What Every Children’s Book Author Should Know About Picture Book Design

Especially in children’s literature, narrative storytelling is often intertwined with the art of picture book design. Understanding the nuances of children’s books and their design, from the layout of single pages and full spreads to the interplay of illustrations and text across facing pages, is beneficial to every self-publishing children’s book author.

It’s important to recognise that effective book design plays a vital role in engaging young readers and enhancing their reading experience. With careful consideration of printing costs and design choices, authors can create a visually appealing book that captivates children and sparks a love for reading.

Join us as we explore the key components of book design, offering valuable insights and practical tips, in this blog post that will equip you with the knowledge you need to bring your story to life on the page.

We will cover the following parts of what every children’s book author should know about picture book design:

• What is Picture Book Design?
• What is the Difference Between Picture Book Design and Illustrations?
  • Illustrations
  • Children’s Book Design
  • The Relationship Between the Two
• What are the Key Components of Children’s Picture Book Design
  • Text and Illustrations
  • Layout
  • Colour
• Format the Layout of the Pages
• Choose the Font Size and Style
  • Font Size
  • Font Style
• Add Page Numbers (Optional)
• Ensure Bleed and Margins are in Order
  • Full Bleed
  • Safety Margins
• Design the Book Cover
• Design the Title Page
• Design the Copyright Page
• Finalise Your Design and Prepare for Production
• Save the PDF with the Appropriate Colour Profile
• Final Thoughts About Picture Book Design

Even though the word counts are different, a lot of what you’ll learn in this article also applies to board book design, so if that’s you, keep reading!

After reading this article, it would be a great idea to visit your local library and check out the different elements of book design for yourself.

What is Picture Book Design?

Book design is all about thoughtfully organising the visuals and text in a children’s picture book to create a cohesive, engaging, and memorable reading experience. A well-thought-out children’s book design ensures the reader’s eyes flow naturally from page to page, enhancing their connection to the story.

An example of book design where the font matches the theme from If I Had A Spaceship by Nanci Nelson’s Nursery. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Children’s picture book designs can ignite curiosity, stimulate imagination, and foster a love for reading. When children see vibrant visuals and thoughtfully arranged layouts, they are more likely to connect with the story and develop their narrative comprehension skills.

Moreover, the interplay of illustrations and text supports cognitive development by helping children understand the sequence of events, recognise emotions, and anticipate outcomes within a story. This interaction helps in developing critical thinking skills and improving literacy. As children turn the pages, they learn to decode visual cues and integrate them with the written word, which is essential for overall cognitive growth.

In addition to cognitive benefits, book design also plays a significant role in emotional engagement. The choice of a colour palette, shapes, and styles can evoke specific feelings and set the tone for the narrative. For instance, design elements such as choosing soft pastels may create a comforting atmosphere, while bold colours can convey excitement or urgency. This emotional resonance allows children to likely to remember the messages and themes conveyed and connect with characters and situations on a personal level. It also encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, fostering conversations that enhance their understanding and enjoyment of literature.

What is the Difference Between Picture Book Design and Illustrations?

Although children’s book design and illustrations are closely related, they serve distinct purposes in creating picture books. Together, they bring a story to life, but each plays a unique role in shaping the final product.

Illustrations

In a children’s picture book, the illustrations are the visual representations of the story. The same is true for board books. They capture the emotions, settings, and characters in a way that words alone cannot achieve. A skilled illustration adds depth and nuance to the narrative, engaging readers with vibrant imagery. For example, a full page illustration might depict a magical forest filled with quirky creatures that the text only hints at. A single illustration can tell a part of the story without any accompanying words, allowing readers to infer and imagine. In this case, you’d need art notes, since there is no mnauscript text to tell the illustrator what to draw.

There are different types of illustrations for children’s books: a spot illustration, a full page illustration, a half-page illustration, and a full spread illustration (a double-page spread). We’ve covered this topic in our article, so check it out!

An illustration from Bitcoin Baby by Satoshi Jr. Illustrated by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Children’s Book Design

The design process begins once they receive the finished images from the illustrator. While illustrations focus on the artistic elements, children’s book design is about arranging those elements on the pages to create a cohesive and visually appealing reading experience. It includes deciding how text and images will share space on a page or spread and ensuring they don’t compete for attention, balancing white space, and choosing the font size and placement to make the story readable and engaging.

A designed spread with text from Bitcoin Baby by Satoshi Jr. Illustration and design by GetYourBookIllustrations.

A designed spread with text from The Tree Spot by Cassandra Troughton. Illustration and design by GetYourBookIllustrations.

