Certainly the illustration is "after Hugh Lofting".
"Cover illustration by Jon Riley"
--1987 back cover, viewed at Open Library
One dealer at ABEbooks (January 2023, bi=6774812715) offers a 1985 book with cover image that shows this illustration and yellow background, without the "Puffin Classics" banner (Puffin logo only). ISBN and series not reported. 1985 is the second reprint of the 1977 Puffin edition, as listed on the 1987 title leaf. The next 1987 and previous 1980 printings are known from to differ in cover illustration, ISBN, and "Puffin Classics" branding.
One dealer at ABEbooks (January 2023, bi=6774812715) offers a 1985 book with cover image that shows this illustration and yellow background, without the "Puffin Classics" banner (Puffin logo only). ISBN and series not reported. 1985 is the second reprint of the 1977 Puffin edition, as listed on the 1987 title leaf. The next 1987 and previous 1980 printings are known from to differ in cover illustration, ISBN, and "Puffin Classics" branding.
| Date | Publication | Publisher | Type | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 1987 |
|
Introducing Doctor Dolittle | Puffin | Collection |