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Call for applications for Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

Applications are open for the 2025 Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship.

News
PANZ Book Design Awards 2024 Winners

The 2024 Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) Book Design Awards celebrated a night of artistic brilliance, with Māori and Pasifika designers dominating the stage and Penguin Random House celebrating two wins.

News
Booker Prize shortlist 2024

The shortlist for the 2024 Booker Prize has been announced, with three Penguin Random House titles named this year.

News
Best Books of the Year for Young NZ Readers

The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
Booksellers Industry Award Winners

Over the weekend we attended the Booksellers Conference and Award Ceremony

News
PANZ Book Design Awards 2024 Shortlist

The most beautifully designed books in Aotearoa have been revealed with the announcement of the 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards finalists.

News
2024 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults Finalists

The NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
There's a Cure for This Ockham Win

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are the country’s premier literary honours for books written by New Zealanders.

News
2024 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults Winners!

The NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are a unique celebration of the contribution New Zealand’s children’s authors and illustrators make to building national identity and cultural heritage.

News
2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards Shortlist

See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

News
2024 NZ Booklovers Awards Shortlist

See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2024 NZ Booklovers Awards

News
Praised and popular books nominated for 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

See the Penguin Random House NZ books longlisted for the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

News
Penguin Random House to expand Bluey publishing program with new illustrated chapter books in 2024

Penguin Random House Australia and BBC studios are thrilled to announce that the Bluey publishing program will expand in 2024 to include three new illustrated chapter books.

News
Call for applications for Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship 2024

Applications are open for the 2024 Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship.

News
2023 Storylines Notable Books List

The highest quality books in five genres published between August 2022 and November 2023.

News
Penguin Random House to publish Serena Williams’ memoir

Penguin Random House will publish two books by cultural icon Serena Williams, winner of 39 major tennis titles, four-time Olympic gold medallist, and champion for equality and justice in sports.

News
2023 New Zealand Book Design Awards Winners!

The 2023 PANZ Book Design Awards Winners have been announced!

News
2023 New Zealand Book Design Awards Shortlist

Design awards celebrate the beauty of physical books

News
Hairy Maclary Lookalike Winners!

Check out the real life raggedy rascal's gang!

News
Māori poet and photographer Trinity Thompson-Browne wins 2023 Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

Trinity Thompson-Browne has been awarded the 2023 Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship thanks to a collaboration with Whitireia Community Polytechnic Limited and Penguin Random House New Zealand (PRH).

News
Win 50 Books for Our 50 Year Celebrations!

Be in to win a year's supply of books!

News
The Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Illustration is now open for submissions!

The award aims to encourage the publication of new and exciting high-quality picture books from new New Zealand illustrators.

News
Emissions reporting at Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand

'We can’t solve a problem like climate change without an honest accounting of how much we need to do and what obstacles we need to overcome.' – Bill Gates, How To Avoid a Climate Disaster

News
SPARE, the memoir from Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, to be released on January 11

The Prince's new book will tell his extraordinary life story in his words for the first time.

Extracts

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Extract
The Favourites

Today is the tenth anniversary of the worst day of my life.

Extract
Sonny Boy

I was performing since I was just a little boy.

Extract
Unreel

The idiot box: my first hazy television-related memory, bathed in the blue-tinged glow of a cathode-ray tube, hails from when I was about three and therefore a complete idiot myself.

Extract
All Out

If I close my eyes, I can still experience it through the mind of the 26-year-old I was on my third tour with the Black Caps, when I felt hopelessly lost off the field and was not yet wanted on it.

Extract
New Stories

No matter what your talent, or how hard you work, there’s an element of chance in everything that happens.

Extract
Tell Me Everything

This is the story of Bob Burgess, a tall, heavyset man who lives in the town of Crosby, Maine, and he is sixty-five years old at the time that we are speaking of him.

Extract
The Blue Hour

In the chastening chill of a dazzling October morning, James Becker stands on the footbridge, hip hitched against the handrail, rolling a cigarette.

Extract
Marigold Mind Laundry

Somewhere on Earth was a village where spring faded into autumn, and after autumn, spring returned once more.

Extract
Juice

So I drive until first light and only stop when the plain turns black and there’s nothing between us and the horizon but clinkers and ash.

Extract
The Grandest Game

There was a price to be paid for power, always.

Extract
We Solve Murders

You must leave as few clues as possible

Extract
The Voyage Home

She had yellow eyes.

