Features

Lisa Fuemana-Foa'i has been awarded the 2022 Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship thanks to a collaboration with Whitireia Community Polytechnic Limited and Penguin Random House New Zealand (PRH).

Pasifika artist, writer and publisher Faith Wilson has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Pacific Arts Legacy Internship.

In partnership with the Graduate Diploma in Publishing at Whitireia Community Polytechnic Ltd, Penguin Random House New Zealand is delighted to announce a new publishing scholarship for Māori and Pasifika students.

The presidential memoirs of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, will be published in two volumes.

Epic plant-based comfort food for everyone...with gluten-free options for just about everything.

Netflix have announced a new documentary following Michelle Obama during the publication of her bestselling memoir, Becoming, which will be released on Wednesday 6 May.

Penguin Random House New Zealand believes that all children should have access to books and stories and be encouraged to develop a love of reading.

Penguin Random House authors Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo share the 2019 Booker Prize.

Multi-talented illustrator and children’s writer, Gavin Bishop (Ngāti Pukeko, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mahuta, Tainui) has will be honoured for non-fiction and his outstanding contribution to New Zealand literature. 

Winners to be announced Monday 14 October.

We were thrilled to hear Netflix announce its second Danish original series, The Chestnut Man, at Copenhagen TV Festival this week.

February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019

Further details about the publication of Philip Pullman’s highly-anticipated new book, The Secret Commonwealth, are revealed today. 

Earlier this year, as part of Puffin’s upcoming 80th Anniversary Celebrations, Penguin Random House NZ offered to fund bookseller initiatives to get kids reading, to the value of $5000 each.

Dame Fiona Kidman has won this year’s $53,000 Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards for her novel, This Mortal Boy.

We're excited to announce the August release of Driven, from New Zealand’s most successful rally driver, Hayden Paddon.

Elisabeth Moss, star of the hit TV show The Handmaid’s Tale, has narrated the audiobook edition of Margaret Atwood’s classic novel. 

This extraodinary memoir, from American artisitc visionary Prince, will be released worldwide on 29 October, 2019.

Volume Two of The Book of Dust is set to arrive on 3rd October 2019, jumping 20 years forward from Volume One, La Belle Sauvage. 

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know will be published in September 2019. 

E L James, whose Fifty Shades of Grey series has broken sales records for contemporary adult publishing (150 million copies sold worldwide), has written a new novel, The Mister, which will be published on 16 April 2019. 

Your first look at The Mister, the new book from Fifty Shades author E L James.

From the creator of Hannibal Lecter and The Silence of the Lambs comes a new story of evil, greed and the consequences of dark obsession.

Agent Running in the Field will be published in October 2019.

They chose Valentine’s Day 2005 as the date to release the engagement news and Camilla’s new title of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall bestowed by the Queen.

Cindy Thomas was working at the dining table she’d bought at a tag sale down the block.

Samantha watched the girls as they filed into the event hall, tilting their heads back to stare at the ornate vaulted ceiling with its oversized chandeliers dripping silver and blue crystals.

Malcolm ran. One hand curled against his chest, the wrist swollen and aching, the fingers numb and almost black in the sickly yellow streetlight.

When books are your life – or in my case, your job – you get pretty good at guessing where a story is going.

This happened back in March of 2010, when the Philadelphia train station still had the kind of information board that clickety-clacked as the various gate assignments rolled up.

Could a building sweat? If someone were to ask him, Walter O’Brien would say no.

The thirty-year-old mother of Madeline Zott rose before dawn every morning and felt certain of just one thing: her life was over.

Word came to me at the foundry.

How this new condition changes language, not we or us or ours but I and me and mine, mine alone the hollow hours.

On the crest of Hopetoun Bridge, I stop and take a selfie.

I’m sitting in my therapy room across from a young woman.

At the age of somewhere between forty and forty-two — he didn’t know exactly how old he was — Wilde finally found his father.

Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once.

In a cramped hotel room high above the prayer-flag-strewn streets of Thamel, the main tourist district of Kathmandu, Nepal, Cecily snapped her laptop shut.

AnnieLee had been standing on the side of the road for an hour, thumbing a ride, when the rain started falling in earnest.

To read when you are feeling anxious.

The slow gulps of my sister’s Fish turn our thoughts back to the sea.

ecades of research overwhelmingly shows that the number one factor that helps us adapt to challenging circumstances is social support.

