You know that feeling when you hold your finished story for the first time? The one you’ve poured your heart into, crafting every rhyme, character, and twist until it feels just right. It’s a moment of pride, but also one of uncertainty. How do you make sure your children’s book catches a reader’s eye before they even turn the first page?
Every author faces that same question. The words may be full of magic, but it’s the cover that makes the first impression. The wrong colours, fonts, or illustrations can hide a beautiful story from view. Maybe the design feels too crowded, or the tone doesn’t quite fit the age group. In a world full of bright, imaginative stories, the challenge isn’t just writing one; it’s making it look like one too.
The good news is you don’t need to be a design expert to create something special. With a bit of guidance and a clear sense of your story’s heart, you can craft a cover that truly connects. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great children’s book cover, common pitfalls to avoid, and inspiring examples that show how design can bring imagination to life.
For children, a book’s cover is the first spark of curiosity. Before they can read the title or know the story, it’s the colours, characters, and emotions on the cover that pull them in. A well-crafted design doesn’t just decorate a story; it invites young readers into it.
A memorable cover helps children connect emotionally, whether through playful illustrations, expressive faces, or a sense of adventure. In bookshops and classrooms, childrens book covers images with warmth or humour often stand out, encouraging little hands to reach for them.
Simply put, a captivating cover can turn a book into a beloved favourite before the first page is even turned.
A beautifully designed book cover can transport children into a story before they even turn the first page. From timeless classics to bright, modern favourites, these children’s book covers capture emotion, imagination, and the pure joy of reading. Let’s take a closer look at 20 exceptional examples that continue to delight young readers and adults alike.
These covers have a charm that never fades. Their illustrations, colours, and typography instantly remind readers of simpler, more magical times that feel as comforting today as they did decades ago.
With its warm woodland tones and expressive characters, this children's book front cover perfectly captures the charm of storytelling. The forest scene feels alive with detail, from the textured bark and leafy greens to the small, curious mouse.
The Gruffalo’s friendly yet slightly fearsome face strikes the ideal balance between humour and a touch of tension, sparking curiosity about the story ahead. Every visual element feels intentional, inviting children to explore a world that is both magical and mischievous in equal measure.
Bright, textured collage art gives this children's book cover design an instantly recognisable charm. The colourful caterpillar, set against a clean white background, stands out with a handmade, tactile quality that appeals across generations. Its simplicity is its strength, with no distractions, just bold shapes and cheerful energy that pull the reader in.
The balance of colour and white space gives it timeless appeal, while the playful brushstrokes remind us of the joy found in curiosity and transformation, perfectly reflecting the story within.
This classic children's book cover blends soft watercolours with elegant serif typography, creating a sense of timeless grace. The gentle hues and delicate illustration of Peter capture innocence and adventure in perfect harmony.
Every brushstroke adds warmth, echoing the rural calm of the English countryside where the tale unfolds. Its simplicity is both its beauty and its power, proving that subtlety can hold more magic than excess. The design feels both familiar and refined, a comforting nod to generations of storytelling tradition.
This iconic children's book cover design sets the tone for adventure and imagination with its earthy palette and intricate detail. The image of Max resting among the Wild Things captures the quiet after chaos, a moment of reflection and curiosity. The slightly muted tones evoke nostalgia and depth, balancing wildness with calm.
It beautifully mirrors childhood emotions such as curiosity, rebellion, and wonder. The composition draws you in slowly, hinting that there is more beyond the page, making it one of the most emotionally resonant covers in children’s literature.
Rich greens and warm oranges fill this famous childrens book cover design with comfort and familiarity. The cosy room scene glows softly under the moonlight, creating a peaceful bedtime atmosphere. Every tiny detail, from the little bunny to the flicker of the fire, adds to its charm.
The composition is simple yet endlessly inviting, with a nostalgic quality that feels like a warm embrace. It perfectly captures the soothing rhythm of bedtime, wrapping readers in calm before they drift into dreams.
This popular childrens book cover design bursts with colour and movement, instantly catching the eye of both children and adults. The playful fish characters dance across the page in bright, contrasting shades that perfectly reflect Dr Seuss’s whimsical storytelling. The bold typography adds rhythm and fun, echoing the sing-song verses inside.
Every element feels light-hearted and joyful, reminding readers that imagination has no limits. It is a design that celebrates creativity, laughter, and the freedom to see the world a little differently.
These covers use bold colour palettes, quirky illustrations, and humour to spark excitement and curiosity in today’s readers. They’re lively, joyful, and full of personality, just like the stories they introduce.
This children's book front cover captures emotion through a simple yet powerful image of a shy dog peeking from behind his owner. The expressive eyes and soft, textured details instantly connect with readers, conveying Charlie’s longing to belong. Gentle countryside colours bring warmth, while clean typography keeps the focus on the heartfelt illustration.
