Beth Stern on Dove Soap, Gummy Bears and Her Foster Room Full of Kittens Beth Stern has always led with her heart. The New York Times best-selling author and wife of radio legend Howard Stern has spent decades giving animals a second chance, first as a volunteer at local shelters and now as a longtime spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America, the largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization in the world. When she spoke with us from her Florida home, she emphasized that her dedication to animals is simply who she is. Now, she’s channeling that lifelong passion into her latest project: Coco and Stephen, Together Forever, a children’s book inspired by the unlikely friendship between a special-needs cat and a rabbit that blossomed in her foster room. All proceeds from the book will benefit North Shore Animal League America. The giving doesn’t stop there. Stern recently partnered with her friend Jill Martin to launch a charming clothing line for humans and pets, with 100 percent of profits going toward saving animal lives. As warmer weather approaches, she’s also preparing for what she calls “kitten season”—opening her home to pregnant cats and newborn kittens, complete with dedicated birthing spaces. “It’s a magical time,” she says. Ahead, Stern discusses her new book, her lifelong work in animal rescue, and what life looks like during kitten season. When asked how she began writing the book, Stern explained it was her fourth book and third children’s book. Her first was Oh My Dog, a guide to picking, nurturing, and training a new furry friend. She then shifted to children’s literature, drawn to the opportunity to share the magic of her foster room with kids and spark conversations about rescuing and fostering rather than buying pets.#penguin_random_house #beth_stern #north_shore_animal_league_america #jill_martin #dove_soap
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2026 With These Horror Titles The 2026 Free Comic Book Day event will feature a new structure due to the bankruptcy of Diamond Comics Distributors, the long-standing distributor of North American comics. Diamond’s collapse in 2025 led to Universal Distribution acquiring the rights to Free Comic Book Day, which will now be supported by multiple comic companies. Penguin Random House, which also distributes comics, launched its own initiative called Comics Giveaway Day, scheduled for the first Saturday of May. While both events will coexist, they will offer distinct horror-themed comics, with stores stocking both collections. Customers can access free comics, but retailers must purchase them, encouraging buyers to support local shops and take advantage of potential sales. Free Comic Book Day Horror Titles The Nice House on the Lake #1 This issue kicks off a 12-issue miniseries by DC Comics, written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Álvaro Martínez Bueno. The story follows a group of friends invited to a remote lakeside house by an eccentric acquaintance named Walter, only to uncover a series of terrifying events. The series is available in deluxe hardcover or two softcover volumes. Something is Killing the Children: Road to Slaughter Boom! Studios’ latest offering features writer James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell’Edera. This title sets up a storyline where Erica Slaughter, a monster hunter, faces an organization that trains her to suppress monstrous threats. The comic is part of a 46-issue series, with multiple collected editions available, including nine softcover volumes and two deluxe hardcover editions.#penguin_random_house #free_comic_book_day #diamond_comics_distributors #universal_distribution #comics_giveaway_day
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Entertainment and Penguin Random House Announce 40th Anniversary Publishing Program for The Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Entertainment, in conjunction with book publisher Penguin Random House, has announced new details of its publishing program to celebrate “The Phantom of the Opera”’s 40th anniversary. As previously announced, Penguin Random House will publish a young-adult novel adaptation of “Phantom,” entitled “Our Strange Duet,” in addition to a visual anthology and a series of Little Golden Books. The novel “Our Strange Duet” is to be penned by young adult fantasy writer Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of “House of Salt and Sorrows” and “The Thirteenth Child.” “Our Strange Duet” follows “Phantom” protagonist Christine Daaé, emphasizing her emotional journey and deepening the story of the musical. Craig, a lifelong fan of “Phantom,” said in a statement, “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to explore the ‘strange affair of the ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ a mystery never fully explained’ through the eyes of Broadway’s most beloved gothic heroine.” “Our Strange Duet” will be released by Random House’s Delacorte Press imprint on Sept. 1, with a simultaneous U.K. edition by Penguin Random House Children’s U.K. on Sept. 3. A special hardcover edition will be available only in theaters and from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official online merchandise store. An immersive companion audiobook recording is in production at Penguin Random House Audio, including a full voice cast and music from the “Phantom” score. The partnership will continue with a series of three Little Golden Books for children.#penguin_random_house #andrew_lloyd_webber #lw_entertainment #erin_a_craig #christy_webster
Ankur Warikoo On Why Success Shouldn’t Come At The Cost Of Yourself Ankur Warikoo’s new book, Winning People Without Losing Yourself, redefines success by urging readers to prioritize self-truth over external validation. Published by Penguin Random House, the work is a deeply personal reflection on relationships, influence, and boundaries in a hyper-connected world. Warikoo challenges the notion that winning requires sacrificing one’s values, arguing instead that true influence stems from staying authentic. The book’s central message is that success, love, and respect do not have to come at the cost of self-respect, a belief Warikoo once internalized but later reevaluated. Warikoo’s journey began in his teenage years, when he described himself as a chronic people-pleaser, driven by the need for approval. “I went above and beyond to be seen a certain way,” he explains, often neglecting his own needs. This pattern persisted until his mid-thirties, when the toll of constant compromise became impossible to ignore. A pivotal moment came as he reexamined his relationships, realizing that being a good friend, colleague, or parent does not inherently require sacrificing self-worth. “Being good to yourself is not a selfish act,” he says, framing this realization as the emotional core of the book. The book critiques a cultural conditioning that equates success with sacrifice, a mindset Warikoo once embraced. “I thought you had to lose in order to win,” he recalls, noting how this belief shaped his early career. Over time, he experimented with a different approach, discovering that meaningful influence and relationships could thrive without eroding self-respect.#penguin_random_house #ankur_warikoo #winning_people_without_losing_yourself #self_respect #self_truth
Anne Lamott and Neal Allen Launch New Writing Guide 'Good Writing' Anne Lamott, the acclaimed author of the writing manual Bird by Bird, has released a new book titled Good Writing in collaboration with her husband, Neal Allen, on March 17, 2026. The book, published by Avery/Penguin Random House, offers 36 practical rules for refining sentences and is positioned as a companion to Lamott’s 1994 classic. Priced at $27 for the hardcover edition, the book also includes an audiobook narrated by both authors. Lamott, 71, and Allen, 69, have worked together on this project, blending Allen’s decades of collected writing rules with Lamott’s signature warmth and encouragement. Their collaboration began in 2016 when they met on a dating site for people over 50. After nine months, they purchased a home in Marin County and formed a partnership that has spanned a decade. Lamott humorously noted that she threatened to undermine their marriage if Allen didn’t allow her to contribute to the project. Good Writing does not aim to replace Bird by Bird but instead focuses on the second draft, offering guidance for refining completed work. The book’s structure features a call-and-response format, with Allen presenting a rule and Lamott providing a humanizing perspective. For example, Allen’s rule “Use Strong Verbs” is paired with Lamott’s reassurance that even seasoned writers struggle with this. The book’s chapters include titles like “Sound Natural,” “Keep It Active,” and “Write the Hard Stuff,” all targeting the polishing phase of writing. Allen, a former journalist and spiritual coach, compiled his rules over years of professional experience, noting that many writers had developed their own sets of guidelines.#penguin_random_house #anne_lamott #neal_allen #marin_county #bird_by_bird
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Engages Young Fans with Honest Answers Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recently appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his new children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown, which he co-authored with illustrator Nneka Myers. Published by Penguin Random House, the story follows a young boy named Jalen who rallies his community to save his school’s football team after it’s cut. Hurts aims to share life lessons from his own experiences through the book, which is targeted at children aged 7 to 11. During the segment, Hurts fielded questions from young fans, showcasing his humility and connection with children. A five-year-old asked, “What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?” Hurts laughed and replied, “That is so cute!” He explained that while he enjoys spending time with his family, his focus remains on football, stating, “When I’m not playing football, I can’t help but prepare for football.” He also mentioned working on the children’s book during the offseason, emphasizing his passion for giving time to causes he cares about. Another nine-year-old asked about Hurts’ favorite vacation spot. The three-time Pro Bowler described places with beaches, warm weather, and a connection to Philadelphia. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote about surviving a snowstorm and a wave, hoping the weather would improve. When asked if he ever considered quitting football, Hurts reflected on a challenging period when he faced doubts and adversity. He credited his perseverance, courage, and passion for keeping him going, saying, “Without the courage, perseverance, resilience, and passion, I wouldn’t be here today.” The book’s message aligns with Hurts’ personal journey, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.#philadelphia_eagles #penguin_random_house #jalen_hurts #nneka_myers #good_morning_america
Jalen Hurts Reflects on Doubts About His Football Career in New Book Jalen Hurts, the NFL quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, has shared insights into a challenging period in his career through a new children’s book titled Better Than a Touchdown. The story, illustrated by Nneka Myers, follows a young athlete named Jalen who faces a devastating setback when his school’s football team is cut. Despite the heartbreak, Jalen and his friends rally together, using teamwork and encouragement to overcome the obstacle. The book emphasizes themes of resilience, friendship, and collective effort, with Hurts’ signature wisdom woven into the narrative. Hurts revealed the project during an appearance on the Today Show last summer, announcing the book’s release through Penguin Random House. The story serves as a metaphor for his own journey, including moments when he questioned his place in the sport. In a candid reflection, Hurts shared, “There was a time in college where I really questioned, what’s going on and where do I go from here. I was counted out, broken and dissected.” This period of self-doubt coincided with his transition from Alabama to the NFL, where he faced intense scrutiny after losing his starting position to Tua Tagovailoa. The book’s message resonates beyond sports, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance. Hurts’ account of overcoming adversity mirrors his real-life experiences, including the challenges he faced during his NFL career. His resilience was put to the test when he was benched in 2021, a move that sparked widespread debate and speculation about his future in the league. Despite the setbacks, Hurts has consistently emphasized the value of support systems, whether it’s teammates, coaches, or fans.#today_show #tua_tagovailoa #jalen_hurts #nneka_myers #penguin_random_house
