A Puffin Book
114 books in this series
A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.
The Call of the Wild
Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child
Join Puffin in celebrating 120 years since Call of the Wild first published with this very special anniversary edition.
To Buck it was boundless delight, this hunting, fishing, and indefinite wandering through strange places.
Pampered dog Buck lives a comfortable life in Santa Clara Valley, where he spends his days eating and sleeping in the golden sunshine. But one day a terrible act of betrayal leads to his kidnap, and he is forced into a life of work and danger. Dragged away to be a sledge dog in the harsh and freezing cold Yukon, Buck must fight for his place in the wilderness - and a place to call home.
The Call of the Wild is a beautiful and thought-provoking tale following a dog's journey of hope, resilience and finding your family.
This edition includes an introduction by award-winning author Melvyn Burgess, a behind-the-scenes journey, an author profile, a guide to who's who, activities and more.
Join Puffin in celebrating 120 years since Call of the Wild first published with this very special anniversary edition.
To Buck it was boundless delight, this hunting, fishing, and indefinite wandering through strange places.
Pampered dog Buck lives a comfortable life in Santa Clara Valley, where he spends his days eating and sleeping in the golden sunshine. But one day a terrible act of betrayal leads to his kidnap, and he is forced into a life of work and danger. Dragged away to be a sledge dog in the harsh and freezing cold Yukon, Buck must fight for his place in the wilderness - and a place to call home.
The Call of the Wild is a beautiful and thought-provoking tale following a dog's journey of hope, resilience and finding your family.
This edition includes an introduction by award-winning author Melvyn Burgess, a behind-the-scenes journey, an author profile, a guide to who's who, activities and more.
The Little Prince
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of one of the most famous stories in the world, a beautiful Puffin paperback edition translated from the original French by Theo Cuffe.
This is the enchanting story of the little prince who lives on a tiny planet with three volcanoes and a haughty flower, which he must protect from the baobabs, the bad seeds. The rulers of the other planets he visits all suffer from the cares and stupidities of the everyday world. Only the little prince, through his clear, loving eyes, knows that the simplest of things can be of the utmost importance.
An allegorical tale that has captured the hearts and minds of children and adults since it's first publication in France in 1943.
This is the enchanting story of the little prince who lives on a tiny planet with three volcanoes and a haughty flower, which he must protect from the baobabs, the bad seeds. The rulers of the other planets he visits all suffer from the cares and stupidities of the everyday world. Only the little prince, through his clear, loving eyes, knows that the simplest of things can be of the utmost importance.
An allegorical tale that has captured the hearts and minds of children and adults since it's first publication in France in 1943.
Stig of the Dump
Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child.
The Thing sitting in the corner seemed to be interested. It got up and moved towards Barney, into the light. Barney was glad to see it was Somebody after all. Funny way to dress though, he thought, rabbit-skins round the middle and no shoes or socks.
Barney spends a lot of time by himself, and often goes wandering off alone. One day he is exploring by the edge of an old chalk-pit, when it gives way. Finding himself in some sort of cave, Barney is astonished to discover a 'somebody' living there: somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes, wearing a rabbit skin and speaking in grunts.
Barney names him Stig, and the two quickly become best friends. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig. But Barney doesn't care. He and Stig are far too busy having a brilliant series of unforgettable adventures.
Much-beloved by children for generations, Stig of the Dump is the ultimate story about the joyful freedom of mucking around outdoors, having fun away from the grown-ups . . . !
"This lovely story about the unlikely friendship between Barney and stone-age Stig has stood the test of time . . . contemporary children will love reading about the pair's lively adventures" - Booktrust
The Thing sitting in the corner seemed to be interested. It got up and moved towards Barney, into the light. Barney was glad to see it was Somebody after all. Funny way to dress though, he thought, rabbit-skins round the middle and no shoes or socks.
Barney spends a lot of time by himself, and often goes wandering off alone. One day he is exploring by the edge of an old chalk-pit, when it gives way. Finding himself in some sort of cave, Barney is astonished to discover a 'somebody' living there: somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes, wearing a rabbit skin and speaking in grunts.
Barney names him Stig, and the two quickly become best friends. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig. But Barney doesn't care. He and Stig are far too busy having a brilliant series of unforgettable adventures.
Much-beloved by children for generations, Stig of the Dump is the ultimate story about the joyful freedom of mucking around outdoors, having fun away from the grown-ups . . . !
"This lovely story about the unlikely friendship between Barney and stone-age Stig has stood the test of time . . . contemporary children will love reading about the pair's lively adventures" - Booktrust
The Dark is Rising
This night will be bad and tomorrow will be beyond imagining.
