People often say there isn't a handbook for parenting, but if there was, it would likely list Bluey as essential viewing.

Kids love it, but the Brisbane-based animation has also caught the attention of parents for being a breath of fresh Aussie air.

The ABC KIDS' show follows the lives of blue heeler pup Bluey and her family (yes, Bluey is a gal — an "accidental" dig at naming conventions that is just one of the cool things about the show) and it features different dog breeds throughout.

I'm not a mum but I just quietly ended up binge-watching four episodes while researching this story.

(If it's also news to you, do yourself a favour and go laugh your way through a seven-minute ep now.)

It's just about to drop new episodes, so we wanted to find out: why are so many people addicted to a dog cartoon and are kids getting as much out of it as adults do?

ABC Life in your inbox Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Life each week Your information is handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement Email address Subscribe

It's simply real life

Bluey connects with children through play. ( Supplied )

Bluey has been praised for its relatable depiction of Australian families, which Brisbane creator Joe Brumm says happened organically when he based it on his own family.

"It's as honest as I can get it," he says.

"They are not on adventures, they're not superheroes, it's very much what hopefully kids are seeing at home.

"It's a normal family environment, and [the children watching it] are just watching other kids play."

Bluey's dad Bandit (voiced by Custard lead singer David McCormack) is hands-on with his children and shares parenting responsibilities with his wife Chilli.

Brumm says while the Peppa Pig dynamic works well — "the clueless dad" — he didn't want to repeat that.

"Just looking around me and my friends and brothers, we are all trying pretty hard. We're not perfect, but we've learnt how to change nappies and make lunches," he says.

Seeing that on screen is refreshing "forward-thinking", explains child psychologist Kimberley O'Brien.

"I think it's just groundbreaking to have a cartoon aligned with the culture that we have around both parents being involved with the kids," Dr O'Brien says.

It feels like home

Brisbane's CityCats make an appearance in Bluey. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

Being recognisably Australian is unique to animation, says Griffith Film School animation program director Peter Moyes.

"There is a lot of research that has gone into the project in sourcing location, which sounds odd in animation, doesn't it?" Dr Moyes says.

"Activities in the show give it a particular Australian flavour — like playing in the garden under the poinciana tree, playing with hoses — these trigger memories for adults, and for kids it's recognisable and familiar."

There are even recognisable Brisbane lifestyle features and icons in the show — like the CityCat ferries.

Creating super local content is a risk, according to associate professor Anna Potter from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

"[ABC head of children's content] Michael [Carrington] was committed to commissioning several shows including Bluey that really highlighted Australian landscapes, accents, sounds, flora and fauna — not cultural cringe," she says.

"When you look at Bluey, it's so identifiably Queensland, and that is really unusual in animation. So much animation is made with distribution in international markets in mind, so they avoid those calling cards."

But in the case of Bluey, it's a risk that paid off, with Bluey being popular internationally.

"What we find familiar other people can find exotic in other places," Dr Moyes says.

"But Bluey doesn't descend into stereotypes of cultural cringe stuff that, thank God, we've left behind."

Your kids are soaking up the good messages too

Bluey is an Australian blue heeler — just one of the many Aussie depictions in the show. ( Marty McCarthy )

Bluey has been such a hit with adults it would be fair to ask: what kids are getting out of it?

Brumm says Bluey has a knack for helping kids learn through play.

"A lot of shows use trite messages, like it's important to have friends and you have to share, whereas while those things are important, when you are four to six you are learning a different set of things," he says.

Kids watching Bluey learn though play, not lectures, he says.

Dr O'Brien says it's healthy for kids to think differently about families.

"In Australia there are a variety of shared parenting roles. There are so many standard examples of how families should look, it's refreshing to see something different."

She says parents should feel good about letting their kids have screen time when it comes to educational programs.

"Whether it's Sesame Street with literacy skills, or Bluey … it's all good learning for kids.

"It's obviously so much better than the Power Rangers or things that involve battles and lead to more aggressive play."

Laughter is why we all love it

It's good for kids to think differently about families, Dr O'Brien says. ( Supplied: ABC KIDS )

Brumm says dad jokes are the key to bridging the child-parent gap.

"When you have kids you slowly adapt your sense of humour to their age and their level," he says.

"Before you know it … you are all on each other's level … suddenly adults are laughing with kids."

There are also the sweet moments in the show where dad Bandit and mum Chilli connect while the kids are playing together.

"Sometimes the only time you get together is when you're both patients at the kids' doctor's clinic," says Brumm.

"You are still connecting with you partner in the midst of those games."

You can watch Bluey now on ABC iview.