This post enlists the best children’s book cover designs with illustrations that we don’t easily forget even though we may have read them 2 decades ago (or more), during our childhood. What makes them so iconic? What makes these children’s book illustrations so technically proficient? And what can budding children’s book illustrators learn from these classic book illustrations?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle
These illustrations are made by actually cutting up pieces of colourful paper to make collage work with a combination of drawn-in details. Truly eye-catching with the use of colour theory in a complementary palette. Not that children aged 3 – 5 would understand the technical proficiency and yet the caterpillar in all its red and green is a character that no child can easily forget way into their adulthood.
Harry Potter Series
Written by J.K. Rowling and Illustrated by Jim Kay
A story so full of whimsy and magic would need equally whimsical illustrations. Jim Kay has done an absolutely fantastic job by translating Rowling’s imagination into illustrations full of immense details in colour palettes and character sketches that deliver the anachronistic and Victorian style. For children’s book illustrators who are tasked with illustrating a fictional universe, Jim Kay’s Harry Potter would be a great source of inspiration.
Where the Wild Things Are
Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
The illustrations of the 1963 release have strong shading, deep colours and imaginative characters in landscapes that fill every single inch of the page. Rightly so, filling the whole page makes the viewer feel like they have been taken into a fantasy world just like the character in the book. The full-page illustrations make this imaginative world seem almost real somehow which is probably the goal of the illustrator.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Written and Illustrated by Beatrix Potter
Sheer watercolour masterpieces! These illustrations are drawn on paper and published in print with older techniques that were available at the time. However, the illustrations do not in any way lose their charm just because they are not a high-quality digital transfer for the earlier editions. A sweet and charming tale that is reflected in the use of soft colours that are still bright and happy. Feel-good illustrations for a feel-good tale.
Cat in the Hat
Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss
One of the most iconic hats in history is indeed worn by a cat! Abraham Lincoln comes a close second. Monochromatic illustrations with a pop of just one or two colours are perfect for children to register and understand colours and how they are used in elements that are meant to catch the eye. The hatching technique looks carefree and loose which further establishes the silly nature of the story. A great example for children’s book illustrators to learn from when it comes to capturing the essence of the story in this style of illustration.
If you have any suggestions for top children’s book cover designs, let us know in the comments.
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