See the Signs

If you were designing a book cover, how would you incorporate the title? Using a sign is one technique to join the two together.

The first two covers give the reader the sense that the character is sending them a message. Holding a sign like a person out of work or hitchhiker coveys the feeling of desperation.

EgmontUSA, 2011

BloomsburyUSA Childrens, 2008

Road signs pop up now and then on children's book covers. The author's name in sky writing is a nice addition.

Jack Gantos (Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, 2011)

Even hungry giants have something to say in writing.

by Caitlin Friedman, illustrated by Shaw Nielson

(Workman Publishing, 2011)

Okay, this cat isn't holding the sign, but it's still pretty cute.

Jacket Art Karen Massier and Enrique De la Osa,

Cover design Elizabeth B. Parisi

Published by The Chicken House

Have fun reading the signs.

p.s. Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends.