The 13-part series 'Bookaboo' will feature a variety of well known figures such as 'Pub Landlord' Al Murray, 'This Morning' presenter Fern Britton and children's laureate Michael Rosen, sharing a book with the show's character Bookaboo, a 'world famous rock puppy'. Bookaboo can't play the drums until he has heard a story, with the catchphrase, 'A story a day or he just can't play.'
The show's producer and director, Lucy Goodman, came up with the idea after hearing that boys find it hard to engage in reading.
Ms Goodman said, 'The show's purpose is not to teach children to read, but to help foster enthusiasm for books and inspire parents who lack confidence reading aloud to pick up a book'.
The show is aimed at three- to six-year-olds. Showing three times a day, each 11-minute episode features music and animation, with a title sequence introducing Bookaboo's character and a sketch to set the scene before the rock puppy and celebrity presenter share a story together. The producers want it to move away from traditional storytelling programmes, and the books used in the programme represent different genres, among them Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton, and Pooh! Is That You Bertie by David Roberts.
Further information
'Bookaboo' starts on 2 March, daily at 12.15, 15.29 and 17.50 on CITV