It's Midwinter's Eve, the day before Will's eleventh birthday. But there is an atmosphere of fear in the familiar countryside around him. This will be a birthday like no other. Will discovers that he has the power of the Old Ones, and that he must embark on a quest to vanquish the terrifyingly evil magic of the Dark.
The second novel in Susan Cooper's highly acclaimed Dark is Rising sequence.
It's Midwinter's Eve, the day before Will's eleventh birthday. But there is an atmosphere of fear in the familiar countryside around him. This will be a birthday like no other. Will discovers that he has the power of the Old Ones, and that he must embark on a quest to vanquish the terrifyingly evil magic of the Dark.
The second novel in Susan Cooper's highly acclaimed Dark is Rising sequence.
Gobbolino the Witch's Cat
Celebrating 80 years of Gobbolino - the charming tale of a witch's cat who would rather be a kitchen cat, with the original line drawings illustrations by the author, Ursula Moray Williams.
Gobbolino, the witch's cat with one white paw and bright blue eyes, would rather be a quiet cat who sits by the kitchen fireside all day. So he sets out on a journey to find a new home, but when people discover he is a witch's cat he is blamed for mysterious happenings, such as the farmer's milk turning sour and the orphanage children's gruel turning into chocolate.
Will Gobbolino ever find the loving, trusting home of his dreams?
This celebratory anniversary edition features a forward from Harriet Muncaster, creator of the Isadora moon series.
A perfect story for the classic A Puffin Book series.
Gobbolino, the witch's cat with one white paw and bright blue eyes, would rather be a quiet cat who sits by the kitchen fireside all day. So he sets out on a journey to find a new home, but when people discover he is a witch's cat he is blamed for mysterious happenings, such as the farmer's milk turning sour and the orphanage children's gruel turning into chocolate.
Will Gobbolino ever find the loving, trusting home of his dreams?
This celebratory anniversary edition features a forward from Harriet Muncaster, creator of the Isadora moon series.
A perfect story for the classic A Puffin Book series.
Watership Down
An epic story that has been beloved for generations, Watership Down has become one of the most famous animal stories ever written.
Fiver, a young rabbit, is very worried. He senses something terrible is about to happen to the warren. His brother Hazel knows that his sixth sense is never wrong. So, there is nothing else for it.
They must leave immediately.
And so begins a long and perilous journey of a small band of rabbits in search of a safe home. Fiver's vision finally leads them to Watership Down, but here they face their most difficult challenge of all . . .
__________
Richard Adams originally began telling the story of Watership Down to his two daughters and they insisted he publish it as a book. It quickly became a huge success with both children and adults, and won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal in 1972.
Fiver, a young rabbit, is very worried. He senses something terrible is about to happen to the warren. His brother Hazel knows that his sixth sense is never wrong. So, there is nothing else for it.
They must leave immediately.
And so begins a long and perilous journey of a small band of rabbits in search of a safe home. Fiver's vision finally leads them to Watership Down, but here they face their most difficult challenge of all . . .
__________
Richard Adams originally began telling the story of Watership Down to his two daughters and they insisted he publish it as a book. It quickly became a huge success with both children and adults, and won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal in 1972.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this special edition of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.
It's 19th Century England, Good King James III is on the throne, and the whole country is ravaged by wolves which have migrated through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel.
When young orphans Bonnie and Sylvia get caught by the governess, Miss Slighcarp - they need their wits and Simon the goose-boy - to escape unscathed.
For Miss Slighcarp is more cruel and merciless than the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase. . .
It's 19th Century England, Good King James III is on the throne, and the whole country is ravaged by wolves which have migrated through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel.
When young orphans Bonnie and Sylvia get caught by the governess, Miss Slighcarp - they need their wits and Simon the goose-boy - to escape unscathed.
For Miss Slighcarp is more cruel and merciless than the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase. . .
Charlotte's Web
Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child.
On foggy mornings, Charlotte's web was truly a thing of beauty . Even Lurvy, who wasn't particularly interested in beauty, noticed the web when he came with the pig's breakfast. And then he took another look and he saw something that made him set his pail down. There, in the centre of the web, neatly woven in block letters, was a message. It said: SOME PIG!
This is the story of a little girl named Fern, who loves a little pig named Wilbur - and of Wilbur's dear friend, Charlotte, a beautiful large grey spider. When Fern's uncle decrees that Wilbur must become bacon, Fern, Charlotte, Templeton the rat and all Wilbur's farmyard friends come up with an ingenious plan to fool the humans, and save their very special pig.
Joyful, funny, and deeply moving, Charlotte's Web is a story about the power of friendship, and celebrating what makes everyone special. It is rightly heralded as one of the greatest children's books ever written.
