In a significant move that signals growing momentum in India’s children’s publishing space, Penguin Random House India has announced a strategic investment in Maple Press, one of the country’s fastest-growing children’s book publishers.

The partnership is set to bolster Penguin’s presence in the dynamic children’s books segment while reinforcing its commitment to supporting entrepreneurial talent in the publishing industry.

Founded with a mission to deliver affordable, high-quality books to young readers across India, Maple Press has developed a robust catalogue that combines engaging storytelling with educational value. The company publishes in English, Hindi, and several regional languages, and distributes over 10 million books annually.

“This is an exciting time for children’s publishing in India,” said Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India, SEA & MENA. “Our investment in Maple Press reflects our belief in visionary entrepreneurs who are passionate about storytelling and early learning. Together, we aim to amplify access, accelerate innovation, and enrich the reading experience for millions of young readers.”

The collaboration will enable Penguin and Maple Press to leverage shared strengths in editorial development, marketing, and distribution—while maintaining Maple Press’s independent identity and creative vision.

Saurabh Mittal, Director at Maple Press, welcomed the partnership: “We’re thrilled to have Penguin Random House India as a strategic partner. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey and strengthens our shared vision of advancing literacy and purposeful publishing. Together, we look forward to expanding our reach and deepening our impact.”

The investment comes at a time when India’s children’s publishing market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by rising literacy rates, increased parental investment in early education, and a growing appetite for diverse and high-quality content.

IMAP India and Aarayaa CFI-India acted as financial advisors for the deal.

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, releasing over 450 new titles annually and managing a backlist of more than 3,500 books. Its publishing portfolio spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. It represents some of India’s and the world’s most acclaimed authors and serves as the exclusive distributor for major international and domestic publishers across the subcontinent.

About Maple Press

Maple Press is one of India’s foremost children’s book publishers, with a catalogue of over 2,000 titles across genres such as classics, biographies, storybooks, and early learning. Headquartered in India and led by Pragya Mittal, Poonam Mittal, and Saurabh Mittal, the company operates through a network of 300+ distributors and retailers domestically and internationally. Maple Press also collaborates with leading NGOs and foundations to promote literacy and reading among children from underserved communities.