Extract
There are Rivers in the Sky

Later, when the storm has passed, everyone will talk about the destruction it left behind, though no one, not even the king himself, will remember that it all began with a single raindrop.

Extract
The End Crowns All

I never asked for visions, I was one. In my future, I see myself regal and glorious, luminescent with the glow of my god.

Extract
Gabriel's Moon

Gabriel watched closely as his mother lit the night light beside his bed.

Extract
The Anxious Generation

When I talk with parents of adolescents, the conversation often turns to smartphones, social media, and video games.

Extract
Such Charming Liars

“Would the young lady like to see something with a pearl?”

Extract
The Book of Elsewhere

A room, full of violence to come.

Extract
Breaking the Dark

Jessica turns onto her side and blinks into the darkness.

Extract
The Fallen Woman

Jane Saville's gasp conveyed her shock as her mother's words landed like small blows.

Extract
In a Place of Darkness

God’s sake, why did everything have to be such a sodding . . . trial?

Extract
Eruption

Rachel Sherrill, thirty years old in a few days, master’s degree from Stanford in conservation biology, rising star in her world, still thought of herself as the smartest kid in the class.

Extract
A Short Walk Through A Wide World

The paper is clean and white—

Extract
Lies and Weddings

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.”

Articles

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Article
Where to start with Jilly Cooper

Always wanted to try a Jilly Cooper book but weren’t sure where to start? Here's why you'll fall in love with her books and a recommended reading order to get you started, from super fan Alex Collingwood

Article
Where to start with... the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books

If you’re completely new to Jeff Kinney’s world-famous Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, can we just start by saying that we’re completely and utterly jealous of you? Get ready for one serious reading binge and warn your sides, because they’re about to split.

Article
Top Reads for October

We're star struck with our top reads for October.

Article
Our Best Spring Recipes

Get some spring cooking inspiration with these delicious recipes!

Article
Easy, last-minute Halloween costumes for kids

These easy last-minute Halloween costumes are easy to DIY but still look great. So cute, you’ll forget they’re homemade from clothes and materials you already have.

Article
What tramp you should do based on your tramping personality

Whether you're a speed demon or a leisurely wanderer Wild Walks Aotearoa has the perfect tramp for you!

Article
Great Activities for the School Holidays

In need of some activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays?

Article
Get a free Penguin Books figurine this Bookshop Day

Find out how to get a free Penguin Figurine this to celebrate Aotearoa NZ Bookshop Day on 12 October 2024

Article
Printable Penguin Black Classics list

Catch up on the classics with this printable list. How many have you read?

Article
Top Reads for September

Look to the past with nostalgic fiction, to the future with insightful non-fiction, or catch a thrill with some of our top reads for September

Article
Who are you voting for in New Zealand Bird of the Year?

Now the team at Penguin Random House may be biased towards a particular penguin alliance... but that doesn't mean that there aren't some wonderful other birds to vote for.

Article
Springtime foraging tips and tricks

With a lifelong interest in the outdoors, Peter Langlands spends his time in a wide variety of environments that present a diversity of foraged foods, from alpine to coastal locations.

Article
Staff recommends: What we're reading

Are you after a book to stop the slump? Why not try one of these books that our Penguin Random House NZ team loved!

Article
QUIZ: What should you read for International Cat Day?

Take this fun quiz to discover the perfect cat-centric book for you!

Article
Top Reads For July

Touching tales, thrills, and death bed confessions are among our top July picks; check them out!

Article
Books to read if you loved Lessons in Chemistry

What to read after Lessons in Chemistry.

Article
Real Readers Review: The Love of My Afterlife

What do readers really think of The Love of My Afterlife?

Article
Sherri Crichton shares the backstory of Eruption's collaboration

Sherri Crichton, wife of the late Michael Crichton, explains in this letter how the unfinished manuscript of Eruption came to be completed by James Patterson.

Article
Top Reads For June

Thrills, romance, contemporary fiction and more; check out our top reads for June!

Article
A Guide to Waitohu Journal

Nau mai ki Waitohu! Read on to learn about Hinemoa Elder's inspiration behind Waitohu, and how to use this special journal.

Article
QUIZ: Which YA fantasy should you read next

Take this fun quiz to figure out which fantasy book you should reach for next.

Article
Top May Picks

Thrills, romance, contemporary fiction and more; check out our top reads for May!