The balance between innocence and hope is beautifully handled, showing how visual simplicity can express deep emotion. It is a tender and relatable design that mirrors the story’s gentle message of friendship and acceptance.
This children’s book front cover shines with cheerful energy and bold character design. The confident frog, dressed in his bow tie and bright shoes, instantly radiates joy and playfulness. The sunny beach backdrop adds a sense of movement and adventure, while the lively colour palette of yellows, blues, and greens draws the eye.
Each detail feels full of life, perfectly reflecting the story’s upbeat tone. It is a design that captures the joy of dancing, the fun of friendship, and the spirit of self-expression.
This childrens book cover is a wonderful example of how minimalism can feel full of warmth and personality. The bright yellow background and cheerful cookie character immediately communicate optimism and positivity. The simple composition gives space for the expression and typography to shine, creating balance and clarity.
It feels clean, modern, and approachable, reflecting a message of kindness and self-belief. The design proves that sometimes the simplest covers can make the biggest emotional impact, reminding readers that confidence begins from within.
Soft pastel tones and an irresistibly cute dinosaur make this cover an instant favourite among young readers. Tiny T. Rex’s determined expression adds emotion and humour, perfectly capturing the story’s uplifting spirit. The gentle background hues of pink, teal, and cream give it a soothing yet playful quality.
Its simplicity allows the character’s personality to shine through, making it feel both intimate and inviting. This is a design that radiates warmth, showing how perseverance and love can feel larger than life, even in small packages.
This children's book front cover bursts with vibrant blues and greens that mirror the lively setting of the story. The cheerful crocodile, with his wide grin and bright eyes, feels both friendly and full of character. The surrounding water and playful ripples give a sense of movement, instantly drawing readers into Nippy’s adventure.
The typography is clear and inviting, complementing the joyful illustration. The cover’s warmth and energy capture the curiosity of childhood perfectly, making it an endearing and memorable design.
These covers blend emotion and artistry, drawing children into gentle, imaginative worlds with every brushstroke. They’re the kind you linger over, enjoying the artwork as much as the words.
This children’s book front cover blends emotional depth with stunning artistry. The intricate linework and soft coral and green tones create a rich visual landscape that speaks of heritage, belonging, and self-discovery. The layered design, with a city skyline merging into rolling hills, reflects the book’s message about home and identity.
Every detail feels intentional and reflective. It is a thoughtful, beautifully balanced piece that resonates with both children and adults, showing how illustration can bridge personal emotion and universal themes.
Muted blues and delicate textures make this children's book front and back cover unforgettable in its simplicity. The small boy and his penguin companion instantly evoke feelings of friendship, curiosity, and gentle adventure. The vast, open sea creates both a sense of wonder and quiet loneliness, allowing readers to feel the story before reading it.
The understated typography and clean layout enhance its emotional depth. It is a design that proves how restraint and emotion can create something timeless and deeply moving.
The red backpack against the cool blue background makes this cover instantly iconic. The contrast draws the eye while the faceless character invites readers to see themselves in the story. The simple design and thoughtful colour palette reflect both innocence and resilience.
The clean typography adds modernity without losing warmth. It captures the emotional heart of the story with subtlety and strength, symbolising empathy, courage, and understanding. This is a cover that speaks volumes before a single page is turned.
This children's book front cover radiates tenderness through its soft watercolour textures and gentle pastel tones. Luna’s kind expression and the dreamy sky behind her create a feeling of hope and comfort. The composition is simple but powerful, drawing the viewer straight to her eyes and the quiet strength they convey.
The design perfectly mirrors the story’s themes of compassion, rescue, and belonging. It is a delicate yet emotionally rich cover that reminds readers how small acts of kindness can light the darkest moments.
These covers celebrate inclusivity, courage, and creativity. They’re visually bold, emotionally expressive, and designed to reflect the world as children see it today.
This childrens book cover design radiates warmth, confidence, and joy. The tender illustration of a father and daughter celebrating natural hair tells a powerful story of love and identity before a word is even read.
The rich purples and golds add depth and vibrancy, while the characters’ expressive faces capture the closeness of their bond. The artwork feels uplifting and proud, inspiring children to embrace who they are. It is both a visual celebration and an empowering reflection of modern family life.
This children's book front cover uses muted browns and sandy tones to tell a story of strength and perseverance. The lone figure walking beneath the vast sky evokes solitude and hope, mirroring the emotional depth of the story inside. Its minimalist composition leaves room for reflection, inviting readers to pause and feel.
The simplicity of the design captures the magnitude of the journey, showing that quiet visuals can convey powerful messages. It is a moving, contemplative cover that speaks of endurance and courage.
