Popular web3 brand Pudgy Penguins has partnered with Random House Children’s Books to release a new picture book titled Worst Birthday Gift Ever, due out on 4 November 2025, marking the brand’s first official venture into traditional publishing. The book will introduce young readers to Pongo, a character from the “Lil Pudgy” sub-collection, in a story aimed at children aged 4 to 8. Written by Michael Leviton and illustrated by Kuma Labs, the book will be released as a $9.99 hardcover, in time for the holiday season and is now available for pre-order.
Set in the fictional world of Pudgy Penguins, the book follows the character Pongo as he celebrates his birthday. Known within the Pudgy community as impulsive but well-meaning, Pongo finds himself in trouble after his friends mistakenly give him real swords instead of inflatable ones. The narrative unfolds with a mix of chaos and problem-solving, offering a simple storyline for early readers.
The book is targeted at children between the ages of 4 and 8 and combines traditional picture book elements—humor, character conflict, and resolution—with characters developed within the Pudgy Penguins universe. “Worst Birthday Gift Ever is more than a book – it’s the next chapter in a movement that’s already resonating with kids, collectors, and families around the world,” said Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins.
This book marks the first publishing collaboration for Pudgy Penguins, originally launched in 2021 as a collection of Ethereum-based NFTs. Since then, the brand has expanded into physical toys, gaming, and social media content, and has built a significant following on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. By entering the children’s book market, Pudgy Penguins is moving further into mainstream consumer media. The brand has previously placed toy products in major US retailers including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, reporting over one million units sold and more than $13 million in retail revenue.
“Random House Children’s Books is the gold standard in publishing,” said Luca Netz. “They understand the power of narrative and building lasting characters. As the leading web3 brand bringing digital culture into the mainstream, this collaboration marks a major milestone in our continued expansion.” The collaboration with Penguin Random House suggests Pudgy Penguins is pursuing a multi-platform strategy that includes retail, publishing, and digital engagement. Future projects have not been announced but are expected to follow in a similar direction.
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