Did Read-A-Roo get cloned? Not quite. These are just Read-A-Roo stand up displays on corrugated plastic that might be used for some community event, like a county fair or a Rootle Roadster tour stop. Anywhere Read-A-Roo pops up to delight the kids, you could see these displayed to let folks know they are indeed in the presence of marsupial greatness.
Read-A-Roo has been the mascot of our children’s programming since the 1990s. I don’t think it pre-dates the Just For Kids brand we launched in the mid-90s. Now, of course, Read-A-Roo is the face of our 24/7 kids channel brand Rootle. This leads some to call the kangaroo “Rootle” but that would technically be incorrect (although I’ve theorized that the mascot’s full name could be Read-A-Rootle). You may have seen Read-A-Roo in on-air spots and social media posts and in person at community events. But what you may not have seen is this Read-A-Roo backpack. At least I think it’s a backpack. There are straps and a zippered pouch to carry things in. [Side note: am I the only one disappointed the roo has its pouch in the back?] I have no idea if these were ever sold or given out. They may have been produced for staff only. Still, cool get.
Read-A-Roo is the mascot for our children’s programming at PBS NC. She’s been around for decades, delighting kids on air and in person at station events. For many years, we sponsored a book club that viewers could join and those members were often rewarded with gatherings in which the beloved well-read marsupial would make appearances. Here’s an old sign I found in a recording booth welcoming book club members to just such an event. My guess is some of the children at this event back in 1999 may now have kids of their own.
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