This popular childrens book cover explodes with energy and drama, setting the stage for an epic adventure. The stormy sea, swirling clouds, and towering city skyline create a sense of danger and excitement. The young hero, standing tall with a lightning bolt, captures the courage and determination that drive the story.
The dynamic perspective and bold colours pull the viewer straight into the action. It is a design that perfectly combines fantasy and realism, promising readers a thrilling journey into another world.
This book cover design bursts with personality, blending humour and education through bright, cheerful illustrations. The expressive characters and colourful setting make learning feel fun and approachable. The clear layout keeps the focus on Rose and her curious expression, giving the cover instant appeal.
Every detail feels alive and engaging, perfectly suited for young readers. It is a cover that teaches while entertaining, showing that storytelling and playfulness can work hand in hand to make learning truly enjoyable.
This children's book front cover uses soft pastel tones and gentle illustrations to create an atmosphere of calm and confidence. The smiling girl at its centre radiates positivity, surrounded by sparkles that suggest growth and self-discovery.
The composition is uncluttered, giving space for emotion to shine through. Its soothing colour palette mirrors the story’s themes of self-acceptance and healing. It is a graceful, empowering design that feels both tender and hopeful, encouraging children to see beauty in their uniqueness.
Loved these examples? Discover even more creative inspiration in our blog on 10 eye-catching book cover ideas.
A great children’s book cover doesn’t just look good; it feels good. It stirs curiosity, joy, and wonder before a single word is read. Every colour, shape, and line plays a part in creating that spark of connection, inviting young readers to dream, explore, and imagine what might happen next.
Colour is often the heartbeat of a children’s cover. Bright, playful hues bring excitement and energy, while soft tones create calm and comfort. Think of the bold greens and oranges in The Gruffalo that burst with woodland life, or the soothing blues in Lost and Found that whisper of friendship and discovery. The right palette doesn’t just decorate a story; it captures its emotion.
Words on a children’s book cover do more than name the story; they join in the fun. Rounded, bouncy letters feel welcoming, while handwritten styles add a touch of personality and warmth. The best typography feels alive, as if it could jump right off the page and start talking to you.
Illustration is where the magic truly begins. From soft watercolours that feel like dreams to bold digital art that pops with personality, illustration sets the emotional tone. A smiling character, a swirl of clouds, or a mischievous wink can tell more of the story than words ever could.
A good layout guides the eye and heart at once. The placement of the title, the space around the character, even a trail of stars can lead the reader into the story world. The best covers use simplicity to create focus, where every detail has a reason to be there.
The most memorable childrens book covers don’t just show a story; they share it. They spark curiosity, invite laughter, and wrap readers in wonder. When a child feels something before they even turn the first page, that’s when you know you’ve created a truly great book cover.
Want your cover to print flawlessly? Read our Ultimate Guide to Book Cover Size for the right dimensions.
Designing a children’s book cover can feel like a joyful mix of art and storytelling. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, a few small choices can make your design feel off balance. Understanding what to look out for helps you create something that feels just right for your readers and your story.
It’s easy to get drawn to decorative fonts, especially when you want your cover to look unique. But if the title is hard to read, it loses its magic. For the best font for your book, choose clear, friendly typography that fits your story’s tone and helps young children recognise your title easily.
When you love your story, you want every detail on the cover to shine. But sometimes, less really is more. A single character, a strong image, or a simple background can say more than a crowded design ever could. Clarity lets your message breathe and your story’s heart shine through.
Children connect to colours, shapes, and styles differently as they grow. What delights a toddler might not resonate with a ten-year-old. Think about your target age group and design for their world, whether that means soft watercolours for a bedtime story or bold, playful energy for an adventure tale.
Your cover should feel like a reflection of what’s inside. If the imagery or colours don’t match your story’s tone, readers can feel confused before they even open the book. Let your cover echo your story’s heart, its emotions, lessons, and magic, so the first glance feels like a promise of what’s to come.
Ready to design your own cover? Follow our step-by-step guide to making a book cover for self publishing.
At Ex Why Zed, we know how much heart goes into creating a children’s book. From the first sketch to the final printed copy, every detail matters, especially the cover. That’s why we’re here to help you turn your vision into something young readers will love to pick up again and again.
Whether you already have your artwork ready or need guidance setting up your files, we make printing simple and stress-free. You can use our free book cover templates, choose from premium finishes, and even print short runs to see your story come to life exactly as you imagined.
If you’re ready to create a children’s book that looks as magical as it reads, get an instant quote today and start bringing your story to life with Ex Why Zed.
A captivating cover is the doorway into your story. Every detail, from colour to layout, helps young readers connect before they even begin to read.
If you are creating a children’s book, start by deciding what emotion you want your cover to spark. Collaborate with an illustrator who understands your story and can bring its spirit to life. Explore childrens book covers images for inspiration and note what captures your attention.
