Andy Lee has launched his ninth kids’ book in the Do Not Open This Book series, with the interactive audio version available from today, free and exclusive to LiSTNR.
Pretty Please Do Not Open This Book sees Wizz, voiced by Andy, on another adventure, agreeing to dance in public and facing his fears and the 1000 butterflies in his tummy. His friend and dance partner is Nessie, voiced by Andy’s real-life partner, Bec Harding.
There are wonderful sound effects at the end of each page signalling kids and parents to turn the page. Listen here.
Parents will love listening too, with the dance story carrying clever nods to the worldwide smash hit, Oppa Gangnam Style, there’s a Beyoncé moment with “all the single monsters”, a nod to Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain, and the iconic lift moment from Dirty Dancing*.
Andy Lee is best known as half of the Hamish and Andy juggernaut, and is a podcaster, musician, TV presenter, and comedian. The Hamish & Andy podcast is Australia’s most popular podcast, with almost one million listeners.
He became an award-winning children’s author by accident: the first book in the series was only ever meant to have one copy as he wrote it as a surprise for his sister and her husband to celebrate their son George’s first birthday.
When he asked his mate to print him one copy, his mate said: “This book is good; can we print more?” Andy replied: “No. DO NOT print this book.”
LiSTNR Head of Parenting and Kids Entertainment, Evan Kaldor, said: “LiSTNR offers a premium audio experience and this is reflected in the high production values and whimsical narration by Andy as ‘Wizz’. The format also enables young children to develop their literary skills by reading along and interacting with the books. We hope that children, parents, carers, and educators enjoy this new addition to the award-winning series.”
Pretty Please Do Not Open This Book is available now on the free LiSTNR app.