Librarians' children don't watch TV right? WRONG. We are all guilty of allowing our children to indulge in a little screen time so we can enjoy some peace and quiet. Bluey (airs on ABC kids) is definitely the show of choice in our household at the moment; it captures the kids' attention from the second it starts, with such a catchy theme song and the matching dance, suddenly the kids are yelling, "Mum, Dad, Bingo, Bluey" at the top of their lungs and dancing around the living room.
Kids TV shows can really be the pits when you as a parent are forced to watch on with your child but thankfully, Bluey really makes this experience much more enjoyable. It's easy to see why Bluey was the recipient of a Logie for the 'Most Outstanding Children's program' in 2019 and nominated for an Emmy, as well as being recognised as the most watched program in the history of video on demand. Set in Brisbane, the story focuses on Bluey, the 6 year old Blue Heeler, and her family life with Bingo (her younger sister) and mum and dad. Bluey has found a special place in the hearts of children and parents across the country because it presents such a realist representation of family life where parents are doing their best juggling work with quality family time.
My husband particularly loves watching Bluey with our daughters and this is because the relationships Bluey and Bingo have with their father (Bandit) in the show are an absolute reflection of reality in our family. Bluey and Bingo are often playing fun games like 'Daddy Robot', 'Hospital' or 'Freeze' with their father while their mother is at work and it's refreshing to see the character of Bandit presented as so capable of caring for his children. Of course, Bandit does often forget the sunscreen at the pool, teaches his children to do a 'Bush-Wee' while waiting for Chinese take-out or sometimes get a bit too rough in backyard games and mum (Chilli) is called on to save the day. What I really like is that there is always great discussion of how to overcome problems between the family and there is no hiding the fact that Bandit and Chilli are sharing the load as best as they can.
There was much excitement in our house when we discovered Penguin Random House had published two Bluey storybooks, The Beach? and Fruit Bat, based on the episodes of the same name. While children of Librarians do love TV, they also seem to have a strange talent of knowing exactly when a book is opened in the house and will coming running from wherever they are to read a story. My girls love the Bluey books just as much as the show, and were thrilled that Bluey could now join story time.
It would be difficult for me to choose a definitive favourite episode of Bluey however, The Beach? and Fruit Bat would definitely be contenders for the winning spot.
The Beach? is a lift-the-flap book featuring a family day out at the beach where Bluey and Bingo spend timing playing with Bandit while Chilli takes some time out for a solitary walk along the beach. While Bluey is enjoying playing with Dad, she finds a shell that she absolutely has to show mum and takes off after her on the beach. Bluey's bravery and problem solving skills are tested along the way as she runs into crabs and seagulls while trying to catch up with her mother.
In Fruit Bat Bluey doesn't want to go to bed and wishes she could stay up all night like a fruit bat. She finds her dad has already fallen asleep and is playing footy in his dreams, which leads to discussion with her mum about why Bandit doesn't have time to do things he enjoys (like play football anymore). Bluey soon finds herself drifting off to sleep as she dreams she is a fruit bat soaring the night sky. She comes across Bandit at the footy field playing a game with his mates and realises just how much he loves playing football. When Bluey wakes up the next morning she reflects on the sacrifices her parents are making in giving up the things they love to spend time with her.
You'll get equal doses of fun and reality in these heart-warming books. Be prepared for your children to be quoting Bluey as they deal with sharing, problem solving and remind their fathers to pack the sunscreen. Perfect for ages 1 - 4.
