BBC Studios and Penguin Random House renew publishing deal for Bluey

BBC Studios and Penguin Random House are renewing their book publishing deal for Bluey.

The renewed partnership sees Penguin Random House secure rights for all languages in the UK, US and Rest of World – excluding Australia, New Zealand and China, each of which have their own 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 UK through TCM. In the US, Penguin Young Readers has published Bluey since October 2020 and the series has become the fastest growing licensed book brand across the country, with over 8.5 million books have been sold.

In EMEA, Penguin Random House Children’s UK-based Rights team has sub-contracted 22 foreign language translation deals for Bluey books on behalf of BBC Studios. In Spain, Bluey is the number book publishing license, with over 200,000 copies of Bluey titles sold since April 2023. While in France, Hachette have sold over 100,000 copies since launch in April 2023.

“We are thrilled to extend our highly successful collaboration with Penguin Random House,” said Jan Paterson, Director of Book and Audio Publishing at 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.”

Francesca Dow, MD, Penguin Random House Children’s UK, added: “The success of Bluey is down to its exceptional storytelling, which clearly distinguishes it from so many other children’s brands. Play and family fun is at the centre 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.”

Leanne Gill, Publishing Director for Licensing at Penguin Random House Children’s UK, continued: “We are delighted to be continuing our global partnership with BBC Studios on the absolute phenomenon that is Bluey.

“Hilarious and heartfelt storytelling is at the very core of the brand, so we and our partners at Penguin Workshop in the US 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.”