PRH offers $100k funding for kids’ booksellers amid Puffin brand revival

20 September 2018 Books+Publishing

Penguin Random House (PRH) Australia has announced it will offer a total of $100,000 in funding to booksellers that run children’s reading programs.

Australian bookstores with a dedicated children’s book section are eligible to apply for up to $5000 in funding for projects that ‘get kids reading’. A panel will assess the proposals and will distribute the total pool of $100,000. Entries will open in February 2019 and close at the end of April, with funds to be distributed in June.

PRH CEO ANZ Julie Burland said, ‘We know that reading levels across Australia are slipping, and that screen time is increasing. If we want our stories to be heard in 20 years’ time, we need to work together to share the passion of reading. Booksellers are already doing a fantastic job of nurturing and encouraging young readers, but these funds will help them do even more.’

Burland added, ‘As Australia’s largest publisher, we feel a responsibility to help younger generations become readers.’

The $100,000 initiative is part of a major promotion across 2019 leading up to the 80th anniversary of Puffin in 2020. Puffin will be the face of the campaign to support all PRH books published in the 0-12 age range. PRH will give Puffin-branded rugs to bookstores to place in children’s sections, will produce Puffin-branded merchandise such as library tote bags, and will give away prizes at events.

‘We’re revitalising the Puffin brand to delight a new generation of readers, and we have a fantastic campaign for 2019 and beyond, to help booksellers, authors and illustrators, to spread the love of reading and inspire today’s children,’ said Burland.

Category: Junior Local news