The Penguin Modern Classics edition of Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory- aimed at the adult market - is being released to mark the book’s 50th anniversary.

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The cover, featuring a photograph of a frightened girl in heavy makeup, has been branded 'inappropriately sexualised' by critics.

Best-selling Chocolat author Joanne Harris tweeted: "Seriously, Penguin Books. Why not just get Rolf Harris to design the next one?

"I’m not sure why adults need a different cover anyway, but who was it who decided that ‘adult’ meant ‘inappropriately sexualised’?

"Small girl in full make-up & wig, on faceless adult's knee. Blank, dead stare. Menacing shadow to left. I'm thinking - yes."

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Giles Paley-Phillips, an award-winning children’s author, added: "I'm not liking the new cover for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, looks more Lolita!"

However Penguin have defended the cover, insisting that it is supposed to represent "the light and the dark aspects" of Dahl's story.

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"This design is in recognition of the book's extraordinary cultural impact and is one of the few children's books to be featured in the Penguin Modern Classics list," a statement read.

"This new image for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory looks at the children at the centre of the story, and highlights the way Roald Dahl's writing manages to embrace both the light and the dark aspects of life."

The new edition is released on September 4, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Do you think the new Charlie And The Chocolate Factory cover is 'too creepy'?