The Relationship Between the Two

A beautifully illustrated children’s book can fail to captivate its audience if the book layout and design are poorly executed. Similarly, even the best children’s book design cannot salvage a book with weak or mismatched illustrations. For a children’s book to shine, the design and drawings must work together seamlessly to guide children through the pages and immerse them in the story.

What are the Key Components of Children’s Picture Book Design

Creating a memorable children’s book requires a thoughtful approach to book design, where every detail contributes to the overall reading experience. Below are the key components that form the foundation of children’s book design:

Text and Illustrations

The synergy between picture book text and illustrations is perhaps the most crucial aspect; each should complement and enhance the other. When drawings vividly depict the narrative, they provide context and aid comprehension as the story text is being read. A well-designed picture book balances the amount of text with the visuals, ensuring that neither overwhelms the other, such as this page below from Winnie Acts Up: A Kid’s Introduction to Theater by Pat Wheeler. This balance allows children to better absorb the story.

A page from Winnie Acts Up by Pat Wheeler. Illustrations and design by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Layout

Layout refers to how text and images are arranged on the page to guide the reader’s eye and create a natural flow. The layout can also affect pacing and rhythm in children’s picture books. Strategic placement of text and images can influence how quickly or slowly a action unfolds. For instance, a series of full-page illustrations or spreads with minimal text can create a sense of wonder and allow readers to linger on the visuals, like the example from Ralpie Moss’s Garden below. A quick change in layout with short bursts of text can build excitement and change the momentum to show how events unfolded quickly, or to share several differet thoughts, such as in this page from Marvelous Marty and his Clever Cat Lou: A Pawsitive Story of Autism by Ellen Safranek below.

Correct pacing is crucial for maintaining reader engagement and getting them emotionally invested.

Spread from Ralphie Moss’s Garden by Nancy Pushkar. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Spreads from Marvelous Marty and his Clever Cat Lou: A Pawsitive Story of Autism. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Colour

Colour is a key element in effective children’s books. The choice of colour palette can convey emotions and set the overall tone. Bright, bold colours might evoke feelings of excitement and joy, while muted tones may create a sense of calm or nostalgia. Moreover, colour can be used symbolically to represent themes or character emotions, adding another layer of meaning to the narrative. Designers must thoughtfully choose colours that align with the story’s message and mood, ensuring that the visual experience resonates with young readers and enhances their understanding of the content.

The use of colours in representing different kinds of emotions is used in Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas by Nicole Oke. For example, this page is designed centering on two colours: orange for excitement and enthusiasm and yellow for optimism, which truly suits Excitement Ninja.

A page from Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas by Nicole Oke. Cover design and illustrations by Richard Hoit. Book Design by GetYourBookIllustrations.

For A Song in Her Heart by Kathy Dye, the designer used a classic font in brown to match the mood of the nostalgic story.

Spread of A Song in Her Heart by Kathy Dye. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

For The Magical Hair Bows by Terrie Lynn Birney, the designer included green throughout the text to match the green of the magical ribbon in the story.

Spread of The Magical Hair Bows by Terrie Lynn Birney. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Format the Layout of the Pages

The standard word count for most picture books ranges from 200 to 800 words. If your word count is too high, you’ll end up with too much text per page, which distracts from the illustrations and takes too long to read. Picture books are normally 32 pages, with the story taking up anbout 28 pages. This is because some printers print in increments of eight pages at a time. Usually, the story begins on page 4, with the pages before that being used for front matter. It can also start on page 3, as a single page.

A picture book layout

To achieve balance, try to distribute the word count evenly throughout the book. Break up longer passages into several lines or paragraphs, placing them over different parts of the illustrations. Place shorter sentences on different areas of the page to create a rhythm, while also allowing the child to focus on different aspects of the illustration.

As the story progresses, the layout should guide the reader from one page to the next, creating a sense of movement. Whether it’s through the direction of characters in the illustrations or through the positioning of text across pages, visual cues should support the flow. For example, you can place the illustrations in a way that leads the reader’s eye from left to right in a double-page spread, following the direction of the action. This spread from If I had a Spaceship leads the eye from left to right across the scene.

A double-page spread from If I Had a Spacehip by Nanci Nelson’s Nursery. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

For more info about layouts, read our article on Designing the Perfect Children’s Book Layout.

Choose the Font Size and Style

The text should be easy to read, with a clear font and sufficient spacing. Maintain readability by providing sufficient contrast between the text and the background. Use contrasting colours or place a subtle semi-transparent overlay between the text and the illustration to make the text stand out.

Font Size

In most picture books, a font size between 16 and 24 points is the best bet for ensuring the text is legible for the target audience. The size may vary depending on the amount of text per page and the available space alongside the illustrations. In deciding how much space to have, remember to keep a balance between the font size and the word placement to avoid crowding the pages or overshadowing the art.

