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By: Deirdre,
on 3/14/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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To get us in the mood for Saturday's focus on Irish culture, here are a few covers from the Emerald Isle.
Sally Go Round the Stars by Sarah Webb and Steve McCarthy, with Claire Ranson (O'Brien Press, 2011)
There's a variety of interesting covers to be found at the publishers Little Island. Here's a sample:
(Little Island, 2012)
(Little Island, 2011) by Elizabeth O'Hara (Little Island, 2011)
by Mark O'Sullivan (Little Island, 2010)
Let St. Patrick's Day be an excuse to have a look at some more Irish books. I'm sure you'll like what you see. Slainte!
 | The Mighty Miss Malone
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Wendy Lamb Books, 2012 |
The girl on this cover spends no time feeling sorry for herself. She is not to be trifled with. This girl isn't afraid to break the rules, if it means doing the right thing. She talks back to adults and knows more about life than most girls her age. She is eternally optimistic, strong and resilient. Can't you tell? I wrote that having not yet read this novel, and with only a scant idea of the book's premise. I wrote it before reading this lukewarm-at-best review by Betsy Bird at the Fuse #8 Production blog. Apparently, Deza isn't quite as take-charge as the cover image suggests. But I still love this cover. The muted blue-green background and the luminosity of Deza's skin jump out at you from across the bookstore. The way she is turning back to give you that Look--irresistible. Maybe she's about to tell you something. Maybe she doesn't have to tell you; maybe you just know from her expression. Even if this model does have elastic in her sleeves, which, according to Betsy's source, would be unlikely during the Depression, I still love this cover. (Why not? Elastic has been used in garment construction since the 1820s. Was it scarce? Too expensive?) I'll even go so far as to say that I'm not sure there's elastic in there, anyway--the sleeve could be gathered with a tied cord which isn't very visible under the author's name. No? Look at the photo on the Audiobook download edition, where the sleeve hem is more visible. I can't tell for sure. Enough about elastic. Except, did you know that Samuel Clemens invented and patented an elastic bra strap? OK, no more elastic. Instead, this question for you, readers: - Have you read The Mighty Miss Malone yet? What's your take on Deza? Does the cover do her justice?
By: Patti L Brown,
on 2/29/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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I stopped at a Barnes & Noble recently, and as always, ended up perusing the YA section. Here's what I found:
I wonder if you notice what I noticed. Check out that bottom row (if you can see it in my lousy picture): all books by male authors. See any faces? Me neither. Not all books written by women have faces or body parts on their covers. But far fewer books by men feature faces or body parts on the front. Why? Wouldn't a pretty face sell a book written by a man as well as an obscure graphic? Take a look at the first hardcover publication covers of John Green's books: One in five has a face on it. An interesting note: The Paper Towns paperback edition swapped the girl's face for a pushpin and a map, while the Abundance of Katherines featured the top half of a girl's face instead of the row of colorful silhouettes. Now let's look at a similar author, Maureen Johnson. Both of these authors' stories feature quirky characters, mysteries riddled with riddles, and even a road trip or two. Here are Johnson's recent covers (again, the first hardcover publications):
By: Deirdre,
on 2/13/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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Hearts are decorating store windows and classroom walls. Quite a few have been popping up on book covers too.
Some are sugary sweet:
Published by Egmontusa, 2011
Published by HarperCollins, 2010 Published by Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011
And some hearts send messages:
by Arliama Tibensky (Simon Pulse, 2011)
Published by Speak, 2004
Published by Walker & Company, 2011
Which cover do you *heart* ? Let us know, we love your comments.
 | Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
illustrated by Iassen Ghiuselev
(Simply Read Books, 2003)
(Revised Edition, 2012) |
"What's the use of a book," thinks Alice, "without pictures and conversation?" And what other books reveal the talents of an illustrator in quite the way that the Alice in Wonderland books do? This is the cover of illustrator Iassen Ghiuselev's take on Alice and I must say, I am smitten--and a little vertiginous. See and learn more on his website. You will not regret clicking that link, I think. I (this is Carol, by the way) just ordered a copy for myself through my local indie and let me just say, I cannot believe I missed this one the first time around. Next we have a few other versions, some almost as delicious, some questionable. It's interesting to see how Alice grows and shrinks in age on these covers. How very Alice, indeed. Tell us in the comments which version(s) you own. Enjoy!  | by the legendary Arthur Rackham
(Chronicle, 2002) |
 | by Helen Oxenbury, ditto on the legendary
(Candlewick, 1999) |
 | by Camille Rose Garcia
Collins Design, 2010 |
By: Patti L Brown,
on 1/16/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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We have much to look forward to in 2012: The Hunger Games movie, the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the London summer Olympics, and hey, maybe even the end of the world.
