Inspired by What She Reads, Pure Imagination Blog, and Stacked.
I admit I’m a book cover snob. Who isn’t though?
Book covers are the first thing that attracts readers to a book. A good cover can draw someone is, just as a bad cover can easily draw someone away. It can essentially make or break a book. Holy, Mother Cover! is where I showcase the book covers that stand out (or make me cringe), and discuss cover changes.
(A big special thanks to Georgie at What She Reads for bestowing me this fabulous name and to Charlotte at The Simple Tales for creating the beautiful feature banner you see before you.)
COVER CHANGE: Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
This cover definitely catches my eye. It has those two lines, illustrating the antennas of the praying mantis, and a bright green coloring that covers the entire jacket. It’s not every day that you see a bright green cover like that. It just demands your attention. I’m always struck by how my eyes can’t seem to look away. There’s nothing much to look at, but it weirdly mesmerize me. Although it’s very simple and straightforward, it’s completely unique and kind of creepy.
The only thing I don’t really like is the font for the title and author name. I just feel like it’s kind of dated and not fit within this bold cover. (I think I’m associating these bubble letters with my childhood and how I overused it a lot. Ha.)
Would I buy this book based on the cover? Why not?[/column] [column size=”1/2″]What do I think about the cover design? LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Yeah, you no longer have that bright hardcover design, but this paperback cover has a pretty awesome redesign; one that I love. It really illustrates what this book will bring you, and that is praying mantises. I love the illustration of the praying mantises and the cutout effect of the letters. I especially love that the praying mantis’ forelegs break out from inside the letters; it looks as if it’s getting ready to jump out of the cover and attack you. It fits so perfectly.
I wonder if the blurb from Rolling Stone is really framed like that on the book. I’m bothered that it’s too much to the left. It’s so glaring. Just center it, people!
Would I buy this book based on the cover? YES. A MILLION TIMES TBH.[/column][/row]
Final Verdict: Hard decision! Ultimately, I’d pick the paperback.
I know everyone has their own likes. But for me the bright green caught my attention the most. I agree the bright colors and antennas are simple but mesmerize you! I’m a paperback gal, but I’d have to go with the hardcover in this case.
The hardback never really interested me. Sure, it’s bold and different, but it doesn’t do much for me. The paperback is another story though, because it would catch my attention in the store.
Totally paperback for this one! I love the hardcover but the paperback is cheaper on the wallet & easier on the eyes! ;)
You always have a great eye for covers Cee! :D I love both, the hardcover has this simplicity to it, and like you said it’s bold. But I’ll have to go with the paperback! Now that one looks fantastic :D It’s a smart idea as well, to have the grasshopper in the words ;)
I think I’d pick the hardcover, but honestly I don’t think either of them would catch my attention.
It’s hard for me to pick. I find the paperback cover a bit too messy, and ultimately, terrifying for me because I hate insects. And I find the cover creepy. But the hardcover is just way too plain. It is attention getting, but I don’t like how the design looks almost lazy, but I would pick it over the paperback merely because it’s not so focused on insects. But then, I could change my mind over the whole design of the book. :D