PENGUIN GROUP (USA) LAUNCHES READ HUMANE™ INITIATIVE IN HONOR OF NATIONAL PET MONTH
Six Penguin Group (USA) Mass Market Titles from Some of Our Most Popular Authors, including Nora Roberts, Will Feature Read Humane™ Seals That Convey Our Support of the Cause
NEW YORK, NY — May 1, 2012 — Following in the footsteps of the successful Read Pink™ and Read for the Heart™ initiatives, Penguin Group (USA) has created a new initiative called Read Humane™ in honor of National Pet Month.
Read Humane will feature an assortment of six animal-themed mass market fiction paperback titles by some of Penguin Group (USA)'s most popular authors in special Read Humane editions that will be available in participating stores beginning today. The authors whose books comprise the initiative are Nora Roberts, Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James, Linda O. Johnston and Sofie Kelly, and special editions will be printed featuring Read Humane seals on the covers.
In an exclusive video, #1 New York Times best-selling author Nora Roberts, spokesperson for Read Humane, says she's proud to stand with Penguin in their effort "dedicated to protecting the lives of all animals and fighting animal cruelty."
In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization.
Penguin Group (USA) also announced a $25,000 donation to The Humane Society of the United States to support the work of its Animal Rescue Team. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, and it was recently ranked by Philanthropedia experts as the most effective animal group in the country.
"All of us at Penguin care about animals — it's in our name! Penguin is glad to share the work of The Humane Society of the United States with our readers. We hope this program encourages our readers to take action in their own communities to support animal welfare," said Leslie Gelbman, President of mass market publishing, Penguin Group (USA).
"Anyone looking at the faces of the animals brought to safety by The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team will immediately understand the importance of this work," noted Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "We're so grateful for the generosity of Penguin and these wonderful authors in supporting animal rescue."
For more details about the Read Humane initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit www.penguin.com/readhumane.
About The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, backed by 11 million Americans.
Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. The HSUS works with local humane societies and supports their work through training, evaluations, publications, and other professional services. Additionally, The HSUS operates its own network of animal sanctuaries and rescue operations, providing emergency care and homes to more animals than any other organization in the United States.
About Penguin Group (USA)
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam's Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (www.penguin.com) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.
For further information, contact:
Heather Connor
Berkley/NAL
212-366-2149
heather.connor@us.penguingroup.com
Marilyn Ducksworth
Penguin Group (USA)
(212) 366-2564
marilyn.ducksworth@us.penguingroup.com
Erica Glass
Penguin Group (USA)
(212) 366-2951
erica.glass@us.penguingroup.com
