Widespread web3 model Pudgy Penguins has partnered with Random Home Youngsters’s Books to launch a brand new image e-book titled Worst Birthday Reward Ever, due out on 4 November 2025, marking the model’s first official enterprise into conventional publishing.
The e-book will introduce younger readers to Pongo, a personality from the “Lil Pudgy” sub-collection, in a narrative aimed toward kids aged 4 to eight.
Written by Michael Leviton and illustrated by Kuma Labs, the e-book will probably be launched as a $9.99 hardcover, in time for the vacation season and is now obtainable for pre-order.
Supply: Penguin Random HomeWhat’s Worst Birthday Reward Ever all about?
Set within the fictional world of Pudgy Penguins, the e-book follows the character Pongo as he celebrates his birthday. Recognized throughout the Pudgy neighborhood as impulsive however well-meaning, Pongo finds himself in hassle after his mates mistakenly give him actual swords as a substitute of inflatable ones. The narrative unfolds with a mixture of chaos and problem-solving, providing a easy storyline for early readers.
The e-book is focused at kids between the ages of 4 and eight and combines conventional image e-book parts—humour, character battle, and determination—with characters developed throughout the Pudgy Penguins universe.
“Worst Birthday Reward Ever is greater than a e-book – it’s the subsequent chapter in a motion that’s already resonating with youngsters, collectors, and households world wide,” mentioned Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins.
Supply: Pudgy PenguinsWhat does this imply for Pudgy Penguins?
This e-book marks the primary publishing collaboration for Pudgy Penguins, initially launched in 2021 as a group of Ethereum-based NFTs. Since then, the model has expanded into bodily toys, gaming, and social media content material, and has constructed a major following on platforms reminiscent of TikTok and Instagram.
By getting into the youngsters’s e-book market, Pudgy Penguins is shifting additional into mainstream shopper media. The model has beforehand positioned toy merchandise in main US retailers together with Walmart, Goal, and Walgreens, reporting over a million models offered and greater than $13 million in retail income.
“Random Home Youngsters’s Books is the gold normal in publishing,” mentioned Luca Netz. “They perceive the ability of narrative and constructing lasting characters. Because the main web3 model bringing digital tradition into the mainstream, this collaboration marks a serious milestone in our continued growth.”
The collaboration with Penguin Random Home suggests Pudgy Penguins is pursuing a multi-platform technique that features retail, publishing, and digital engagement. Future tasks haven’t been introduced however are anticipated to observe in the same route.