It was strange climbing the hill again above the town.

Earning extra money on the side can be an incredible way to reach your financial goals or launch your own business.

The touch of his hand, lightly circling my belly button, woke me. Still half-asleep, I enjoyed the feel of his fingers tracing lower.

They arrive in court separately.

Some men speak of angels and devils.

What do NZ YA fans really think of Fleur Beale's latest book?

If you're a fan of contemporary romance with humour and wit, you've probably heard of Emily Henry - find out which of her novels you should pick up with this handy quiz!

International bestselling author Karen M. McManus is known for her high school thrillers

For most of us, energy peaks and troughs throughout the day are something we accept as part of life – but what if it didn’t have to be that way?

The Cunninghams don't really get along, and every one of them has killed someone. Meet the family to help you find the culprit.

Bonnie Garmus shares the Inspiration behind her uncompromising and unconventional character, Elizabeth Zott!

Setting the record straight on an extraordinary life.

Book clubs are a great way to get to talk about the books you’re reading with friends, they can also help you read across new genres. Here are a few tips from the Penguin New Zealand team about how to get started.

Does changing a habit seem like a daunting task? Atomic Habits author James Clear has four simple steps for making it stick.

Dr Sarb Johal, a leading New Zealand psychologist and author of Finding Calm, shares three practical tools for finding calm in your life.

Need help finding your next great beach read? This collection has every kind of reader covered.

Get your kids excited to get back into reading after the summer holidays with these fantastic adventures!

What do NZ YA fans really think of Karen McManus' latest book?

Summer is a great time to catch up on prizewinners from the previous 12 months, return to old favourites or for a bit of personal development. Here are our top five suggestions.

Turn reading over the summer into a game! Download and print off our book bingo sheet for inventive ways to enjoy a story and try different genres. Read under a tree; read a non-fiction book, visit a library; are you up to the challenge?

The bestselling author of Gifts of Imperfection and Dare to Lead on the vastness of human emotion.

Five students get detention, only four leave alive. How far would you go to protect your secrets?

From Earth’s very origins, weather has exerted its mercurial influence and shaped the world we know. Wielding tempests and storms, weather has the power to disrupt and destroy; yet at its most gentle, it can relieve and restore.

He kept trying new things, experimenting and, most importantly, he kept making stuff. Creative, unusual and funny stuff. Eventually, Taika thought he’d try to make a short film . . .

Hirini never thought he would become a musician. He couldn't read music, but he was good at listening and very dedicated, so he taught himself.

Meri worked and worked and worked. ‘I’ll never give up,’ she vowed. She could see a better future for Māori women, and knew they deserved it.

Secrets, thrills, heartbreak, and adventure. . . we bet we've got your favourite new read covered!

The shortlist for the 2021 Booker Prize has been announced, with four Penguin Random House novels named.

Kōrerotia te reo this Māori Language Week 2021 with our selection of Māori Language books.

This cake is a must for speculoos biscuit lovers.

I confess that I was seduced by the man who made this dish for me.

I love rhubarb and used to grow it outside my window in east London.

If you’re a lemon-lover you will adore these decadent, keto-friendly, luscious lemon bars studded with succulent raspberries and fragrant rosemary. Beware! – HIGHLY ADDICTIVE :)

The magic of warm, runny eggs and cold garlicky ricotta with a spicy kick of bolshy butter will blow your mind. . . So simple but so delicious, a magical dish to impress with ease.

A dairy-free and gluten-free tart that's full of flavour.

An extra tasty roast that the whole family will love.

There is, I have to confess, no need to put the vodka in the blackberry compote that accompanies these, but it does add to the sense of occasion.

What appeals to me about this salad is the combination of lightly poached chicken, bean sprouts, spring onions and herbs with roasted chopped nuts and sesame seeds, and the slightly gloopy fish sauce, lime juice and chilli dressing.

These chickpeas have had their fair share of Insta fame for a multitude of reasons.

This dessert ticks all our flavour boxes.

Sweet beetroot, perfumed nectarine, peppery watercress and creamy burrata — don’t take this to your next BYO barbecue or people will fight over it. Save it for home instead.

This recipe, from my wonderful sister-in-law Jenny Corry, is world famous in my family. Stick rigidly to the instructions to end up with perfectly cooked lamb. The varying thickness of the joint means that some bits will be well done while others are delectably pink.

