As the kiddie arm of Penguin Classics, Puffin has been publishing quality children's literature for quite some time. These aren't new releases, popular fad items, or stories about angsty teenage vampires, however; Puffin is devoted to printing classic novels that appeal to younger readers in increasingly attractive yet still affordable paperback editions.
Most of the available titles are unabridged, though a few that are quite long in their original formats have been trimmed. Unlike traditional abridgements, though, these are more like extended edits, retaining the original power of the language while simply excising some of the fat. Since most elementary kids aren't ready for Charles Dickens (for example) but still want to read his work, we're mostly okay with this.
Each paperback is compact, with minimalist cover art and the text. There aren't pictures or study questions or anything to be used as hooks, just the innate appeal of the stories themselves. The fact that these are inexpensive editions makes them a good option for getting as much great literature into your kids' hands as possible without having to refinance your house.
While these titles were selected for their appropriateness for children, you'll still want to exercise caution with some of them. The same child who can handle Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or Little Women may not be prepared for Dracula or Frankenstein. That said, all the Puffin Classics are great stories, and will provide hours of formative amusement for your little page-turners.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
here.
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