sketches and songs fail to coax him back. A celebrity fan arrives with a Bookabag containing a picture book, and reading it restores Bookaboo's rhythm, or 'Bojo'. He then plays a drum solo while the fan cheers. An illuminated sign notes that 1000 books per episode are donated to children in need.

Celebrities

The show invites celebrities from diverse fields to encourage book sharing. Participants have included pop stars Melanie C, Meat Loaf, Alesha Dixon, and Lethal Bizzle; sports figures David Seaman, Ricky Hatton, and Adam Copeland; actors Michael Sheen, Emilia Fox, and Stana Katic; presenters Paula Abdul, Amanda Holden, and Lorraine Kelly; and comedians Johnny Vegas and Al Murray. All become Storytime Ambassadors for the 'Share A Book Today' campaign.

Characters

Bookaboo's band met as orphaned puppies at a dog rescue center. The center owner discovered their musical talent and entered them in 'Pup Idol', which they won. They then toured globally in their converted library truck, the Bookabus. Bookaboo is a Jack Russell Terrier and renowned canine drummer who loses his rhythm unless he shares a book, expressed as 'A story a day, or I just can't play'. He is puppeteered by Marcus Clarke; the puppet was designed by Paul Andrejco and built by Puppet Heap. Growler, an American hound bass guitarist with a deep voice, debuted in Series 2; his puppet was designed and built by Puppet Heap and is performed by Paul Andrejco. Paws is a Dachshund keyboard player who also plays keytar; his puppet was built by Puppet Heap and is performed by Brian Herring in the UK version.

Background

In November 2008, ITV commissioned the series to support the National Year of Reading 2008, combining live action and animation to promote literacy. Emma Tennant, Controller of CITV and ITV3, commissioned it; Lucy Goodman and Ian Emes directed. The thirteen-part series premiered on 2 March 2009 on CITV, airing three times daily. Additional elements included the Bookaboo Book Club online, live events, and in-store promotions. A second series introducing Growler and Paws began airing on 1 November 2010 on CITV and ITV.