Before finalising your design, share it with parents, teachers, or children to see what resonates. A thoughtful, well-designed cover not only attracts attention but also builds excitement for the story waiting inside.
Artificial intelligence has opened an exciting new doorway for self-publishing authors, illustrators and creative storytellers who have a children’s book idea bubbling away but feel unsure how to bring the visuals to life. Our guide on how to use AI to illustrate a children’s book explored how image-generation tools can help creators move from a loose concept to fully developed scenes, characters and page ideas far faster than traditional routes alone. The real strength of AI was not simply speed, but creative exploration: testing multiple illustration styles, refining the mood of a story, developing consistent characters and shaping a visual language before committing to final artwork. For authors who may have previously felt held back by illustration costs, long lead times or uncertainty about art direction, this approach offered a practical starting point. Crucially, the article also made clear that strong results still depended on human judgment: structured prompts, careful selection, image refinement and a clear understanding of how those illustrations would eventually live on the printed page.
That is where the journey naturally progressed into our companion article on how to use ChatGPT to print a children’s book. This piece widened the lens beyond image creation and showed how AI could support the full early-stage workflow, from generating a story idea and shaping characters to dividing a manuscript into spreads, planning the page rhythm and preparing artwork with print in mind. The key message was reassuringly grounded: ChatGPT could speed up brainstorming and drafting, but it could not replace the craft needed to make a children’s book feel polished, age-appropriate and professionally produced. A successful book still needed pacing, page turns, readable typography, clean layouts, suitable dimensions, and illustrations designed with breathing room for text rather than squeezed in afterwards. For creators using AI-generated images, this distinction matters. A collection of attractive pictures is not yet a book. It becomes a book when the story, artwork and physical format start pulling in the same direction.
For anyone planning to print a children’s book from AI-created images, these two articles together offered a highly actionable roadmap. They unpacked the design nuances that affect final quality: maintaining character consistency across scenes, working with a coherent colour palette, generating several options for each illustration rather than settling for the first result, and ensuring images are refined to a suitable standard for professional print. They also covered the practical production factors that shape both budget and outcome, including page count, trim size, full-colour printing, paper quality, binding choice and the difference between a lean test version and a more premium finished edition. The ChatGPT printing guide explained that print-ready files need proper structure, CMYK colour preparation, 300 dpi imagery, bleed, embedded fonts and thoughtful layout choices, while the AI illustration article showed why planning those details early leads to better artwork decisions later. Together, they helped demystify a process that can otherwise feel like a tangle of tabs, tools and technical jargon.
At Ex Why Zed, we saw this emerging workflow as a lively fusion of imagination and practical print craft. AI could help authors crack open the creative shell, but our role was to help turn that digital momentum into a children’s book that looked assured in the hand. These guides highlighted the value of professional support at the final stretch: pre-print file checks to spot layout or bleed issues, paper and binding choices suited to illustrated work, flexible print runs from one-off proof copies to larger quantities, consistent colour reproduction, and fast turnaround when creators were ready to move. For older first-time authors, family storytellers, retired creatives or illustrators experimenting with new tools, that support could make the difference between “I made some images” and “I made a book.” The result was a clearer, calmer route to publication: use AI thoughtfully, refine with care, prepare files properly, then print with confidence.
Expert takes:
A standout cover connects instantly with its target audience through vivid colours, engaging visual elements, and thoughtful design elements. The style of the cover should reflect the story’s tone, helping potential readers feel curious before they even open the book.
You can find skilled book cover designers and illustrators who specialise in children’s publishing. Many UK services, like Ex Why Zed, provide printing, templates, and file setup for printable childrens book covers, ensuring professional-quality results for authors and publishers.
Hiring a professional or graphic designer is often the best choice, as they understand cover illustration, typography, and layout. However, designing your own can work for a first book if you study what makes a good book cover appealing to younger readers.
A successful cover highlights the main character, uses clear imagery, and balances colour, text, and composition. Great book cover design plays a pivotal role in storytelling, helping communicate emotion and theme to both early readers and older kids.
Costs vary depending on experience, style, and detail. Simple, funny childrens book covers may start from around £150, while a great book cover with bespoke illustration and finishing can reach several hundred pounds for professional-quality design work.
Look for illustrators whose work suits your target age group and the book’s content. Review portfolios focusing on book cover art or childrens books covers to ensure their cover image style aligns with your story’s theme, tone, and central character.
Let us begin with guiding you through the children's book printing sizes, layout and paper choices you can choose for your project. We try not to restrict you in any way apart from what the physical impossibilities are. Our ethos at Ex Why Zed is “The answer is Yes, now what is the question?”.
So impressive! Everything worked brilliantly with Ex Why Zed. From now on they will always be my chosen printer. I can’t see how anyone could improve on them!
