Yes, We Judge Books by Their Covers

Yes, we judge books by their covers — and that’s exactly what I teach twice a year when I co-teach with the St. Louis Publishers Association at the local community college (adult education). The class is designed for new and aspiring authors who are curious about writing a book, and my topic is always book design. After all, a great cover is often the first invitation to read what’s inside.

My Favorite Book Covers

One of my favorite slides to share features three standout covers that never fail to spark discussion.

Crooked Kingdom

I love this cover! It’s a perfect balance of positive and negative space. A black crow stretches across the design, its head pointing upward, wings spread wide. Beneath its tail feathers appear a crown and tall castles. Elegant typography completes the look — it’s pure eye candy. (Jacket art by Thomas Walker and John Bartlett. Jacket design by Rich Deas and Thomas Walker)

Furiously Happy

This cover made me stop in my tracks. A smiling raccoon with outstretched arms, surrounded by gold foil confetti — who could resist? The hardcover edition even adds playful raccoon illustrations on the endsheets. I grabbed it from the library the moment I saw it. (Jacket design by Philip Pascuzzo; photo by Maile Wilson; confetti © Silviya Skachkova/Shutterstock.)

Peter and the Wolf

Illustrated by Phoebe Morris, this piece turned out to be a film poster, not a book cover — but it easily could be. The wolf curls around to create a silhouette of Peter, a brilliant use of positive and negative space. The typography feels too subtle, but the concept is visually stunning.

Because Peter and the Wolf isn’t technically a book cover, I’ll add another favorite:

Made to Stick

Simple, direct, and memorable. A bold orange background with a strip of silver duct tape across the title. The word “to” is printed on top of the tape, while the other words peek from behind it. My hardbound edition even adds a clear gloss foil over the tape, giving it a tactile texture. Clever, clean, and unforgettable.  (Jacket design by Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich)

Looking for Inspiration

I keep a Pinterest board called Book Cover Ideas, where I save designs that catch my eye. A few more favorites:

• Swing Time by Zadie Smith — striking typography and bold, bright colors.
• Anything by Jessica Hische — she’s an amazing designer, illustrator, and typographer. Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave is a perfect example.
• The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams — the bird’s tail feathers transform into the pages of an open book.

Closing Thought

Great covers don’t just wrap a book — they invite readers in. Whether it’s clever typography, bold color choices, or imaginative illustrations, the best designs create curiosity before a single page is turned.

Which covers have inspired you? I’d love to hear your favorites!