Penguin Young Readers & Melissa & Doug: new line of playable books
Penguin Young Readers and Melissa & Doug will launch a new line of children’s books for ages 2–5 on October 13, 2026. The first releases include Melissa & Doug: The Toy Kitchen Cookbook by chef Sohui Kim, Play All Day: A Search-and-Find Book, and What Do You See?: A Lift-the-Flap Blocks Book. Additional titles are planned for 2027.
Designed especially for pre-literate children
Designed especially for pre-literate children, The Toy Kitchen Cookbook uses pictures to help kids identify ingredients and “cook” independently through pretend play. The format aims to build confidence, creativity, and excitement around food and imaginative play.
Like Melissa & Doug’s well-known wooden toys, the books are created to encourage purposeful, child-led play while being durable enough for repeated reading and play sessions.
Opportunity to create innovative, high-quality books
Daniel Moreton of Penguin Young Readers described the partnership with Melissa & Doug and Spin Master as an opportunity to create innovative, high-quality books that extend children’s engagement with play and learning.
Chef Sohui Kim shared that food has always been central to her life and family experiences. Through this book, she hopes to inspire young children to explore creativity, flavors, and the joy of cooking.
Lauren DeFeo Duchene of Melissa & Doug said the books are designed to expand the brand beyond toys, encouraging curiosity, imaginative play, skill-building, and meaningful family connections through shared reading experiences.