Puffin books join children's audio platform Yoto

Books from Puffin authors Roald Dahl and Paul McCartney are to be made available for purchase on Yoto, an audio platform for children that plays content using smart cards.

The company, which already has existing publisher partnerships with HarperCollins and Hachette, will be able to feature Sir Paul McCartney’s first picture book, Hey Grandude!, and Roald Dahl’s unabridged children’s audiobooks, narrated by famous voices including Stephen Fry (The Enormous Crocodile), David Walliams (The BFG) and Kate Winslet (Matilda), after striking a new content partnership with Penguin Random House.

The audio platform has been designed for children aged two–10 with the intention of maximising children’s development skills without screen-time. As well as stories, the platform boasts "carefully curated" music, activities, sound effects, radio and podcasts. It was funded on Kickstarter in December 2017 and is run by Ben Drury, c.e.o. and co-founder.

Richard Lennon, publisher for Penguin Random House Audio, said: “Our audio editions use narration, sound effects and cutting-edge recording techniques to capture the imaginations of children for whom listening is the most natural way to engage with a story. We are excited about the huge potential Yoto has to help even more young readers find their new favourite characters.”

Amanda Punter, publishing director, Puffin, said: “At Puffin we are always looking for opportunities to connect children with stories and to make it even easier for parents to bring storytelling into everyday life. We’re therefore delighted to partner with Yoto, whose groundbreaking product is reaching children and families in a new and innovative way. Starting with these two incredible talents, Roald Dahl and Sir Paul McCartney, we hope to soon provide even more Puffin stories with the potential to spark any and every listener’s imagination.”