CBeebies Unveils Upcoming Bedtime Stories Lineup

CBeebies has unveiled the lineup of stars who will take part in its Bedtime Stories series over Christmas and New Year’s, with Kate Winslet appearing first.

Winslet will read Grumpycorn, written and illustrated by Sarah McIntyre, which follows the story of Unicorn, who wants to write a story but has no idea what to write about. When his friends try to join in, he turns into Grumpycorn, but despite his rude behavior, his friends don’t give up on him.

Winslet’s episode will air later today on CBeebies and on BBC iPlayer.

On December 22, boxing star Anthony Joshua will read the classic children’s book The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, about a little boy named Peter who puts on his snowsuit and steps into a world of snow. When the story was first published in 1962, Peter was among the first African American characters to be featured in a major children’s book.

French pop star Christine and the Queens will appear on January 1 to tell the story of a polar bear who has a new job as a moon keeper. While sitting in a suspended crescent moon at the Royal Festival Hall, he will read The Moon Keeper by Zosienka, a story about friendship, the phases of the moon and how it’s OK that things come and go in life.

On January 4, World Braille Day, Paralympian Lora Fachie will return to CBeebies Bedtime Stories to read in braille. She will read The Black Book of Colours, written by Menena Cottin and illustrated by Rosana Faria, about experiencing a rainbow of colors through the senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing.

CBeebies Bedtime Stories airs daily at 6:50 p.m. on CBeebies and on BBC iPlayer. Other stars set to read stories during the Christmas and New Year’s period are Suranne Jones (December 20), Tom Hardy (December 21), Richard E. Grant (December 23), Justin Fletcher (December 24), Mark Bonnar (December 25) and Vicky McClure (December 31).