In a first-ever collaboration between two iconic British household names, Penguin Books and McVitie’s Penguin Biscuits have teamed up to publish The Book of Penguin Jokes.
The limited-edition A5 hardback brings together the cheeky one-liner jokes hidden inside Penguin biscuit wrappers since 1932 alongside brand-new commissioned jokes. The publication marks the first hardback tri-band book released in Penguin Books’ 90-year history.
Created to celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026, the book aims to encourage families to share moments of reading and laughter together. Children’s author Michael Rosen has written the foreword for the edition.
Five jokes featured in the collection include:
- Why did the penguin use a fish as a bookmark? She didn’t want to lose her plaice.
- Why do penguins get homesick? There’s snow place like home.
- What did mummy penguin say as her kids left for school? Have an ice day dears.
- How did the penguin cheat at football? He was always diving.
- What do you call a penguin who can’t stop smiling? A pen-grin.
James King, Marketing Director for McVitie’s Penguin, said: “For generations, McVitie’s Penguin biscuits have been making people smile with the jokes inside every wrapper, while Penguin Books has inspired millions through the joy of reading.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring these two iconic brands together to celebrate the National Year of Reading with a collectable item that gives fans another reason to embrace those shared moments of curiosity, silliness and laughter.”
Rebecca Sinclair, Chief Brand Officer at Penguin Books, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing these two iconic Penguins together for the National Year of Reading. This partnership celebrates the joy of reading and our belief that books belong in everyday life.
“Humour has a unique way of bringing people together, and we hope this collaboration inspires everyone, from young readers to lifelong book lovers, and those rediscovering reading, to take a book and biscuit break.”
The hardback edition is not available through standard retail sale, but readers can win one of 3,000 copies via promotional McVitie’s Penguin packs in supermarkets nationwide. A further 20,000 Google Play audiobooks are also available to win through the promotional packs.