Font Style

The font style sets the tone for the story and should align with the theme of the children’s book and the target age group, whether it’s for younger or older children. For example, playful or whimsical fonts work well for humourous or lighthearted children’s books and classic, clean serif fonts may suit timeless or educational children’s books.

The playful font used in Moos, Mud, Mayhem! by Deborah C. Aalbers mirrors the festive mood of the party-loving cows in the book.

A page from Moos, Mud, Mayhem! by Deborah C. Aalbers

A classic font was used in A Song in Her Heart: My Mom, Music and Alzheimer’s by Kathy Dye. The font suits the book’s purpose of raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in children ages 4 to 8 because it doesn’t distract from the tone and message of the story.

A page from A Song in Her Heart: My Mom, Music and Alzheimer’s by Kathy Dye. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Always prioritise legibility when choosing a font style, as overly elaborate fonts can make the story text harder to read, especially for young children.

Add Page Numbers (Optional)

The page count of a picture book typically ranges from 24 to 32 pages. The most common page count for children’s picture books is 32 pages, which is often the ideal balance for storytelling and illustration in a children’s book. Some picture books may have 24 pages, especially for younger children ages 2 to 5 or those with simpler stories. How many pages you will have for your own book is up to you. Just keep in mind that the 24 or 32 pages includes the end pages, a copyright and title page, and (optinally) an acknowledgment or dedication page, so the actual number of story pages is fewer.

While picture books don’t usually require visible page numbers since these have a very small page count, especially for younger audiences, they can still be helpful for navigation, especially for nonfiction books in educational or library settings. When deciding whether to add them, consider the story, design, and purpose of the book.

In most children’s books, the page numbers are placed at the bottom corner of each page, alternating between the left-hand page and the right-hand page throughout the book to maintain a consistent layout. The first and last pages (front matter and back matter) do not include visible page numbers.

The author of The Tree Spot, Cassandra M. Troughton, opted to include page numbers in her book.

Spread of The Tree Spot by Cassandra M. Troughton where page numbers are seen. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations

Ensure Bleed and Margins are in Order

For print books, attention to bleed and margins ensures that the children’s book is visually polished and professionally finished. It prevents issues such as uneven trimming, missing artwork, or unbalanced pages, all of which could detract from the reader’s experience.

Full Bleed

A full bleed design extends the artwork or background colour beyond the edges of the page, ensuring there are no unwanted white borders after the book is trimmed. This technique is particularly important in picture books, where vibrant, edge-to-edge illustrations enhance the storytelling experience. For full bleed designs, the artwork typically extends 1/8 inch (3mm) beyond the final trim size of the page.

Safety Margins

Leave a safety margin, the buffer zone within the page that keeps relevant text and graphics away from the edges where the paper will be trimmed. Typically, a safety margin of 0.25 inches (1/4 inch) is recommended on all sides of the page, especially for the inner margins near the spine. For the outer edges, the margin can be a bit more generous (up to 0.5 inches), depending on the trim size and design specifications. Ensure that no critical text or illustrations fall within this margin.

Design the Book Cover

The children’s book cover is one of the most important elements of a picture book, as it’s the first thing parents and children see. The front cover should be inviting and visually striking, using appropriate colours and illustrations that reflect the core of the story. A great idea for a children’s book cover is to feature a striking illustration that gives a glimpse of the story, offering potential buyers a visual hint about the world within the pages.

Other factors to consider when designing a children’s book cover are:

Title Placement: The title should be prominently displayed and easy to read. It’s best to position the text where it complements the illustrations without competing for attention, usually in the top 1/3rd of the cover.

In the cover for I Am Me by Shanna Archuleta Davis, the title is large and easy to read.

Front cover of I Am Me by Shanna Archuleta Davis. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Character or Scene Focus: Often, the children’s book cover highlights the central character or a key moment from the story, drawing in young readers with something they can connect with or be curious about. This helps create an emotional connection right from the front cover.

The cover for Gabby’s Great Save by Dorie Karl is character and scene focused, giving us a glimpse in to the story.

Front cover of Gabby’s Great Save by Dorie Karl. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Design Cohesion: Ensure that the cover aligns with the overall children’s book layout and illustrations. The colours, style, and mood of the cover should carry through the rest of the children’s picture book and resonate with the tone of the story.

In the front cover of Zebra the Ballerina and Other ABC Animal Tales by Papa Seiden, the playful scene and fonts match the story.