Article
Penguin Authors at Auckland Writers Festival

We've got some amazing authors appearing at this year's Auckland Writers Festival, so we thought we'd collate all of their events in one place. Hope to see you there!

Article
Ageist Language We Need to Ditch

As we head into midlife, we can’t ignore the fact of gendered ageism.

Recipes

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Recipe
Carrot Cake

A deliciously divine classic carrot cake.

Recipe
Bingo's 'Botato' Salad

It's like a vegetable, we all like it and it starts with a B. Can you guess what it is?

Recipe
Mini Bluey Pavlovas

What could be more fun than a Mini Bluey? Mini Bluey Pavlovas for the Christmas table, of course!

Recipe
Mozzarella Salad With Grilled Peaches & Honey

A delicious Italian inspired salad perfect for a sunny lunch

Recipe
Kūmara Ginger Kisses

A classic Kiwi sweet treat with a twist!

Recipe
Beetroot & Ricotta Pasta

Shockingly vivid, surprising and fun. Mix up your pasta repertoire and give this beetroot number a try.

Recipe
Puttanesca-Style Salmon Bake

A mouth-watering traybake with a winning combination of flavours.

Recipe
Ice-Cream Truck

On a hot summer’s day, is there anything more delightful than hearing the ice-cream truck music?

Recipe
Cheese, Potato & Spinach Filo Pie

I wrote this recipe for a Greek-style filo pie after going to Mary Quicke’s farm and dairy near Exeter.

Recipe
Black Forest Cupcakes

There’s something very European about a Black Forest gateau, and not just because it originates from Germany.

Recipe
Miso Sriracha Noodle Soup with Jammy Eggs

Ginger, garlic, miso and the heat from the sriracha add a soothing warmth and zing to this noodle soup

Recipe
Buddy Oliver's Barbecued Chicken Lollipops with Pepper and Pineapple Salsa and Lemony Couscous

This summery dish from Buddy Oliver is the perfect starter recipe for kids wanting to get involved with the barbecue! Simple chicken skewers are served alongside fluffy lemony couscous and a bright pineapple and red pepper salsa.

Recipe
Buddy Oliver's Greens Pasta

Try this kid-friendly recipe for greens pasta from Buddy Oliver for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with broccoli and peas and topped with a crunchy garlicky breadcrumb topping this simple dish is ready in just 20 minutes.

Recipe
Pink Cake

Yellow cake with a watermelon-strawberry jam filling.

Recipe
Fuss-Free Crumbed Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Tartare Sauce

This easy fish traybake makes for a fresher, more luxurious version of fish and chips.

Recipe
Chicken, lemon & garlic traybake

A tremendously tasty traybake.

Recipe
Popcorn Tofu Bites

I’m a long-time tofu lover and when it comes to cooking it, I’ve tried it all. Baking, frying, grilling, shredding, slicing, crumbling . . . the list goes on. So, believe me when I say this is one of the best.

Recipe
Red Roasted Pasta

This homemade pasta sauce is so simple, it feels like you’re cheating.

Recipe
Butter chicken wings

Butter chicken and chicken wings, together at last.

Recipe
Texas toast smashburgers

A truly tasty Texan sandwich.

Recipe
Cheese Scones

I simply had to include our cheese scone recipe again, after sharing it in my second book. However, this time I have simplified it — sometimes I find that cheese is all that is necessary. Of course, if you prefer, feel free to add some diced bacon, onions or herbs.

Recipe
Stewed plums, whipped yoghurt, mint & granola

Stewed plums in a tasty and decadent sweet dish.

Q&A
Meet The Real Life Bookshop Detectives

We had a chat with bestselling local authors Gareth and Louise Ward about their new book, The Bookshop Detectives!

Q&A
Bill Edgar shares how his life has changed since his first book

Plus, two of the most outrageous requests he’s had from clients.

Q&A
Brooke Robinson shares the inspiration behind The Negotiator

Brooke Robinson shares her secrets to crafting an intriguing plotline, her love of research and how she winds down after a day of writing about high-stakes scenarios.

Q&A
How physical activity can improve your work performance

Authors Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander explain how they use physical activity to improve their leadership, productivity and mindset.

Q&A
Sarah Ogilvie on the research, cataloguing and technology behind The Dictionary People

The Dictionary People is a joyful read, but behind the book was a lot of hard work. We caught up with the author to learn about how she approached such a massive project.

Q&A
John Boyne on the role of the elements in his books

Irish author John Boyne discusses the role of the elements in his new books, and the inspiration for his new book Earth.

