In a recent experiment, I shared two children’s book covers on social media, asking followers which one they would prefer to read. One featured a classic illustration reminiscent of Norman Rockwell, while the other resembled a Photoshopped flyer on pool safety. The response was overwhelming; many expressed a strong preference for the vintage cover and shared their reluctance to part with their ’70s editions of beloved books due to the unappealing new designs.
While the retro covers may appear outdated, they effectively capture scenes that entice readers. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for numerous classic children’s books that have suffered from lackluster redesigns. For instance, the original cover of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, which had a vibrant, psychedelic flair, has been replaced by a bland, grandmotherly aesthetic.
Similarly, Judy Blume’s Freckle Juice had an early ’70s cover that, while perhaps unappealing, featured a quirky image of a boy applying lipstick to create fake freckles—an intriguing visual that could draw in young readers. The current edition, however, showcases a simple and uninspired image of a jar.
The early ’80s cover of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby, Age 8, portrayed a charmingly awkward little girl, while the modern iteration presents a generic illustration of a girl on a bicycle—lacking the character of its predecessor. The contrast in designs between the original and contemporary covers of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is akin to watching a classic film become colorized; the essence remains, but the charm has faded.
A few publishers have retained their classic illustrations, particularly the works of Roald Dahl, which continue to feature their original art. Fortunately, Stuart Little has also returned to its hand-drawn roots in its latest edition, preserving the charm that made it a favorite.
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In summary, the evolution of children’s book covers illustrates a shift away from engaging, imaginative designs toward more generic aesthetics, often losing the appeal that originally drew young readers in.