Front cover of Zebra the Ballerina and Other ABC Animal Tales by Papa Seiden. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Imagery: For picture books, the illustrations on the front cover often tell more of the story than the text. The image should be eye-catching and hint at the narrative to appeal to both children and parents. This creates an immediate sense of intrigue.

For the covers of Bitcoin Baby by Satoshi Jr. and Meadow Makes Friends by Gail Weil and Sheila Kenney, the illustrations hint at the narrative.

Front cover of Bitcoin Baby by Satoshi Jr. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Front cover of Meadow Makes Friends by Gail Weil and Sheila Kenney. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Book Cover: While the front cover grabs attention, the back cover can serve as a place for a short description of the story, an author bio, or additional promotional elements like reviews or other books. Make sure it complements the front cover in both design and tone.

Winnie, the main character in Winnie Acts Up: A Kid’s Introduction to Theater by Pat J. Wheeler, is brought to focus in the front cover. Her facial expression hints at her struggle with stage fright, which is relatable to many children so it helps create an emotional connection to the book.

Front and back cover of Winnie Acts Up: A Kid’s Introduction to Theater by Pat J. Wheeler. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

The easy-to-read title in the front cover of A Place Called Home by Nora G. Ho is strategically placed near the top in a large font yet it doesn’t distract children’s attention from the illustration.

Front and back cover of A Place Called Home by Nora G. Ho. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

The back covers of both children’s books display a short description of the story. Design-wise, the front and back covers of A Place Called Home are designed as a double-page layout of a single scene while the background illustration in the back cover of Winnie Acts Up: A Kid’s Introduction to Theater complements the design of the front cover.

Design the Title Page

The title page of a children’s book serves as the formal introduction to the work, providing essential information while establishing the visual tone of the entire book. The key elements of a picture book’s title page are:

1. Book Title: This is the most prominent feature, typically placed in the centre or top third of the page. The title should be easy to read and visually striking, setting the tone for the entire book.
2. Author’s Name: The author’s name typically appears just below the book title. It is important for helping readers recognise the creator of the work. The font size should be smaller than the book title but still clearly readable. The author’s name can be styled differently to ensure it stands out but doesn’t compete with the title.
3. Illustrator’s Name: In children’s picture books, the illustrator’s name is often included on this page as their contribution is integral to the story and experience. The illustrator’s name can be placed either beneath or beside the author’s name. The font style can remain consistent with the author’s name or be slightly smaller, depending on the emphasis needed.
4. Art / Illustration: Especially in picture books, a visual design element can be an important part of the title page. This may be a small decorative illustration, a simple motif, or a more elaborate design that ties into the story or theme of the book. It often helps set the tone or style of the book while also creating a sense of intrigue or wonder.
5. Imprint Information (optional):Many picture books bear the imprint name and logo to establish the book’s origin and identity. However, it is entirely up to you, the author, whether you should use it or not. If you decide to use it, bear in mind that the imprint information is typically placed at the bottom of the page, sometimes alongside the publication year.
6. Edition Information (if applicable): If the book is a specific edition (e.g., first edition, revised edition), that information may be listed just below the imprint information.
7. Series Information (if applicable): If the book is part of a series, this information can be included on the title page to inform readers that the book is part of a larger collection. Series information is usually smaller in size and placed either directly below the book title or at the bottom of the page.

Examples of a title page in picture books are:

Title page of A Song in Her Heart: My Mom, Music and Alzheimer’s by Kathy Dye. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Title page of My Mischievous Wheelchair by Molly David. Illustrated and designed by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Some books also include a half-title page before the title page. This contains only the book’s title, and does not include the author’s name, subtitle, or publisher information. Some books use the verso (back) of the half-title page for a list of the author’s other works. Half-title pages are not very common in picture books.

Design the Copyright Page

The copyright page of a children’s book plays a key role in protecting the author’s creative work. This single page holds important details about the book’s legal rights, publication details, and other identifiers. While it’s often overlooked, this page includes several key elements that are necessary for proper attribution and legal protection. Let’s take a closer look at the components of this page:

1. Copyright Statement: It should include the copyright symbol (©), the year of publication, and the copyright holder’s name (usually the author or publisher). This information protects the intellectual property rights of the children’s book.
2. Reservation of Rights: This should state the dos and don’ts of waht readers can do with any or all parts of your book. For example: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
3. Publisher or Imprint Information: Include the name and address of the publisher. This helps establish the source of the picture book and is often legally required. The publisher’s name and address should be in a smaller font than the copyright statement but still legible.
4. ISBN and Other Identifiers: The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is essential for identification and tracking of books for sale or distribution. Children’s books may also include other identifiers like the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) or an EAN barcode.
5. Edition Information: If the book is a specific edition, such as a first edition or revised edition, it should be noted on this page.
6. Credits for Illustrations and Other Contributions: If there are special credits or acknowledgments for illustrators, designers, or others involved in the children’s book, these should be included on the page.
7. Legal Disclaimers: Some children’s books may include specific legal disclaimers, such as a statement regarding the protection of characters, text, or illustrations. For instance, a note about the picture book being a work of fiction or not being liable for errors may appear here.