Waldemar Januszczak. Self-Publisher, Art Critic and TV Producer.
Portrait Stapled Booklet
(also known as wire stitched and saddle stitched)
• Choose any size from A6 (148x105mm) up to a massive A3 (420x297mm).
• Pricing Hack>>> There is a price break at A4 (297x210mm). Any size larger than A4 is in the next bracket up and has to be printed on our B2 press. So if you are going for a small print run, say under 100 copies, then A3 can be expensive per copy.
Portrait Perfect Bound
• Choose any size from A6 to A4.
• You need an absolute minimum or 32 pages to make the spine thick enough to glue.
Portrait Hardcover (Case Bound, Hardback)
• Choose any size from A6 to A4.
• You need an absolute minimum of 28 pages inside pages, plus the front cover, back cover and you also have the option of printing the 3 'end paper' sides at the front and back of the book too.
Check out our quick video on the process of making a hardback book to learn where the endpapers are positioned.
Square Staple Bound (wire stitched)
• Choose any size from 148x148mm up to 297x297mm.
• Pricing Hack>>> There is a price break at 210x210mm and any square larger than 210mm is in the next price bracket up.
Square Perfect Bound
• Choose any size from 148x148mm up to 297x297mm.
• Again, there is a price break at 210x210mm.
Square Hardcover (Case Bound, Hardback)
• Choose any size from 148x148mm to 294x294mm and once again, there is a price break at 210x210mm.
Landscape Staple Bound (wire stitched)
• Choose any size from A5 (148mm high x 210mm wide) up to A4 (210mm high x 297mm wide)
• Pricing Hack. There is a price break at A5 (297x210mm) so if you are printing a smaller number of copies (under 100) then A4 Landscape can be expensive per copy.
Landscape Perfect Bound
• Choose any size from A5 to A4.
Landscape Hardcover (Case Bound, Hardback)
• Choose any size from A5 to A4.
Start a conversation on hello@exwhyzed.com or 01206 766647
Lets get you some help to move your project forward. (Or do continue reading this page for stacks more information)
Portrait children's books are an excellent choice for combining vibrant illustrations, educational content, and storytelling. The versatility of portrait formats allows for both standard and custom sizing, offering flexibility to meet different design goals. A5-sized books (210×148mm) remain a popular option due to their compact nature and cost-effective printing. This size strikes a perfect balance between portability and readability, making it ideal for young readers.
However, custom-sized portrait books open up new possibilities for creative expression. For instance, "What Football Job Can You Do?" by Emma Juhasz, printed in a handy 198x129mm format, demonstrates how a smaller, pocket-sized book can be engaging and interactive, perfect for children to carry around. "Tales of Great Cities London" uses a slightly shorter height (180mm) to create a compact yet informative book, utilising infographic-style designs to present historical facts in an accessible way.
Larger custom portrait sizes, like "Vlad and the Great Fire of London" (280x216mm), provide a more expansive canvas for detailed illustrations and in-depth storytelling. This larger format allows for immersive visual experiences, which is particularly effective for books that blend history with narrative, making events like the Great Fire of London more engaging for young readers. Similarly, "Hurricane Brain" (270x210mm) takes advantage of a slightly smaller, but still substantial, portrait format, offering enough space for intricate artwork while remaining easy to handle. These varied custom sizes allow designers and authors to tailor their books precisely to the content, providing a unique reading experience that stands out from standard formats.
The A5 dimensions are 210×148mm. The page size is plenty large enough for your content to be legible and this is a cost-effective and standard size for precision print.
Alternatively, you could make the publication more unique by shaving a few of millimetres off the height to make it 180mm high and 148mm wide which they have done here on Tales of Great Cities London. This is a superb example of infographic printing enabling youngsters to learn and expand their knowledge through reading a larger book.
Emma Juhasz's What Football Job Can You Do? is an innovative book and more than a collection of facts. It's a fun, interactive journey filled with illustrations, games, and fascinating insights about football. It's an educational tool that keeps children engaged while nurturing their passion for the beautiful game. The custom children's book size of 198x129mm is a handy pocket book companion.
Ask your graphic designer to come up with a bespoke size and we can print all custom options so if you did want to go for something off-kilter that is fine.
Square children's books offer a visually appealing and balanced format, ideal for creating immersive and engaging experiences for young readers. The square shape provides a perfect canvas for designers to experiment with layouts, allowing illustrations and text to be evenly distributed across the page. This versatility makes square books suitable for both narrative-driven stories and educational content.
Larger square books, such as "Wim's Ice Odyssey" (216x216mm) and "Helping Earth" (210x210mm), showcase how this format can be used effectively to deliver vivid illustrations and educational themes. "Wim's Ice Odyssey" takes advantage of its larger size to present detailed, expansive artwork, which helps immerse readers in the story's adventures. Similarly, "Helping Earth" uses the square layout to integrate informative text with vibrant illustrations, making complex environmental topics accessible and engaging for children.