But before that, we have a lot of reading to do. Here's a look at some 2012 new releases in children's books:
 (Publisher: Golden Books; For release: March 13, 2012)This cover stood out on the list of forthcoming picture books with its bold colors and mixed fonts. The concept was also intriguing: smiles found on ordinary items. I couldn't help reading more. The Spontaneous Smiley Project finds smiles everywhere, and has teamed up with Operation Smile to help put smiles on faces of children around the world.
In the middle grade category:
 (Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; For release: March 27, 2012)
Bright, clean, not busy. The storyline looks amusing, too--a boy who lives in a zoo-turned-reality show. In the YA department, readers can chose from a million covers featuring faces and girls. Here are a few that are different: In the dark-and-simple category: (A Beautiful Evil - Publisher: Simon Pulse; For release: February 21, 2012)
(Dead to You - Publisher: Simon Pulse; For release: February 7, 2012)
(The Vanishing Game - Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; For release: February 14, 2012)
Few colors, few words, yet interesting focus and contrast. And in the bright-and-fancy class:
By: Deirdre,
on 1/9/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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There's a lot of white stuff on the ground outside, but what about on the book shelves? The search for white children's book covers revealed the following, although I am still looking for a completely white cover (anyone have one?).
A white background certainly lets the eye find the focal point.
(Go on, press it)
Herve Tullet (translated by Christopher Franceschelli) Published in March 2011 by Chronicle Books
Here the title stands out. Check out the hardcover version which is much darker. by Christine Johnson (Simon Pulse 2011)
The Trouble With Dilly hangs festive decorations onto the clean white background. by Rachna Gilmore (HarperCollins, 2009)
White covers have been around for a long time. HarperCollins published Where the Sidewalk Ends in 1974 and kept the white for Every Thing On It (2011).
Ok, one more before I head out into the white stuff. Enjoy!
By: Carol B.,
on 1/2/2012
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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We asked Jacket Knack readers for the 2011 children's book covers they liked best. Here they are!
 | Clockwise from upper left: Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol (First Second, 2011);
Where's Walrus? by Stephen Savage (Scholastic, 2011);
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (Candlewick, 2011);
Wildwood byColin Meloy, illus. Carson Ellis (Balzer and Bray, 2011);
Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger (Amulet/Abrams, 2011);
No Dogs Allowed by Linda Ashman, illus. Kristin Sorra (Sterling, 2011);
Level Up by Gene Luen Yang, illus. Thien Pham (First Second, 2011);
Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman, illus Beth Krommes (Houghton Mifflin, 2011) |
What do you think? I think our readers have good eyes for covers. Thanks, Bigfoot and Julie Larios!
By: Carol B.,
on 12/26/2011
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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Favorites of 2011--Part Three--Carol's Picks
 | Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks
(FSG-BYR, 2011) |
Four things that attract me to a book's cover: 1. Originality. How many photos of body parts will it take before the book-buying public and cover designers tire of it? 2. Kid Appeal. Sure, this is guesswork, but I try to choose covers that I think will draw the eyes of children and teens when they browse the shelves. 3. Graphic Appeal. Use of shape, form, negative space, etc. which create visually stimulating covers.
 | Wither (Book I of the Chemical
Garden Trilogy)
by Lauren DeStefano
(Simon and Schuster BYR, 2011) |
4. Cuteness. Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for cute. Can't resist a mouse in a traveling suit. (See Richard Peck's latest, below.) Love the way Wither's cover (above) incorporates both soft ruffles and clean, geometric lines.
 | Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck
Illus. Kelly Murphy
(Dial, 2011) |
Another clever cover from author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers incorporates both depth and whimsy. 
0 Comments on 2011 Covers I Heart as of 1/1/1900
By: Patti L Brown,
on 12/20/2011
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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As I perused the covers of many new releases for 2011, I started to make a list. When I reviewed my selections, I chastised myself for picking so many YA fantasy covers. Then, face-palm... hello. There's a reason I'm the "fantasy correspondent." So, never mind everything else. Here are my fantasy favorites for 2011.
I've been eyeing this one up for a while... wondering if I could work it into a post. The contrast between the translucent and solid body on this caught my attention, along with the shading of the sky and the water. Beautiful!
 Published June 7th 2011 by HarperCollins This one is simple yet eye catching. I love the way the light seems to shine through the egg.