"E. B. White's writing is perfect... And Garth William's muted illustrations are entirely without fault. Whether read aloud or solo, this is a book well deserving of its 'classic' status." - The Children's Book Review
On foggy mornings, Charlotte's web was truly a thing of beauty . Even Lurvy, who wasn't particularly interested in beauty, noticed the web when he came with the pig's breakfast. And then he took another look and he saw something that made him set his pail down. There, in the centre of the web, neatly woven in block letters, was a message. It said: SOME PIG!
This is the story of a little girl named Fern, who loves a little pig named Wilbur - and of Wilbur's dear friend, Charlotte, a beautiful large grey spider. When Fern's uncle decrees that Wilbur must become bacon, Fern, Charlotte, Templeton the rat and all Wilbur's farmyard friends come up with an ingenious plan to fool the humans, and save their very special pig.
Joyful, funny, and deeply moving, Charlotte's Web is a story about the power of friendship, and celebrating what makes everyone special. It is rightly heralded as one of the greatest children's books ever written.
"E. B. White's writing is perfect... And Garth William's muted illustrations are entirely without fault. Whether read aloud or solo, this is a book well deserving of its 'classic' status." - The Children's Book Review
A Nest of Vipers
'Characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination' - The Sunday Times
A gripping tale of a group of larger-than-life con artists who roam the streets of eighteenth-century London.
Cato Hopkins is the youngest member of Mother Hopkins's 'family' - a group of skilled fraudsters and pickpockets. There's Addy, who can become a very convincing boy when she needs to; the beautiful Bella, who can charm any rich young man out of his fortune; Sam, an escaped slave and Cato himself, a young boy, who Mother Hopkins has taught everything she knows.
But old age is slowing Mother Hopkins down, and she wants to carry out one last con, a con to outdo all the cons that have gone before. And so the gang set about bringing ruin upon Captain Walker, a proud and cruel slave captain, who deserves to be taught a lesson or two .
A gripping tale of a group of larger-than-life con artists who roam the streets of eighteenth-century London.
Cato Hopkins is the youngest member of Mother Hopkins's 'family' - a group of skilled fraudsters and pickpockets. There's Addy, who can become a very convincing boy when she needs to; the beautiful Bella, who can charm any rich young man out of his fortune; Sam, an escaped slave and Cato himself, a young boy, who Mother Hopkins has taught everything she knows.
But old age is slowing Mother Hopkins down, and she wants to carry out one last con, a con to outdo all the cons that have gone before. And so the gang set about bringing ruin upon Captain Walker, a proud and cruel slave captain, who deserves to be taught a lesson or two .
Kiki's Delivery Service
Soar into this modern Japanese classic about a young witch and her clever cat with this new translation by Emily Balistrieri which will delight fans of the beloved Studio Ghibli animated movie as well as new readers.
'A magical, joyous read, brought to life by the most beautiful illustrations' - Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon
'A charming and beautifully written story' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang
Kiki is a trainee witch. On her thirteenth birthday she must follow tradition and leave home to find a new village. She knows she has to use only her powers to make a living, but Kiki's no good at potions or spells...can she use her flying abilities to make her own way in the world? She sets out with her beloved black cat Jiji on an exciting journey, making new friends along the way.
'A magical, joyous read, brought to life by the most beautiful illustrations' - Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon
'A charming and beautifully written story' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang
Kiki is a trainee witch. On her thirteenth birthday she must follow tradition and leave home to find a new village. She knows she has to use only her powers to make a living, but Kiki's no good at potions or spells...can she use her flying abilities to make her own way in the world? She sets out with her beloved black cat Jiji on an exciting journey, making new friends along the way.
Party Shoes
A perfect companion to Ballet Shoes, Circus Shoes, Theatre Shoes and Tennis Shoes, this family war-time story was first published in 1946, reissued now in A Puffin Book.
There's great excitement when an unexpected parcel arrives for Selina. A beautiful long evening-dress and shiny satin party shoes - the best present a girl could ever wish for! She can hardly wait for a special occasion to wear them, but there's still a war on and all the grown-ups are far too busy to arrange a party. So Selina and her cousins decide to organize a pageant with acting, singing, dancing and dressing-up. Will Selina find the perfect role in which to put on her amazing new clothes?
There's great excitement when an unexpected parcel arrives for Selina. A beautiful long evening-dress and shiny satin party shoes - the best present a girl could ever wish for! She can hardly wait for a special occasion to wear them, but there's still a war on and all the grown-ups are far too busy to arrange a party. So Selina and her cousins decide to organize a pageant with acting, singing, dancing and dressing-up. Will Selina find the perfect role in which to put on her amazing new clothes?
Goodnight Mister Tom
Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the countryside as Britain stands on the brink of the Second World War. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of old Tom Oakley - but his new-found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother back in London.
Goodnight Mister Tom
Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child.
