Just finished a great book? Instead of writing a summary or jotting a few quotes down in a reader's journal, I love doing a book cover redesign! It's a unique and creative way to capture what the book means to you.

Supplies

lots of scratch paper
pencil
eraser
other art supplies, including paints, pens, glitter, etc.
a good book!

Step 1: Brainstorming

Instead of just using the main characters or an important scene from the book, try creating something that reminds you of why you loved the book. Flip back through the pages and gather words, images, and themes that inspire you. It doesn't have to include the main characters or elements in the title! This is about what the book means to you.

Step 2: Sketching

Now it's time to put your ideas on paper! I love using the layout to reflect the theme of the book. For The Secret Keepers, a watch, secrets, and a very detailed plot are important elements in the story. I had an idea of different sections interlocking around a watch to reflect the complexity of the story and how the watch is central to the plot. With this in mind, I did a quick sketch and then worked on refining it until I was happy with it.

Step 3: Planning

Next, I chose my color palette and decided which characters and places I wanted to feature in each of the sections. I referred to the book a lot to make sure my design was staying true to the feel of the book. When I'd solidified the atmosphere I was going for, I combined the color studies and the layout sketch to make my working draft!

Step 4: Putting It All Together!

It's time to create your cover! Use your imagination and have fun with whatever art supplies strike your fancy! (Snacks help 😉).

Step 5: What Next?

Once you've made your first cover, you may decide to never go back to book summaries! Instead of keeping a reader's journal, why not fill a binder with sheet protectors and add a new book cover redesign for each book you read? Or simply frame it and hang it up as a conversation starter. Who knows? This could be the best way to get your friends excited about the same book that excited you!

Thanks for reading!