The Sign of a Great Book Cover

My five-year-old and I celebrating THE MONSTORE illustrator James Burks' newest book, Princess Millie's Magic Wand. (Please note: before haircuts!)

Last week I got the thrill every author looks forward to—a rough sketch of my book cover for THE MONSTORE. (Phew, I need an editor. I don’t mean every author looks forward to THE MONSTORE cover, but it sure would be a boon to my sales if they did!)

The cover was only in black and white, but WOWIE! To see my characters starting back at me with these eager “read me” expressions was as thrilling as holding my daughters for the first time. (Except then I was exhausted and thirsty. At least this time I was well-rested with a huge ceramic vat of chai.)

I immediately printed it out and my five-year-old and I colored it in. Then we slapped it on the basket of the scooter that I use to tool around the neighborhood.  Yep, it’s now a MONSTOREMOBILE!

We then scooted over to the elementary school to pick up my eight-year-old (who is going to be upset if I don’t mention she’ll be nine in two days) and almost caused several accidents.

The kids were mesmerized. Gazing. Frozen. NOT MOVING OUT OF THE WAY!

I guess this is the sign of a good cover, right?

I wish I could share it here with you, but it’s still under wraps.

But I have to say–I think I had such a fabulous reaction to my cover because I didn’t hold any preconceived notions as to what it might look like. I think this is important when you’re the author of a picture book because it will NEVER look like what you imagine.

Nope, it will look BETTER than you ever DREAMED!