This is a fast and fabulous dinner — put the pasta water on to boil as soon as you get home, keep your wits about you and in under 30 minutes you will be sitting down to eat.

A simple pasta dish that you can whip up in minutes from Claudia Roden's Med.

Enjoy this aromatic Arabian rice as a side dish for a delicious dinner.

With cocktail sauce, avo, tomatoes & crispy pancetta crumbs.

A pleasure to make, this cake is joyous served with a cup of tea.

Serving pulled beef over a small kūmara not only looks attractive but is a clever way to help control portion size. The meat rub for this dish is great – it gives the dish all the flavour it needs. It keeps well, too, so try doubling this rub recipe and keep it in your kitchen cupboard to sprinkle over roast chicken or barbecued lamb chops.

If you thought that risotto was about slaving over a hot stove, drizzling stock into a pan over the course of an hour, think again. This risotto is quick, easy and satisfying. Plus you can fry whatever vegetable is in season to put on the top. Making risotto just became an easy choice.

I created my first version of this tart when I was living in France with Douglas for a couple of months, relishing the crispy pastry, creamy cheese, juicy flavourful tomatoes, fresh herbs and spicy cracked pepper. Back then I used a lovely soft salty white French cheese riddled with herbs and garlic. Naturally, I’ve created a new version of this, and it’s still amazingly good.

Braised in a beautiful balsamic sauce, these slow-cooked beef cheeks are so meltingly tender you could devour them with a spoon! Eight hours of cooking ensures that the braising liquid turns into a luscious, gravy-like sauce. I encourage you to enjoy it spooned over creamy potato mash or fluffy cooked grains such as quinoa or bulgur wheat.

This sticky date pudding is one of my favourite things to make during the colder months. What makes this dessert really special is the hint of ginger and cardamom in the coconut butterscotch sauce. I bet you can’t wait to grab your spoon and dig in! Just remember to get your dates on to soak a bit beforehand. If you don’t need this to be vegan, you can use regular milk, cream and butter.

This recipe has been a fan favourite for over a decade. Cut it into slices for the kids or into tiny squares as a treat with your cuppa. It also freezes well, so you can stash a few squares away for when no one is looking.

Benjamin Stevenson talks to us about his new must-have mystery and his friend's odd act that inspired his book.

The much-loved author chats to us about researching The Spy's Wife on the cusp of the pandemic starting, studying 1930s German history and baking cherry cakes.

Bursting full of children’s curiosity Everything Under the Sun is a glorious celebration of life on earth.

The debut author of the YA novel soon to hit Netflix on discipline, working with Daniel Kaluuya, and the complications of writing about time travel.

The bestselling author discusses tapping back into Jack's world, twisty-turny stories and her favourite crime dramas.

The Great Circle author on inspiring travel, research and spending seven years on her latest novel.

Vintage Creative Director Suzanne Dean and artist Lena Peters on circles, Murakami and monkeys.

House of Hollow author on ghost doors, googling corpses and advice to aspiring YA authors.

Author Richard Fairgray talks about what he thinks makes a good scary story, what scares him and more in this Q&A!

Dame Lynley Dodd on what comes first, the stories or the illustrations, where her ideas come from and more! 

The Booker Prize winning author answers our questions about his strangely beautiful story about hope and love and orange-bellied parrots: The Living Sea of Waking Dreams.

The bestselling author on thrilling reads and the things that scare her.

The Women and Leadership co-authors answer our questions on gender equality and finding the inspiration to lead.

The international bestselling author on cryptozoology, life in the 1950s and writing the ending early.

Falastin authors Tara Wigley and Sami Tamimi lift the lid on Palestinian cooking.

Debut author Sam Lloyd on the chess tournament that inspired his thrilling novel, The Memory Wood, 

The artist on his inspiration for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse​.

The author of Dear Edward on the real plane crash and sole survivor who inspired her novel.

An in-depth discussion between Lee Child and George Martin in Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 2018.

Margaret Atwood discusses her return to Gilead.

 Wondrous and wild, The Brilliance of Birds gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of New Zealand’s feathered friends. We the extraordinary minds behind this beautiful book Skye Wishart and Edin Whitehead all about this New Zealand Birdventure!

We sat down for a chat with David Hill and Phoebe Morris, the great minds behind the latest story in the Kiwi Heroes series: Dinosaur Hunter. 

We sat down with best-selling author - Eleanor Ozich, to find out about her latest book, Homemade. 