Q&A
Ferdia Lennon shares the Plutarch passage that inspired Glorious Exploits

Plus, find out why he taught himself to memorise an entire deck of cards while researching for the novel.

Q&A
Gareth Brown shares how a yearning to travel inspired The Book of Doors

Plus find out why he’d choose to live in Middle Earth and main difference between him and Hugh Jackman.

Q&A
Lottie Hazell shares how she came up with the idea for Piglet

Plus, the cosy fictional world she’d most like to live in.

Q&A
Alex Michaelides shares why his upcoming novel was his favourite to write

Learn about Alex Michaelides’s new book, the real-life people who inspired his characters and how growing up in Cyprus contributed to the setting.

Q&A
Rachael Johns shares her trick for getting words onto the page

We caught up with Rachael Johns to learn about her writing routines, favourite rom-coms and new book The Other Bridget.

Q&A
21 Questions with Terry Hayes

The author of I Am Pilgrim shares his thoughts on finding inspiration, the books that shaped his youth, and what to expect from The Year of the Locust, his long-awaited second novel.

Q&A
Dolly Alderton on heartbreak, finding inspiration, and her new novel Good Material

The bestselling author talks heartbreak, fiction versus non-fiction, and her latest novel Good Material

Q&A
Arthur C. Brooks shares the selfish reason for his new book with Oprah

Find out what inspired ‘Build the Life You Want’ and what both authors hope readers take away from it.

Q&A
A conversation with James Clear

Learn from James Clear about starting over after a serious injury, the margin between success and failure, and why it’s totally okay (encouraged, even!) to spend just five minutes at the gym.

Q&A
Writing Q+A with Witi Ihimaera

As he has been publishing now for 50 years, we emailed some questions about writing to Witi, who answered them on a plane journey.

Q&A
How Emily Henry's own friendships inspired characters in Happy Place

Dive into the mind of romance novel superstar, Emily Henry as she discusses all things Happy Place

Q&A
Q&A with Shelley Read author of Go as a River

Get to know author Shelley Read and delve into the inspiration behind her soaring, heartstopping novel Go as a River!

Q&A
Eloise Head (AKA Fitwaffle) shares her all-time favourite baking ingredients

We caught up with Eloise Head ahead of the release of her cookbook, ‘Fitwaffle’s Baked In One.’ Learn about her favourite ingredients, ultimate comfort food and more.

Q&A
Jamie Oliver – ONE Q&A

Jamie talks us through creating his latest cookbook, One.

Q&A
Author's bizarre Google search while writing new book

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

Q&A
Fiona McIntosh on writing a 'fish out of water' tale

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.

Q&A
Q&A with Molly Oldfield

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

Q&A
How I wrote it: Femi Fadugba on The Upper World

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.

Activities

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Activity
Bluey: Let's Get Spooky Bunting

Download this free super-fun Bluey Halloween bunting.

Activity
Bluey Heelerween Colouring-in

Download this free Bluey Halloween colouring-in activity.

Activity
Colour in The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra!

Discover a fantabulous world where each creature plays its part in perfect harmony, with a honking of horns, a slither of scales and a bumbling buzz in the air.

Activity
Colour in the Witch of Maketu!

The Witch of Maketu is feeling grumpy and stink. The twelve juicy lambs she’s kept for her winter kai are bleating all day and night. She can’t get any beauty sleep!

Activity
Free, printable Father’s Day Cards

Download and print your very own Father’s Day cards, perfect for accompanying any books you plan on gifting Dad.

Activity
Peppa Pig activity pack

To celebrate the release of Peppa Pig: My Best Friend Peppa: 20th Anniversary Picture Book, we have a fun activity pack for a Peppa Party!

Activity
Celebrate Father's Day this year with Bandit!

Learn how to draw Bluey and Bingo's dad, Bandit. Download this sheet and follow the simple steps to help you draw Dad.

Activity
Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets Colouring Sheet

Colour in this sheet from a heartwarming story about aroha, whānau, passing down traditional knowledge and welcoming in the new year

Activity
Willa and Woof: Camp Chaos maze activity

Help Willa find Woof with this fun maze activity!

Activity
Ways to keep busy this long weekend

Activities to keep the children engaged this weekend (regardless of the weather!)

Activity
Detective Beans colouring-in activity

Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat colouring activity.

Activity
Bluey Mother's Day colouring-in activity for the whole family!

