Our Canada: Book Cover Design
Brief: The assignment was to create the front cover illustration and design for the children's book Our Canada: A Year With Canuck Kids (ages 7-11). The cover needed to be a single, cohesive image that immediately communicated the book's core themes: national diversity, seasonal change, and the spirit of Canadian childhood.
Idea: I designed a whimsical and dynamic central illustration focused on a calendar motif. The calendar pages curve and flow, forming pathways for nine diverse children who are depicted participating in seasonal activities (like snowboarding for winter, and kayaking for summer). The palette uses a warm, energetic orange gradient to unify the complex composition and draw the reader's eye to the bold, flag-inspired title typography.
Results: The highly-detailed and engaging cover design was instrumental in the book's market success. It effectively drew the attention of the target demographic (children, parents, and educators) and contributed to the book's overall critical acclaim and strong sales, establishing its visual brand.
Client: Blossom Books
Website: https://blossombookspress.com
Credits
Publisher: Blossom Books
Written By: Alister Mathieson, Kelly Jackson & Diane Simpson
Art Direction / Illustration: Derek R. Douglas