The Star-crossed author takes on our rapid-fire questions.

Make It If You Dare!

Make your own portraits with Goose the Artist!

Colouring in is the perfect afternoon activity! Why not download this gorgeous colouring sheet for The Lighthouse Princess for your little one?

Spot the difference between these two beautiful illustrations by Rose Northey from The Lighthouse Princess!

How well do you know the Bluey: Easter book and episode?

Celebrate Peter Rabbit's 120th birthday with this activity pack! Design Peter's birthday cake, colour in a beautiful birthday card and help Peter through a maze to find his birthday cake.

Let's see all the things we can spy, high above the city with Crane Guy! Keep the kids busy with this awesome Crane Guy colouring sheet!

Decorate some Easter biscuits with Bluey and Bingo

Use our handy flowchart to help you decide which NZ classic you should add to your young reader's to-be-read pile.

Bluey and Bingo need the help of your colouring pencils!

Happy holidays from Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli Heeler.

Let's go camping with the Heelers!

Learn to draw Greg Heffley!

Colour in your own submarine with these fun sheets featuring illustrations from Paul McCartney's new book Grandude's Green Submarine. Plus, if you've got a special grandparent in your life, print off and give them one of our Grandude or Nandude-inspired cards!

Take the aptitude test to find out!

A curious question for every day of the year.

Download activities for school and home.

Little ones can colour in their favourite characters from the hit Ten Minutes to Bed series with this set of activity sheets. Plus, there are some fun mazes to solve.

Design a collar fit for Wellington's most famous cat.

How do little kids become sporting superstars? Find out in this inspiring activity pack featuring three Olympic legends.

Step outside and discover the science that surrounds you

Sarah thinks she's discovered the perfect gift for her garden-loving grandma, but before you can say GARDEN FULL OF UNICORNS, things grow wildly out-of-hand! Download our colouring sheet to colour in your own magical unicorn.

Cut out wild animals to play hide and seek around the house!

Celebrate 50 years of the wonderful world of Mr Men and Little Miss with this fun party pack

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is a fiendishly clever mystery that will keep your book club guessing and introduces a family of characters brilliant for discussion.

An unputdownable Australian novel to read with your book club.

A standout book club novel. Unputdownable and thought-provoking.

James Norcliffe shares discussion points and questions for his new book The Frog Prince in this book club guide.

Much loved author Fiona McIntosh is back with an historical adventure to enjoy with your book club.

An exciting new thriller from the author of The Girl on the Train to discuss with your book club.

A magnificent literary pick for book club.

Ponder whether one life is worth more than another with Fiona McIntosh's latest thriller.

This heart-stopping thriller set on the rugged coast of Tasmania is an excellent choice for book club.

Track down your reading group to discuss Candice Fox's latest thriller.

Stephanie Johnson shares discussion points and questions for her new book Everything Changes in this book club guide.

A tale of extraordinary friendship and a lifetime of stories to share with your book club pals.

Sweep your book club off to Malaysia with this spellbinding novel of war and family betrayal.

A classic whodunit for the most perceptive reading groups.

Settle in for a memorable reading group discussion, with Barack Obama’s long-awaited memoirs: A Promised Land.

Sweep your book club off to the sun-kissed vineyards of rural France.

Eileen Merriman, author of The Silence of Snow, has provided some background information on her latest book along with some discussion points for your book club meeting! 

Carl Nixon shares some discussion points and questions for his new book The Tally Stick in this book club guide.

Rajorshi Chakraborti shares discussion points, ideas and questions for his new book Shakti in this book club guide. Special powers are gifted, but there is a Faustian price to pay in this epic novel, packed with laughter, darkness, pain, dreams, superpowers, love and light.

Wackadoo! It'll be the greatest book club, for real life!

Laurence Fearnley shares her process for writing Scented along with discussion points, ideas and questions for your next book club meeting. 

Christine Leunens shares discussion points, ideas and questions for her book Caging Skies in this book club guide. Caging Skies is a gripping, atmospheric novel about obsession and love.

Two female spies, a banned masterpiece, a book that changed history... The Secrets We Kept is perfect for book club.

Eileen Merriman shares discussion points, ideas and questions for Moonlight Sonata - Book Club Guide. Moonlight Sonata is Eileen Merriman's first adult book, it is a bitter-sweet novel of forbidden love and family secrets. Some secrets should never be told... will the truth be revealed?