Fat Puffin
DID YOU KNOW why our lovely Fat Puffin stands outside our shop?
He came as a gift from Puffin Books to celebrate our opening in 1972 as we were one of the first specialist children’s bookshops in the country.
Puffin Books were pioneers in the field of children’s publishing – indeed they remain one of the most important publishers of quality children’s literature and their logo is instantly recognisable.
Fat Puffin is a landmark in Thame High Street, and during his years of Sentry Duty he has twice faced dangers at the demands of kidnappers… once a ransom had to be paid (to a local charity) in order to obtain his release from a most precarious position: dangling from a rope at the top of the Town Hall…
Fat Puffin still represents the best in children’s literature, which is why he is still smiling on our doorstep!
In 2024, a new chapter of Fat Puffin and his lady wife Muffin began when they were featured on the Christmas episode of the much loved BBC One series ‘The Repair Shop’. Click the button below to watch the before, during and after of their amazing transformation.
Puffin and Muffin through the ages: from a kidnapping by dastardly rag week students to their grand makeover on the The Repair Shop. They’ve seen royal weddings, a global pandemic, a coronation, several jubilees and weather of all kinds!
Puffin and Muffin and Friends: people love meeting Puffin and Muffin, whether it’s authors having a quick snap for our Instagram, shop photo-ops for town events like the Tractor Run or Thame Pride, celebrating our achievements and happy days or being part of many of our younger customers street highlights.
Many thanks to the customers who sent in pictures with their children showing our mascots some love. All children’s faces have been blurred for safeguarding.