Penguin Random House has a steadfast commitment to children’s books and is passionate about getting the next generation reading. To celebrate, we want to help booksellers across Australia with a dedicated children’s book section by funding activities and initiatives to get kids reading. From now, booksellers can apply for funding with grants between $500 and $5000.

On the initiative, Julie Burland, CEO of Penguin Random House Australia, said, ‘As Australia’s largest publisher, we feel a responsibility to help younger generations become readers. 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.’

Special guest judge Morris Gleitzman—the Australian Children’s Laureate—will be helping select the winners.

Entries close on 30 April and grants will distributed in May.

Entries will be accepted via an online entry form at puffin.com.au

February also marks the official launch of the Puffin’s Picks promotion, where consumers can purchase any two books marked with a Puffin’s Picks sticker and they will receive a FREE Puffin library bag for their child to colour in and make their own. The beauty of this campaign is that it can feature any Penguin Random House books in the age range of 0-12 years! It’s not too late to take part in this promotion, booksellers can ask their account manager for details.

With plenty of promotional activity and in-store support, yellow will be this year’s colour of choice. 

To help further entice little readers to get involved, a fun-filled downloadable Puffin Activity Pack has been created to print off and use in stores, in schools or even at home. If you have little Pufflings visiting you, please click here to print it off today.

Were you ever in the Puffin Club as a kid? Did you own a Puffin Club card?

If so we would LOVE to hear from you. If you have any memories of the Club, and photos of when you were younger and want to be part of the 80th anniversary in 2020, please email us today: puffin@puffin.com.au

Our new website has launched and a brand new Puffin newsletter will be making its first appearance shortly. To register for Puffin updates, please visit the website and register online here.

Our new Instagram @puffinbooksaus has also recently hatched should you wish to keep up with our circus of Puffins—follow us today!