Penguin Books and McVitie’s Penguin Biscuits have teamed up for the very first time to launch The Book of Penguin Jokes, a limited-edition A5 publication filled with the brr-illiant Penguin Biscuit jokes.
Marking the first hardback tri-band publication in Penguin Books’ 90-year history, The Book of Penguin Jokes is a special edition that celebrates the shared heritage of two beloved British brands. Created during the National Year of Reading 2026, the new book encourages families to discover the joy of reading and laughing together.
Complete with a foreword by celebrated children’s author Michael Rosen, The Book of Penguin Jokes brings together a selection of the cheeky one-liners that have delighted Penguin biscuit fans for generations, alongside a collection of brand-new jokes specially commissioned for the book.
Five jokes from The Book of Penguin Jokes:
- 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.
A lunchbox favourite since 1932, McVitie’s Penguin biscuits have been delighting families for decades with the classic one-liner jokes that have stood the test of time, hidden inside every wrapper. Now, those famous punchlines are stepping off the wrapper and onto the bookshelf, creating a unique keepsake for Penguin Random House collectors, book lovers and fans of the iconic biscuit alike.
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 fansanother reason to embrace those shared moments of curiosity, silliness and laughter. We hope the new book will allow people to create memories they’ll treasure long after the last biscuit has been enjoyed.”
Rebecca Sinclair, Chief Brand Officer at Penguin Books, said: “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. Because sometimes all it takes is a laugh, and a great story, to remind us why reading matters.”
Readers, laughers and snackers alike can win one of 3,000 copies of The Penguin Book of Jokes via promotional McVitie’s Penguin packs, available across supermarkets nation-wide, subject to individual store availability. 20,000 Google Play audiobooks are also available to win when picking up the biscuit packs.
