Behind the covers of the latest Puffin Clothbound Classics

We love collecting the Puffin Clothbound Classics and are always intrigued by the cover art and the carefully chosen quotes printed on the back. Today, we decided to take a closer look at the latest additions to the series and dig into the stories behind the designs!

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The quote for the book says, “To be kind is worth a great deal,” and the full version is, “Perhaps, to be able to learn things quickly isn’t everything. To be kind is worth a great deal to other people.” This is what Sara, the main character of the book, tells her closest friend at school. The quote is very important as it echoes the theme of compassion over status throughout the story.

The cover shows Sara looking out the window from the attic, which she often does in the novel, along with the pet monkey belonging to Mr. Carrisford, her unknown benefactor next door. The monkey plays an important role in the story, but we won’t spoil the details here. As for the cat Sara is holding on the cover—well, that’s a bit of a mystery!

 

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

Many of us have seen the beloved Studio Ghibli animated movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, but did you know it was originally a novel by Eiko Kadono?

The quote for the book says “I’m going to be whatever I want.” The fuller thought is: “I hate the idea of living my life constantly worrying about what people will say—I’m going to do whatever I want!”. Kiki thinks this to herself early in the story as she prepares to leave home for the first time to begin her year of independent witch training. This internal dialogue captures Kiki’s fierce determination to embrace her independence and forge her own path.

The cover artwork shows Kiki soaring on her broomstick, accompanied by her loyal black cat, Jiji. Also pictured is Tombo, Kiki’s energetic and supportive friend, riding his bike.

 

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The quote for the book is “Mercy did not exist,” a line that comes from the narrator describing Buck’s growing understanding of the wild. By this point in the novel, Buck has already endured harsh treatment from both humans and other dogs, and he’s learned that survival depends on strength, instinct, and adaptability. Is it a strange quote for a Puffin novel? Probably, but it definitely fits the story.

The cover shows Buck standing before a snowy mountain, symbolizing his shift from a domesticated pet to a creature of the wild. The stark, cold setting reflects the harsh world he must adapt to, where mercy has no place and only the fittest survive.

 

The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 

This Puffin Classics edition collects 8 stories – The Solitary Cyclist, Charles Augustus Milverton, Black Peter, The Golden Pince-Nez, The Priory School, The Beryl Coronet, The Engineer’s Thumb, and The Red-Headed League. The quote, “At last we have a clue!”, comes from The Priory School. In this case, Holmes initially faces a challenging case because the disappearance is mysterious, and the clues are scarce.

The cover features a magnifying glass and a pipe, two iconic symbols of Sherlock Holmes’s deductive brilliance.

 

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

The quote for the book is “Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.” Anne says this during a moment of hopeful reflection as she prepares to leave Green Gables to attend Queen’s Academy for further schooling. Reflecting on her past mistakes and challenges, Anne embraces the idea that every new day offers a fresh start, free from past errors. This optimistic outlook is a key part of her spirited personality and resilience.

The cover shows Anne wearing a straw hat decorated with a ribbon and a bow, along with her famous red hair styled in pigtails. Anne treasures her hats, especially ones like this that make her feel elegant and expressive.

 

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The quote for the book is “What a jolly life!”, which is part of a longer quote —  “And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!” — and spoken by Mole when he first meets Ratty. Ratty invites him to experience the river lifestyle. This joyful exclamation highlights Mole’s curiosity and his excitement at discovering a new world full of friendship and adventure.

The cover illustration shows Mole and Ratty, with Ratty rowing his boat along the river. This peaceful scene perfectly captures the close companionship and love of nature that define the story’s timeless charm.