The smaller, compact square books like "Wednesday's Child" emphasise a more intimate storytelling approach, where the balanced design and concentrated visuals create a focused and cohesive reading experience. Designers should consider the overall balance of content on each page, adapting the space to enhance the storytelling or educational narrative. Square books offer a unique edge over other styles by combining visual appeal with functional design, ensuring that each page captivates and maintains the reader's attention.
The Little Bee books shown here are 148x153mm (so slightly off-square). You can see the series, each with a similar styling and the same size to breed familiarity and consistency throughout the set.
Pouch’s Magical Worry Cheeks, shown below, is 210x210mm. Gloss Lamination on the front cover and uncoated inside pages make for a nice contrast – the bright colours on the front cover and the more tactile feel of the interior.
Rodney Matthews book is a reprint of a publication first published in the late 70s
(You can still buy a copy on Amazon).
Rodney opted for an imposing 240x240mm square size in hardback. This gives you a huge double-page spread of 480x240mm. We can even print as large as 295x295mm on square hardback and soft back, perfect bound or wire stitched children’s book. These options create a super impressive finished piece.
Landscape children's books are an excellent choice for designs that benefit from a wider format, such as books with panoramic illustrations, educational layouts, or interactive storytelling. The A5 landscape size (210×148mm) is a compact yet spacious format, providing a great balance between portability and readability. An example of this is "Flo The Fish," which uses the A5 landscape format to bring a fun, vibrant underwater world to life, making the content engaging and easy for young readers to follow.
Custom landscape sizes allow for even greater creativity. "Not A Drop in the Ocean," with dimensions of 203x254mm, utilises the broader canvas to integrate illustrations and text seamlessly, making it perfect for educational stories that require more visual space. Larger formats, like the A4 (210x297mm) landscape hardback "Radio Jones," offer even more room for detailed artwork and in-depth storytelling, creating an immersive experience for readers.
Additionally, the flexibility to print between A5 and A4 or go for custom sizes like the US Letter (216x279mm) or Wild Tribe Heroes’ 210x272mm option, opens up a myriad of possibilities. Designers can experiment with layouts that are wide and visually rich, ensuring that each book stands out on the shelf. The landscape orientation's unique appeal lies in its ability to showcase artwork and diagrams that stretch across the pages, making it ideal for educational books, illustrated stories, and visually captivating narratives.
The A5 dimensions are 210×148mm. The page size is plenty large enough for your content to be legible and this is a cost-effective and standard size for precision print.
A reminder that you choose any custom size between A5 and A4. This flexibility opens up a myriad of possible options to tailor your book to a unique aesthetic that captures the buyer's attention and lends itself perfectly to the size of your text and illustrations. The Wild Tribe Heroes book here is 210x272mm.
Another option for a custom children's book size is 216x279mm which equates to the US Letter favourite of 8.5x11".
Diving further into the square book format, we take a look at Monster Tea Party and Troll's Amazing Day...Aren't the titles of kid's story books just the best! Both are 210x210mm but Monster is hardback and Troll's is soft back, perfect bound.
There is no right or wrong answer about which binding method and cover style to choose. It could be argued that you can charge a higher cover price for the hardback, but in turn, it is also more expensive to print.
On the softback, the book has a trim size of 210x210mm. On the the hardback, there is a 3mm overhang on each side of the cover, so the inside pages are 210mm but the actual book ends up being around 216x216mm making it slightly more imposing.
Here is a short video discussing the 3 possibilities of saddle stitched (stapled), perfect bound and case bound (hardback). The page count does affect which options are available.
There are three main binding methods to choose from when printing a children’s book: saddle stitched, perfect bound, and case bound. The best option for you will depend on the page count and the overall aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve.
Saddle stitched is the most cost-effective binding method and is a good option for books with a lower page count. A wire stitched book will lay completely flat, which is ideal for showcasing double-page spreads and illustrations. If you're considering an A3-sized booklet, keep in mind that there's a price increase at the A4 threshold due to the larger printing press required.
Perfect bound gives a more professional look than saddle stitched, and is the standard binding method for books with 40 pages or more. One thing to consider with perfect bound books is that you will lose 2-3mm in the spine gutter, which can slightly impact the visibility of double-page illustrations.
Case bound, also known as hardback, is the most expensive binding method, but it also produces the most durable and visually impressive book. Hardback books can command a higher cover price. You will need a minimum of 28 pages for a hardback book, plus the front and back covers, and optional endpapers. A hardback book will also be slightly larger than the specified trim size due to the cover overhang. For example, a 210 x 210mm book will actually be around 216 x 216 mm.