 Published April 26th 2011 by Balzer + Bray I would love a dozen of these roses. (Could someone please let my husband know?) The bright colors on the deep black background draws me in.  Published March 8th 2011 by Simon Pulse  Published June 2nd 2011 by Orchard
No, not just because my favorite color is purple. On first glance, I thought this face was underwater. Then I focused on grass--or hair--or vines. I can't decide what is twisting its way across this cover, but I like the effect.
For some reason, I love eyes on book covers. Are we supposed to see one on this middle grade cover? The elements come together to give the impression of an eye...
Can you believe we are nearing the end of 2011? Reflecting back on the year in book covers was fun but challenging to pick just a few favorites.
For "cute" my favorite is Little Owl's Night. How can any one resist those big eyes?
Published by Penguin Group USA, Inc.
I can't help but feel like I am floating up in the air whenever I see this cover. And the e.e. cummings style title is appealing too. Published by Wendy Lamb Books, 2011
The next two YA are favorites because they are not typical. Great kaleidoscope effect.
Poppy 2011
Does this one remind anyone of a YA version of the Giving Tree? by Nely Cab, Published by Author House, 2011
My top pick for 2011? That's easy: Jacket design by Christine Kettner; Sunset image copyright Corbis Published by Sandpiper, 2011
Send in your favorites! Don't worry, you don't have to pick just one. We'll post them all!
As the year winds down, the three of us will be posting our favorite children's and young adult book covers published in 2011. Woo. But we want to know yours. Double woo! Your mission: Post the titles/authors/illustrators of your favorites of 2011 (how about the top five?) in the comments here and we'll compile them into a gorgeous, celebratory post in January. Can't wait to see what you've seen!
 | I'm Big! by Kate and Jim McMullan
(Balzer and Bray, 2010) |
And how was your weekend? If you live in the U.S., it portly probably meant at least one great BIG meal, I bet. Perhaps this is an appropriate time to ponder the LARGE on our blob blog. Kids love all things ENORMOUS, so naturally we're seeing lots of plus-size animals on picture book covers. OK, so technically, Lane Smith's elephant is not a representation of an animal. It is a shrub, I know. But still.  | Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
(Roaring Brook, 2011) |
 | Cousins of Clouds: Elephant Poems
by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
Illus. Magan Halsey and Sean Addy
(Clarion, 2011) |
Have you seen the little piggies?  | Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
(HarperCollins, 2011) |
 | Oink by Arthur Geisert and
many other pig-themed books
(a personal favorite~C.B.)
(Walter Lorraine Books, 1991) |
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“Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
The year winds down... and so do these covers. Before we pause to reflect on the year, let us pause and reflect on time, as seen in (and on) book covers. (HarperTeen: First Edition hardcover edition, March 2004)Look closely...
(CreateSpace: August 2010)
(St. Martin's Griffin: First Edition hardcover edition, May 2010)
(Ronsdale Press: First edition, September 1999) (MacmillanTorkids, November 1997) (Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 1st edition, March 2006) "Time ripens the substance of a life as the seasons mellow and perfect its fruits. The best apples fall latest and keep longest."
By: Deirdre,
on 11/14/2011
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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November is a dark month, especially since daylight savings time made dusk arrive before dinner time. Thus the inspiration for this post. These covers stand out without the use of colour. Not an easy feat.
The first three centre around the theme of photography and use the black and white contrasts effectively.
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children uses vintage photographs throughout to capture the imagination. by Ransom Riggs (Quirk Books, 2011) Click is one of my favorites. A strong black frame draws us into the lenses. Ten Authors contributed to this novel. designed by Phil Falco (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007)
by Kimberly Marcus (Random House for Young Readers, 2011) by Sheila Kelly Welch (Namelos, 2011) And a touch of colour in the last cover. What does it suggest to you? Is there hope that the dark days will soon be over? Have you been drawn to any other book covers that don't rely on colour to attract? Let us know and we'll post some more.
By: Carol B.,
on 11/7/2011
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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Thanks to everyone who commented on Patti's giveaway post, "Clever Covers." We randomly drew the winner from the comments, and that winner is --
Bigfoot!
Bigfoot's copy of My Name Is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson will go in the mail, forthwith. Congratulations, Mr. Foot!