Examples:

Copyright page of Bibi Saves the Honey Bees by Judith A. Ewa. Designed and illustrated by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Copyright page of Gabby’s Great Save by Dorie Karl. Designed and illustrated by GetYourBookIllustrations.

Finalise Your Design and Prepare for Production

Once you’ve completed the essential design elements of your children’s picture book, it’s time to finalise your layout and prepare for production. Here are the key steps to finalise your design:

1. Review the Book Layout: Ensure that your book layout is visually appealing, with well-balanced two-page spreads and text placement that complements the illustrations. Check that the text is legible and that drawings are given enough space to shine.
2. Check for Consistency: The design, fonts, and style should be consistent throughout the entire book. Ensure that your children’s book design follows a coherent visual theme that matches the tone and theme of the story. Pay attention to page consistency, ensuring that the style of the visuals or graphics, typography, and overall design remains uniform from the first page to the last page.
3. Review Two-Page Spreads: To make sure that the design flows seamlessly from one side to the other, check if the illustrations and text align well and that nothing important is lost in the middle of the spread, such as in this layout from Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas by Nicole Oke:

A double-page spread from Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas by Nicole Oke

• Proofread the Entire Book Thoroughly: Check for any typographical errors. Work with a proofreader or designer who can spot mistakes that may have been overlooked, ensuring the children’s picture book is error-free and polished.

Prepare Files for Printing: Once the design is finalised, prepare the necessary files for the printer, ensuring that everything is formatted correctly for high-quality production. Review the design carefully to ensure that it meets the requirements of your offset printer or print on demand company. Ensure your files are in the correct format (usually PDF or TIFF) and meet the printer’s specifications for colour mode, resolution, and page count.

For print on demand, this isn’t so relevant, but if you’ll do a print run, decide if you’ll print a self-ended of separate-ended book. In both cases, the first and last “page” of the book is glued to the inside of the front and back cover, but they are different:

• A self-ended book uses the first and last pages of the book’s main printed pages as the glued endpapers, meaning they are the same paper as the rest of the book and often include part of the story or illustrations. This means it reduces the total page count available for the story by 4 (front and back of the first page and front and back of the last page). Some authors use the visible part of both of these pages to print part of the story, meaning you then only “lose” two pages.
• A separate-ended book has dedicated endpapers that are separately inserted and glued to the inside covers, usually on different paper stock, allowing for decorative or solid-colored endpapers.

Save the PDF with the Appropriate Colour Profile

While digital screens use the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour mode, which is designed for lighting and electronic displays, CMYK is the right way to prepare the files for physical printing. RGB works by emitting light, and the colours on a screen are created by mixing red, green, and blue light in different intensities. However, CMYK works by mixing four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) in varying amounts to produce a full spectrum of colours on paper. If you skip this step and attempt to print files in RGB, the colours might appear distorted, as printers may not be able to replicate the full range of colours visible on a screen.

RGB (screens) vs CMYK (print)

Final Thoughts About Picture Book Design

Embarking on the journey of self-publishing your children’s book can be both exciting and challenging. By understanding the intricacies of children’s book design, you can create a captivating book layout that resonates with your target age group. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to approach design; what matters most is that your story shines through on every page.

Using the great advice from industry experts and blog articles, you can make cost-effective choices that enhance your book’s appeal, from the front cover to the last page. Pay attention to the interplay of illustrations and text, ensuring they work harmoniously on the same page. Remember to optimise your design for print and digital, use colour and composition to enhance your story, and finalise your design carefully. Don’t forget to include art notes that guide your illustrator in bringing your vision to life.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a children’s book that not only tells a story but also invites young readers to explore the pages with wonder and excitement. With the right design elements in place, your children’s book can become a cherished addition to any child’s library, inspiring a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. Happy self-publishing!

Ready to collaborate with a professional illustrator and designer? Let’s talk! Click this link and pick a suitable time and date for the free 30 minute consultation call.

Let’s chat in the comments!

• In your opinion, what’s the biggest mistake new authors make when working with illustrators and designers?
• How important is it for a picture book to have a “timeless” design that can appeal to readers across generations, versus one that’s trendy and current? Which approach resonates with you more as a reader?