For a landscape book, you can go for any size from A5 up to and including A4. You can again, opt for a bespoke size such as 8 x 10 or 10 x 8, which are standard children’s book sizes. Taking a little bit off the height or width makes it more eye-catching for the reader and visually stimulating rather than the standard A size. A wire stitched kids book means the pages can be opened completely flat so you get the full benefit of the double-page spread for your spectacular illustrations and storytelling. On perfect bound storybooks, you do lose 2-3mm in the spine gutter so it is not possible to press the pages completely flat but this is the go-to and professional looking method of binding for 40 pages or more.
There is slightly more scope on a portrait stapled booklet. You can choose any book page size from A6 (148x105mm) right up to A3 booklet printing (420mm high x 297mm wide). However, there is a price point cut off when you reach A4. Anything larger than A4, up to and including A3 has to be printed onto our B2 press which has higher setup costs. In turn, though, your storybook will be a hugely impressive size and can be sold for a higher cover price...although parents might need big muscles to lift it at bedtime!
For portrait perfect bound kid's book, then our size options are all sizes from A6 to A4 portrait.
A6 makes nice neat postcard size, smaller books that fit in your pocket. Think Postcard Size - that is A6. This can be sold for a lower cover price so might make for an instinctive purchase for potential readers at art fairs, in gift shops or when visiting your online store.
If you have refined down the many options and chosen what would work for your next book. Jump on our Printed Project Builder, let us know the print spec and one of our friendly team will be back asap with a quote and an email packed full of information.
We understand if this is your first book printing project then all the options can be a little daunting. Would it help if we sent you out a paper sample pack so you can see and feel the different options?
Or maybe some video help would let you visually work out which options would best suit your artwork and project. Our 1-2 minute showcase snippet videos on YouTube are ideal for this. We list the print spec, flick through a previous book printing project and you will immediately be able to decide if that style will work for your book.
The image depicts a bright, cohesive series of children’s books that exude charm and playfulness. Launching a new range of children's books like this involves more than just storytelling; it's about creating a visual identity that young readers and parents can instantly recognise. The use of consistent design elements, such as a unified colour palette, similar typography, and a recurring style of illustration, ensures that each title feels like a part of a larger collection. This helps build brand loyalty, making it easier for children (and parents) to spot and collect every book in the series. The designs in this series, with characters like Joey, Roary, and Emy, are vibrant and friendly, inviting kids to join their adventures while parents appreciate the polished, high-quality print.
Here in ‘Oi Who Are You Calling Rubbish’ we have a full colour cover with matt lamination to give the books more longevity and black print on uncoated pages inside. Black line art which the children can spend time lovingly colouring in.
Paper does prefer to be laid flat and when you start folding paper in half to get the cover of your book, it will immediately start to crack. When it’s flat it is perfect, but when folded the fibres of the paper crack and this produces a white line and scuffed ink along the fold. The paper roughens up and it doesn’t look great.
So, we recommend laminating the front cover of books to prevent this happened. This lamination acts as a protective film over the front cover to stop it cracking meaning it arrives in pristine condition for the reader. You can choose from matt, gloss, anti-scuff or soft-touch.
Gloss lamination gives your colours real punch and vibrancy. Matt lamination is slightly more subdued with a smooth and professional-looking surface. Anti-scuff is used very rarely. Soft-Touch Lamination is probably more suited to corporate brochures with a velvet feel than it is to children’s books. We would suggest you go for matt or gloss on your new book.
The difference is subtle (at least on our photo 🙂 with "I'll Just Be Me!" having a slightly shinier gloss lamination while the 'Eddie' book behind has matt lamination for a more subtle, less intrusive finish.
Premium finishes are the extra flourishes and premium extras you can add to the book cover making it really stand out. We offer a number of these and printing with gold foil isn’t the limit anymore – foiling comes in a range of up to 200 colours. You could also consider gloss spot UV varnish to a logo, title or vector illustration. How about embossing or debossing of the book title so it jumps towards the reader?
Our Print Journey is a great place to start. Depending on where you are up to, we have provided extensive guides at each stage.
Once the design is completed and you are ready to print your children's book, get in touch with us and we’ll come back to you asap with a range of print quotes. You might not be a printing expert yet, but we will change that with our advice, setup guides and inspirational portfolio. Your artwork would look great on paper and the printing of a book journey is both full of learning and ultimately exciting at Ex Why Zed. Pdf to book printing is what we are print experts at, aiming to give you a pureprint reproduction of your artwork with our book design services. We offer digital printing for small runs and we are also litho printers for run lengths of 700 copies or more where that method becomes more friendly on your budget.
