Wind in the Willows illustrated book covers

I have started to look at existing book covers for Wind in the Willows to see what is already out there. I need to update my design and make it appeal to young children and their parents. This design is quite old and the illustrations are very traditional. The illustrator seems to have drawn them in a traditional way but they also have quite a modern look about them. I really like the typeface they have used as it has been kept simple in contrast with the illustrations.



This is completely different from the one above, im not sure if the top yellow section where the type is works very well with the illustrations. The only good point about it that I have noticed is that all of the characters are looking up at it which makes you read it, but then this may detract from the characters themselves. It depends what would be considered more important when it is sitting on a book shelf.



This has a very traditional feel about it, they have used water colours and it is very 'arty'. I think its all a bit too fussy for a childrens book and I am wanting to design something that is practically the opposite to this. Even the type doesnt work too well, the way the two smaller words are placed just doesnt look right.



This design is lovely and one of my favourites from the ones I have found. The illustrations are simple and very cute. I think the way they have laid it out works really well with the type being placed in the space of the water. Everything is centered and the typeface fits well with the style of illustration.



This one is a lot more modern than some of the previous. The images look very soft and again have been kept simple. I think this type of design approach is a lot more child friendly and would appeal more to the younger child. The only thing that I dont really like or think works is the type face, its a bit too fussy for my liking and I am not 100% sure it suites the rest of the design.



Again a very traditional design approach that I dont particularly like, but its good to look at the old and new to give me some perspective. I guess these designs arent that bad as there are so many like it and they sell.



This is another one that I really like, its good to see the back and the front of the cover to give an idea of how the whole spread will work. The design for this is very modern, I particularly like how magical it feels and it will be very attractive to children.



I really dont like this design, the illustration and the typeface just dont do it for me.



I like the green typeface on this one but the typeface for the author is too fussy and doesnt fit with the rest of the design.



I like the illustration on this design but the typeface looks a bit tacky. I think its supposed to look like wood but it hasnt really come out that well.