Pudgy Penguins is waddling off the blockchain and onto bookshelves with its first children’s picture book, Worst Birthday Gift Ever, due November 4, 2025. Penned by Michael Leviton and illustrated by Kuma Labs, the hardcover story stars Pongo—a mischievous Lil Pudgie whose birthday goes sideways when friends accidentally gift him real swords instead of balloon ones. Cue chaos, laughs and a lesson in friendship (and safety).
Aimed at 4- to 8-year-olds, the book brings Pudgy Penguins’ viral charm to a classic tale of good intentions gone awry. It’s the brand’s first major publishing partnership, teaming up with Random House Children’s Books on a project that blends timeless storytelling with Web3 flair. Pre-orders are open now at a $9.99 cover price—just in time for holiday gifting.
This move is part of Pudgy Penguins’ broader push beyond NFTs: the brand boasts over 1.8 million Instagram followers and 650 thousand TikTok fans, has sold more than a million toys through Walmart, Target and Walgreens, and is branching into gaming with titles like Pengu Clash and upcoming Pudgy World. CEO Luca Netz says the book is “the next chapter in a movement already resonating with kids, collectors and families.”
With a glittery cover, upbeat art and a laugh-out-loud storyline, Worst Birthday Gift Ever looks set to charm longtime fans and new readers alike—no wallet or crypto wallet required.