Well done on getting your artwork ready for print! Now go ahead and upload the file/s using WeTransfer.com
It is super easy, free and you don’t need an account. Add hello@exwhyzed.com in the 'Email to' box. In the message area, tell us your print spec, number of copies you would like to print and the best address for delivery. We then get a download link with your files, simple as that!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. If you have any questions do get in touch on hello@exwhyzed.com or call on 01206 76667 and we look forward to helping you transform your ideas into print!
A Video Guide on the Winning Solutions>>>
To watch our action packed, hour long video guide on Children’s Book printing then grab your drink of choice and a notepad >>>
When it comes to deciding whether to work in inches or millimetres for designing a children's book, there are a few factors to consider. According to expert book designers, millimetres tend to be the preferred unit of measurement due to their precision and accuracy. Millimetres offer a greater level of detail and control in terms of layout and sizing, which is especially important when designing for a younger audience. Additionally, many printing companies use millimetres as their standard unit of measurement, making it easier to communicate and collaborate with them throughout the printing process. Ultimately, the choice between inches and millimetres comes down to personal preference and familiarity with the units, but for those looking for a more precise and streamlined approach to book design, millimetres may be the way to go.
We do have a steady stream of keen authors who arrive in our inbox with comments like:
"I have published a book with Amazon KDP and was also looking into signing up with IngramSpark. However my proof copy from both was not the quality I expected so am just looking at alternative options." Sue, self-published author.
"I am currently getting supplied through Amazon KDP. I have my first few events coming up where I am hoping to sell some and would like to step away from Amazon where the quality is questionable and inconsistent. Your prices seem very reasonable and I am keen to look into this further!" Sam, self-published author.
At Ex Why Zed we have the top of the range HP Indigo and Heidelberg litho presses so what comes off our machines will be the best your work can possibly look in print. We have over 250 happy reviews on Reviews.io, know the idiosyncrasies to look for in children's book structure and our friendly, expert team will help you on your Print Journey from day 1 until the books arrive.
We have complied a series of super helpful articles on finding a designer to work with you on the children's book structure. We understand file set-up and graphic design can be quite technical so the following insightful pages will help you research and approach a designer to artwork and layout your book.
Finding a Book Designer on Fiverr.
Finding a Book Designer on PeoplePerHour.
Top 10 Agencies to Design Your Book.
We've even done the heavy lifting on the design brief too so just copy and paste one of these in on an email to a few designers you like.
Design Brief for Children's Book Structure, Artwork and Layout.
Design Brief for Children's Book Illustration.
You're welcome 🙂
Here are 10 ideas to ensure your children's book get maximum exposure on social media:
And there you have it! Ten sparkling ideas to make sure your children's book is the talk of the social media town. Good luck! ? Read more, on our article 10 Ideas to Promote Your Children’s Book on Social Media.
If you’re targeting a young age group, like babies and toddlers age 0>3, you should rely heavily on pictures, rather than text.
While there are many factors that influence the cost of printing, page count is one of the biggest.
Over 250.76 million (yes, million!) children's books were sold in 2022. This compared with 201.9m in 2021 and 184.2m in 2020. So the market is growing and your new book would look great on the shelves too! (Sales figures from wordsrated.com)
The largest selling children's book of all time is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (published in 1943) is the best-selling children's book of all time, selling over 200 million copies. A quick look around on Google shows that it has been published many times in all manner of styles and iterations. Here are a few of the exquisite cover designs.
Once the design is completed and you are ready to print get in touch with us and we'll come back to you asap with a range of print quotes. You might not be a printing expert yet, but we will change that with our advice, setup guides and inspirational portfolio. Your artwork would look great on paper and the printing of a book journey is both full of learning and ultimately exciting at Ex Why Zed. Pdf to book printing is what we are print experts at, aiming to give you a pure print reproduction of your artwork. We offer digital printing for small runs and we are also litho printers for run lengths of 700 copies or more where that method becomes more friendly on your budget.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. If you have any questions do get in touch on hello@exwhyzed.com or call on 01206 76667 and we look forward to helping you transform your ideas into print!
To watch our full action packed, hour long guide on Children's book printing then here is the magical link you will need:
We either print your work in black ink throughout or in full colour where we use (four colour) CMYK inks to make up the millions of possible colours within the gamut. Full colour is going to give you far more impact for your images so they jump out at the reader. Black ink printing is cheaper because we are only using one ‘colour’. One example where you might want to print in black ink is for a colouring book. Colouring books are an increasingly simple way of illustrators getting their already completed artwork out there and bringing in some more money.
If you are looking to print a book featuring images that appear black & white or monochrome on screen but are actually in full colour then this is a crucial video for you to watch, absorb and act on.
Battle of printing black and white video.
It can be extremely hard to effectively print black-and-white images in digital print. Thankfully, this isn't our first rodeo so in the video below we take a deep dive into how to get around this and why it is so difficult. This is an issue that you will encounter at every printer but at Ex Why Zed we are keen to point it out and help before going ahead.
