Amazon has launched a new series for Prime aimed at children:
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 28, 2016– (NASDAQ: AMZN)–Amazon today announced its brand-new Amazon Original Kids Series, Bookaboo, is set to premiere October 28 on Prime Video in the US and UK. Already a full-fledged international hit, the series for preschool-aged children celebrates the fun and benefits of adults and children reading together.Bookaboo inventively combines puppetry, live action and CGI animation, and every episode features a different celebrity guest, who goes “backstage” to share their favorite picture book with Bookaboo, the adorable world-famous drummer puppy and star of the show who needs to be read a book a day or he just can’t play. Among the series special guests are Paula Abdul (American Idol), Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight), Molly Parker (House of Cards), Hannah Simone (New Girl), Emily Van Camp (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Selma Blair(Legally Blonde), Michael Sheen (The Queen), Guillermo Diaz (Scandal), WWE Wrestler Adam Copeland, NASA Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield, and NFL player Antonio Brownof the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bookaboo, the latest addition to Amazon’s award-winning preschool programming slate, is created by Lucy Goodman, Founder of Happy Films, and produced by Happy Films and Sinking Ship Entertainment (Odd Squad, Annedroids).
Bookaboo will debut on October 28 exclusively for Prime members via the Amazon Video app for TVs; connected devices, including Fire TV, mobile devices; and online–Prime members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing.
“Bookaboo is an exciting show developed to promote literacy by inspiring parents to read to and with their children and help instill a lifelong love of reading,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. “Each episode incorporates funny storytelling and great books, specifically chosen to capture young viewers’ attention and imagination.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Amazon Prime Video to bring Bookaboo and its important message to families all across the country,” said Goodman. “With only half as many parents reading to their kids as there were a generation ago, the time to make a difference is now. Every child should have the opportunity to share great books with someone they love.”
The rocking series follows Bookaboo as he tours the globe with his bandmates Paws and Growler, playing drums to packed stadiums of adoring fans. There’s only one hitch – Bookaboo just can’t play without a story a day! The precocious pup finds creative ways to avoid performing, leading to laugh-out-loud comedy sketches and silly songs. To empower Bookaboo to return to the stage, a famous face appears in each episode to share a favorite story. The picture book that the celebrity guest brings in the special “bookabag” is brought to vibrant life through animation and an interactive, energetic reading that restores Bookaboo’s “bojo.”
The entire first season of Bookaboo will be available for Prime members to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Video app for TVs; connected devices, including Amazon Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Customers who are not already a Prime member can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream. Bookaboo will also be available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, the all-you-can-eat subscription service designed from the ground up for kids. FreeTime Unlimited is available exclusively on Amazon devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, and a year-long subscription is included with every Fire Kids Edition.