Wackadoo! Unwind with this great colouring-in activity, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Activity
Colour in Ring Ting Tūī!

Colour in these sheets from the melodious counting picture book bursting with troublesome tūī!

Activity
Play and Grow with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar on his adventures with these fun activities.

Activity
Bluey Easter activity pack

Celebrate Easter with this free printable download.

Activity
Activity
Emma Memma colouring-in activity

Colour in with Emma Memma!

Activity
Bluey Christmas Activity

Get in to the Christmas spirit with Bluey

Activity
Diary of a Wimpy Kid No Brainer QUIZ

Test your knowledge in this fun No Brainer quiz put together by Sylvie from Waterview Primary!

Activity
Blue, Blue Christmas colouring sheet

Get into the holiday spirit with this Blue, Blue Christmas colouring in activity!

Activity
Keep entertained this long weekend!

Activities to keep the children engaged this weekend (regardless of the weather!)

Activity
Make your own Diary of a Wimpy Kid costume

Zoo-wee-mama! Dress up in your best DIY Wimpy Kid outfit with these fun printable Greg and Rowley masks.

Activity
Critters of Aotearoa Colouring in Sheet

Meet some of our cute and curious critters with this colouring in sheet!

Activity
The Māori Alphabet with Stacey Morrison

A simple pronunciation guide to the Māori alphabet

Book clubs

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Book clubs
The Fallen Woman book club questions

A heart-stopping historical adventure to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Psykhe book club questions

A new twist on a Greek myth that gives voice, power and agency to the woman at the centre of the story.

Book clubs
The Cryptic Clue book club questions

The second book in The Tea Ladies series is a fun mystery to read with your book club.

Book clubs
What I Would Do to You book club questions

A stunning, thought-provoking debut to read with your book club.

Book clubs
A Gentleman in Moscow book club questions

A letter from the author and book club questions for one of Amor Towles' most popular books.

Book clubs
The Space Between - Book club notes

Delve deeper into this story of love, class and belonging, set at the brink of the New Zealand Wars. A great bookclub pick!

Book clubs
The Other Bridget book club questions

A feelgood romantic comedy by Australia's bestselling romance writer.

Book clubs
The Bee Sting book club questions

A thought-provoking book about family and fortune to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Foul Play book club questions

A heart-stopping Jack Hawksworth novel to read with your book club.

Book clubs
The Sugar Palace book club questions

A heart-stopping romantic adventure to read with your book club.

Book clubs
Build The Life You Want Book Club Guide

Build the Life You Want introduces you to the cutting-edge science that can change your life, in understandable terms and with actionable strategies. Along the way, Arthur and Oprah share hard-earned wisdom from their own lives and careers.

Book clubs
Hamlet is Not OK classroom discussion points

Some great points to discuss with your classroom or book club, from this quirky new take on Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Book clubs
The Waters Book Club Notes

Unravel Carl Nixon's brilliant story of a fractured family told over 40 years with these book club questions

Book clubs
Wifedom questions for your book club

A powerful blazing genre-bending masterpiece to discuss with your book club.

Book clubs
The Deck book club notes

A perfect literary pick for your book club, dive deeper into The Deck with these discussion questions

Book clubs
Laughing at the Dark book club questions

A top pick for book clubs, Laughing at the Dark is a funny, moving memoir about rebellion, identity and laughter

Book clubs
Kind book club notes

Get discussing Stephanie Johnson's funny and fearless New Zealand novel with the help of these book club questions!

Book clubs
Go as a River reading group guide

A soaring coming-of-age novel of female resilience and becoming, Go as a River is the perfect literary pick for your book club

Book clubs
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow book club questions

A New York Times bestseller, Grazia summer reading pick, and word-of-mouth sensation to read with your book club.

Book clubs
How to Get Fired book club notes

A cleverly wry and relatable collection of short stories, perfect for book club discussions!

Book clubs
Amazing Grace Adams Book Club Questions

A fierce, funny and utterly captivating book to read with your book club.

Book clubs
The Queen's Wife book club notes

Delve into Joanne Drayton's modern love story of a memoir with these book club notes!

Book clubs
The Secret History book club questions

A fast-paced modern classic perfect for book clubs.

Book clubs
Atlas of the Heart book club questions

Atlas of the Heart should be your next book club pick. A guide to mapping meaningful connection, this book is compelling, enlightening and ripe with discussion points.