Attention Animal Lovers!

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 Penguin's website.