Penguin Random House Australia has reached an incredible milestone, selling more than 10 million Bluey books across 100 titles in Australia and New Zealand.
Note: Most of those have been bought by my editor.
First published in November 2019, Bluey books have found a special place in the hearts of Australian children and families.
The inaugural Bluey book, The Beach, marked the beginning of a hugely successful publishing journey and became the first picture book to win Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards in 2020.
Since then, Bluey books have continued to dominate the bestseller charts, holding the number one position in Nielsen BookScan’s official Australian bestseller list for 48 weeks.
Bluey titles have appeared in the top 10 on 342 occasions, with Time to Play! spending an impressive 28 weeks in the chart.
Over the years, the Bluey publishing program has expanded into a wide variety of titles, including picture books, board books, and chapter books, as well as activity, sticker, and sound books. The range also includes two cookbooks that have become popular additions for families.
But, the brand has no plans of slowing down.
Penguin Random House Australia recently released its 100th Bluey book, titled Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Calendar Book Collection. The book features 24 mini titles hidden behind 24 festive doors, offering children a countdown to Christmas filled with stories and activities.
This celebratory release captures everything Bluey has come to mean to Australian families and fans around the world, from bedtime stories to holiday traditions, bringing joy and laughter to millions of little readers.
Reaching New Heights
Belinda Conners, Publishing and Campaigns Director at Penguin Random House Australia, said the milestone reflects the brand’s strong connection with families: “Ten million Bluey books is a sales milestone we’re incredibly proud to reach.”
“We launched in 2019 with just three titles before Christmas, and six years later there are more than 100 titles published in Australia. It is a testament to our partnership with Ludo Studio and BBC Studios, the support of our booksellers and readers, and the enduring popularity of the Bluey brand,” Connors said.
Alongside the milestone, Penguin Random House Australia and BBC Studios ANZ have renewed their publishing agreement under a multi-year licensing deal. This renewal ensures that the Bluey publishing program will continue to grow across Australia and New Zealand.
Cultural juggernaut
Jacqui Shilson-Josling, Head of Licensing at BBC Studios ANZ, said the publishing success mirrors the show’s cultural impact.
“Bluey’s success in publishing is a testament to the incredible connection the brand has with families and readers of all ages.”
“Reaching 10 million books sold is an extraordinary milestone, and we are thrilled to celebrate it with our valued partners at Penguin Random House Australia and Ludo Studio,” Shilson-Josling said.
Jessica Magro, Publishing Producer at Ludo Studio, said the journey has been both creative and rewarding.
“The Bluey publishing journey has been unbelievably rewarding for Ludo Studio, starting with just three books in 2019 to releasing our 100th title in the same year as reaching 10 million books sold.”
“It has been a real pleasure bringing Bluey to life in print form alongside our teams at Penguin Random House Australia and BBC Studios ANZ, with special thanks to creator Joe Brumm, our talented artists, and the fans who make it all possible.” Magro said.
With more Bluey titles planned in the pipeline, including Bluey: Keepy Uppy as a slide-and-play board book, a Mini Bluey book and plush toy set, and a deluxe comic-style hardback edition of The Sign, the brand continues to reach new heights.
From glow-in-the-dark pages to puzzle books, there is now a Bluey story for every age and stage.