One of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given is the opportunity to write and illustrate children’s books. My first picture book, Twirl, was my longtime dream come true project. It was a message I had in my heart for such a long time and an absolute delight to write a story and paint pictures that help little girls remember that they are perfectly and wonderfully made.
Before I even turned in the first manuscript for Twirl, I wrote a very rough draft for a similar book, especially with boys in mind. The story came quickly but sat untouched on my computer as a rough file, just living as a quiet little dream.
After the great reception of Twirl and lots of questions like where’s the boy version?! I was so excited when my publisher said yes to me writing and illustrating that little dream of a book for boys. With lots of collaboration with Ryan (he came up with the title!), my three teenage sons, my five-year-old nephew, and my incredible editor, I’m so happy to tell you that it’s done! It’s coming soon! And I can’t wait to show you a peek.
Introducing, Build, a happy story with adorable characters, charming illustrations, and a message that all little (and big!) boys need to hear: God created you to make and do amazing things!
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There is much to share about this sweet book – the story behind the story, the process of illustrating, and watching it all come together. But for today, let’s talk about the cover!
the cover
I’m one of those who definitely chooses a book by its cover (you too?!) and it feels especially important for a children’s picture book.
The designer from my publishing company came up with a few initial cover comps. Would you like to see them?
One thing we wanted with Build was for it to look good next to Twirl. I love that they are sibling books and we wondered if we liked the idea of them being super similar in design or just compatible? It was fun to see variations of two different options.
Here’s a side-by-side just so you can see:
After looking them over, comparing the different versions, and showing my family and some friends, we all decided we were leaning toward the cover that felt more similar to Twirl. One thing, though, that I wanted to see was how it would look with trees that were a little more northwest-y. So the designer gave me two samples:
Both were cute, but I actually liked the fluffy branches better. So we went back to the other branches and made a bunch of tiny little changes (my publisher is SO gracious to me to let me request so many tweaks!) and after a few more versions we made it to the final, final, final cover!
Isn’t it cute?!
I love that the fort is a little asymmetrical on the page. I love that Mama Bird is perching on the backpack. I love the tiny ant walking up the log. I love the navy stripes that are repeated (but a little different) on the two main characters in the books.
I’ll have much more to share about Build in the upcoming weeks as well as special gifts and surprises that you won’t want to miss.
Thank you so much for your excitement about this project. I truly can not wait for you to hold this book in your hands, read it to the little boys (and girls!) in your life, and share it with friends.
Build officially releases on March 26, 2024, but you can PREORDER A COPY TODAY!
This is such perfect timing. Our youngest daughter had two little girls and Twirl was perfect for them. Now they’ve added two little boys to the family just in time for Build! I’ve pre-ordered my copy! (Make that COPIES because we have some other little grandsons in Texas who will love it too.)
Have you ever considered creating a daily tear off calendar from your Truth for Today cards? I would buy one every year!
Yes, I think it would be a GREAT idea! I will add it to my list.
Oh, I am so grateful you are coming out with a book for boys! We LOVE Twirl, and I am preordering a copy of build now.
Thank you so much!
So clever and creative. Great cover!!
Emily,
I have given so many copies of twirl to girls and am thrilled that Build is soon to come. I love everything about it!! and always the message You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!!!!
Twirl is going this week to start the library for one of my now grown Kindergarteners and wife who will have a baby girl in March!!
Thank you, Thank you!!
Irene Talaasen
Woodland Park Co
As a retired kindergarten teacher I really appreciate all the effort you put into creating this book. From the beginning of my career until now children’s books have really evolved in a good way. We had some great books that are still classics like Make Way For Ducklings. I still love that book, but the art work has come a long way. I always used books as a jumping off place for lessons. You can never go wrong when you teach children to love books.
I can’t wait to buy your new book for all the little boys whose big sisters got Twirl.
Congratulation, it looks perfect and I know it will be another success.
Love the cover but it needs some rollie pollies. Boys love them!
Oh I should have done little rollie pollies!
Ahhhh!! It looks WONDERFUL!! You are AMAZING!!
This looks absolutely adorable!
Congrats on this beautiful children’s book!
Beautiful Emily, just beautiful. I just explored your entire website for the first time, even though I’ve followed your journey on Jones Design Co. since you were expecting Audrey. What a sweet journey of renewal and refreshing, bringing God all the glory. We shine differently in our changing seasons of life and you’re doing well, glowing brightly, in this one.
I loved Twirl and so does my granddaughter! I love watercolors and am hoping to come to Gig Harbor one day.
So excited to see this new book of yours! I have a 6 yr old grandson and he loves books!