Tom tucked a blanket round him, drew up a chair by the fire and watched Willie fall asleep. The tales he had heard about evacuees didn't seem to fit Willie. 'Ungrateful' and 'wild' were the adjectives he had heard used, or just plain 'homesick'. He was quite unprepared for this timid, sickly little specimen.
Britain, 1940. With World War Two raging all around, young children are being sent from their homes in the city to the countryside for safety. When eight-year-old Willie Beech first arrives on Tom Oakley's doorstep, neither are quite sure what to make of each another.
Brought up in terrible poverty, Willie is terribly shy, and totally unprepared for village life - but the gruff-but-gentle 'Mister Tom' quickly takes him under his wing. Neither he nor Willie could ever have predicted the journey they will go on together - nor the unbreakable bond that will be formed.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award, and rightly hailed as a true classic of children's literature, Goodnight Mister Tom is a beautifully told, deeply moving story about the power of friendship, kindness, hope - and love.
'Everyone's idea of a smash-hit novel: full-blown characters to love and hate, moments of grief and joy, and a marvellous story that knows just how to grab the emotions' - Guardian
Tom tucked a blanket round him, drew up a chair by the fire and watched Willie fall asleep. The tales he had heard about evacuees didn't seem to fit Willie. 'Ungrateful' and 'wild' were the adjectives he had heard used, or just plain 'homesick'. He was quite unprepared for this timid, sickly little specimen.
Britain, 1940. With World War Two raging all around, young children are being sent from their homes in the city to the countryside for safety. When eight-year-old Willie Beech first arrives on Tom Oakley's doorstep, neither are quite sure what to make of each another.
Brought up in terrible poverty, Willie is terribly shy, and totally unprepared for village life - but the gruff-but-gentle 'Mister Tom' quickly takes him under his wing. Neither he nor Willie could ever have predicted the journey they will go on together - nor the unbreakable bond that will be formed.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award, and rightly hailed as a true classic of children's literature, Goodnight Mister Tom is a beautifully told, deeply moving story about the power of friendship, kindness, hope - and love.
'Everyone's idea of a smash-hit novel: full-blown characters to love and hate, moments of grief and joy, and a marvellous story that knows just how to grab the emotions' - Guardian
Ballet Shoes
Puffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child.
We three Fossils vow to try to put our name into history books, because it's our very own, and nobody can say it's because of our grandfathers.
Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are sisters - with a difference. All three were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappeared, leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. When Sylvia starts to run out of money they hit on an inspired idea: Pauline, Petrova and Posy will attend Madame Fidolia's Children's Academy of Dance and Stage Training - and take to the stage. But it's not long before the Fossils learn that being a star isn't as easy as they first thought...
Ballet Shoes is the magical, warm-hearted and much loved classic tale of three very different girls who work hard to master their talents.
We three Fossils vow to try to put our name into history books, because it's our very own, and nobody can say it's because of our grandfathers.
Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are sisters - with a difference. All three were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappeared, leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. When Sylvia starts to run out of money they hit on an inspired idea: Pauline, Petrova and Posy will attend Madame Fidolia's Children's Academy of Dance and Stage Training - and take to the stage. But it's not long before the Fossils learn that being a star isn't as easy as they first thought...
Ballet Shoes is the magical, warm-hearted and much loved classic tale of three very different girls who work hard to master their talents.
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Inspired by Hugh Lofting's classic tales of Doctor Dolittle, his son Christopher Lofting has updated his father's story for today's readers- still with all the charm of the original.
Nine-and-a-half year old Tommy Stubbins is about to go on an adventure of a lifetime!
Being assistant to the genius (and eccentric) Doctor Dolittle means no day is quite the same, especially when they set sail on the high seas.
After a hair-raising shipwreck lands them on the floating Spidermonkey Island, they meet the mysterious Great Glass Sea Snail who could change their lives forever...
The new movie Dolittle is coming February 2020, starring Robert Downey Jr.
Nine-and-a-half year old Tommy Stubbins is about to go on an adventure of a lifetime!
Being assistant to the genius (and eccentric) Doctor Dolittle means no day is quite the same, especially when they set sail on the high seas.
After a hair-raising shipwreck lands them on the floating Spidermonkey Island, they meet the mysterious Great Glass Sea Snail who could change their lives forever...
The new movie Dolittle is coming February 2020, starring Robert Downey Jr.
Greenwitch
In their desperate quest to find the grail, stolen by the forces of the Dark, the Drew children have returned to Trewissick. One night, in a strange ceremony, Jane watches the village women construct the Greenwitch: an ancient offering to the sea. Overcome by the Greenwitch's power, Jane makes a perilous wish - one that will tip the balance in the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
The third haunting, magical book in the highly acclaimed Dark is Rising sequence.
The third haunting, magical book in the highly acclaimed Dark is Rising sequence.