Big Children’s Presence for Penguin’s New Online Network

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By John A. Sellers -- Publishers Weekly, 6/18/2009

Penguin has just launched an online network called From the Publisher’s Office, consisting of original content in audio, video and reading channels, to promote its frontlist and backlist titles. And Penguin's children’s and YA books will be getting plenty of attention in each of the channels.

The Screening Room video channel will feature two series from Penguin Young Readers Group—Penguin Storytime and YA Central. Both will consist of 30-minute episodes starring major authors and illustrators, and will be aimed at teachers, parents and librarians (and, of course, children and teens).

Penguin Storytime is aimed at the younger end of the market, centering on picture books; the segments will consist of an author interview (conducted by Penguin’s Kim Lauber) and read-aloud section called “Listen, Learn and Grow” (featuring Liz Shanks, wife of Penguin CEO David Shanks). The first two interviews (viewable here) will be with Jon Scieszka and Judy Schachner, with Tomie dePaola and Anna Dewdney to follow.

YA Central will focus on books for teens, and the episodes will follow YA authors in conversation with teenagers at their schools. The first three episodes (viewable here) will feature Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green and Lauren Myracle, followed by Jacqueline Woodson, Sarah Dessen and Richard Peck.