More giveaways are in the works. Stay tuned, Knackers.
 | Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature
by Joyce Sidman,
Illustrated by Beth Krommes
(Houghton Mifflin, 2011) |
If an illustrator would cut wood . . It's been a while since we've featured a single illustrator's work on Jacket Knack, and it's time we did. High time. I've chosen the work of Beth Krommes, winner of the 2009 Caldecott Award for the House in the Night (far below). More recently, she has illustrated a book of poetry for children, Swirl by Swirl, by well known poet Joyce Sidman. I have a fondness for books with small, slimy critters on their covers so this one drew my eye right away. But there's more, such a tidy composition of swirls going on here--it's alive with motion.Ms. Krommes works in different media depending, I suppose, on the desired effect. The woodcuts and casein paintings on her website are a delight for the eyes--and I have to say, her woodcut illustrations are better at modeling--creating the full, rounded shapes that give a subject three-dimensional form--than many other artists' woodcuts. Here's just one example of her skill. (This and other prints are available for sale on her site--just saying.):
 | "Baby in a Car Seat"
A woodcut by Beth Krommes
see her websitefor more information |
Pattern and form. She's a good woodcutter. Most of Krommes' children's books, however, are illustrated in a slightly different technique called scratchboard. More about scratchboard here. Here's one example. Again, pattern and form, pattern and form and a nice tight composition:
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 | Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich
by Adam Rex
(Harcourt, 2006) |
Greetings, eye candy lovers! We have chosen the obvious for today's post: All Hallow's Eve covers. These are all Halloween books in verse (or of verse), yet they differ vastly from one another in style and subject matter. No copycats here--that's as plain as the wart on a witch's nose. This witch apparently does not know that black robes are expected, and that they are also slimming:  | By the Light of the Halloween Moon
by Caroline Stutso
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
(reprinted by Marshall Cavendish, 2009) |
Halloween Night positively glows:  | Halloween Night
by Marjorie Dennis Murray
Illus. Brandon Dorman
(Greenwillow, 2010) |
More clever covers--monsters, ghosts and witches!  | There Was an Old Monster
by the Emberleys
(Orchard, 2009) |
 | Three Little Ghosties
by Pippa Goodhart
Illus. by Annalaura Cantone
(Bloomsbury, 200
By: Carol B.,
on 10/24/2011
Blog: JACKET KNACK
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 | Johnny Appleseed
by Jane Yolen, illus. Jim Burke
(HarperCollins, 2008) |
No, this is not a post about chicken abuse. I just wanted to get your attention. "Slapped Hen Enjoy" is an anagram for Johnny Appleseed, the folk hero known for traveling the United States in the early years of this country, spreading apple seeds wherever he went. What many of us were taught about Mr. Seed is somewhat inaccurate, or so I've read. Hence the title, I suspect, of Jane Yolen's recent picture book biography, Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth. Gorgeous cover painting. Not surprisingly, there are scads of Johnny Appleseed books out there. (What is surprising is how many of their covers show J. A. striding against a backdrop of countryside.) Here is just a sampling of some of the better known versions, one from each of the past few decades: 1990s | by Patsy Jensen, illus. by Pat Hoggan
(Troll, 1994) |
1980s | Steven Kellogg's version
(Morrow, 1988) |
1970s |
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(Or, “See the Signs—Part Two.”)
A few weeks ago, at back-to-school night, I browsed the Scholastic book fair and this cover caught my eye:
(Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated: January 2011)
I love that the words are part of the artistic design. Then last week, I was excited to see that Deirdre had also found some similar covers, using signs for her post, See the Signs. I thought I would continue with this subject, but it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.
I started hunting for similar covers that incorporated the title into the art. I found a few at the book fair, and none at the library. Even my online bookstore search didn’t produce many results. I was surprised to find this device is not used as much as I thought it would be.
Here’s what I found:
Troy High (Abrams, Harry N., Inc.: August 2010)
Ruined (Scholastic, Inc.: August 2010)
And coming soon, 
My Name Is Not Easy (Cavendish, Marshall Corporation: October 2011)
So here’s a JACKET KNACK challenge: How many other clever covers can you find?
What qualifies: any covers that mix the words of the title into the art, as an artistic element. (Covers that wer
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Nooooooooooooooooooooo!
I'm being melodramatic, but I love this blog. But I totally understand Life and Stuff, as I'm sure the rest of your readers do, too. I wish the three of you the best, and you will all be missed!!!
Thanks for your support, Covergirl! We appreciate your support and contributions to our blog through the years. Cheers!
Well, shoot! I was just about to send Carol yet another link about YA covers. Well, I'll just do it some other way. Thanks for the effort you put into this over the last few years. It was fun to be part of it when I had the time, too.
Here's that link, if anybody reading this wants to take a look:
http://www.stackedbooks.org/2012/04/cover-trends-female-body.html
Dierdre, Patti and Carol, I completely understand about time and life and Stuff, but oh, I will miss your lovely blog. If you ever feel like yakking about book jackets or other bookish matters over at Writing With a Broken Tusk, please know that you'll always be welcome.