Children's Book Cover Illustration

First impressions sell books. A stunning, custom-illustrated cover captures your story's spirit and stops readers mid-scroll. At US Illustrations, we design front covers, back covers, and spines that make your children's book unforgettable — all 100% hand-crafted by professional illustrators, never AI.

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What's Included in Our Cover Design

Every book cover project includes everything you need to publish with confidence — no hidden fees, no surprises.

Front Cover Illustration

A fully custom illustration that captures your story's key moment, characters, and mood. Designed to stand out in bookstores and online thumbnails alike.

Back Cover & Spine Design

Cohesive back cover layout with synopsis area, barcode placement, and a spine design that ties the whole package together — print-ready for any publisher.

Title Typography & Lettering

Hand-picked or custom-designed typography that complements your illustration style and enhances readability at every size — from thumbnail to full-bleed print.

Print-Ready Files

Delivered at 300 DPI in PDF, PNG, and PSD/AI formats. Files are formatted for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, and any other publisher.

How Our Cover Design Process Works

From first sketch to final file, our process is designed around your vision. Here's how it works.

1. Share Your Vision

Tell us about your book — the genre, characters, mood, and any cover ideas you have. Upload reference images or describe your dream cover.

2. Free Trial Sketch

Within 24 hours, we deliver a free trial sketch of your cover concept. No payment, no commitment — just a chance to see our quality firsthand.

3. Refine & Color

After you approve the sketch, we move to full-color illustration. Unlimited revisions are included at every stage until the cover is exactly right.

4. Deliver Print-Ready Files

You receive your finished cover in all formats — front, back, and spine — ready to upload to your publisher of choice. Full ownership and commercial rights included.

Cover Illustration Styles We Offer

Every book has its own personality. We work in 15+ styles so your cover matches your story's tone perfectly.

Cartoon & Character-Driven

Bold outlines, expressive characters, and vibrant colors — ideal for picture books and early readers that need to pop on shelves.

Watercolor & Soft Illustration

Gentle washes and organic textures that create a warm, dreamy atmosphere — perfect for bedtime stories and emotional narratives.

Digital Painting & Realistic

Rich detail and cinematic lighting for middle-grade and chapter book covers that need a more mature, polished feel.

Whimsical & Mixed Media

Playful compositions blending hand-drawn elements with digital textures — great for unique, standout covers that feel handcrafted.

Book Cover Illustration Pricing

Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Every package includes unlimited revisions and full commercial rights.

Front Cover Only

$350

Custom front cover illustration with title typography. Includes character design, background scene, and print-ready files at 300 DPI.

Start with a Free Sketch

Full Cover Package

$500

Front cover, back cover, and spine — a complete wraparound design. Includes synopsis layout, barcode area, and publisher-ready formatting.

Get Your Full Cover

Cover + Interior Bundle

From $2,500

Full cover design plus interior illustrations for your entire book. Best value for authors publishing a complete picture book — cover and pages, one cohesive style.

Get a Custom Quote

Ready to Design Your Book Cover?

Send us your book brief and get a free trial sketch within 24 hours. No payment, no contract — just a chance to see your cover come to life.

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Answers To

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions about our children's book cover illustration services.

How much does a children's book cover illustration cost?

A custom children's book cover starts at $350 for a front cover and $500 for a full wraparound package (front, back, and spine). Complex scenes or additional character designs may adjust the price. Every package includes unlimited revisions and print-ready files at 300 DPI.

What's included in a full cover package?

A full cover package includes front cover illustration, back cover design with synopsis layout and barcode area, spine design, and title typography. Files are delivered in PDF, PNG, and layered PSD/AI formats — ready for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other print-on-demand services.

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Do you offer a free trial sketch for book covers?

Yes! Every project starts with a free trial sketch delivered within 24 hours. Share your book brief, and we'll create a concept sketch so you can see our quality and style before making any payment or commitment.

What illustration styles do you offer for book covers?

We work in 15+ styles including cartoon, watercolor, digital painting, realistic, whimsical, and mixed media. Each cover is custom-designed to match your book's genre and target audience — from playful picture books to more polished chapter book covers.

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How long does a book cover illustration take?

A front cover typically takes 5-7 business days from approved sketch to final delivery. A full wraparound cover (front, back, spine) takes 7-10 business days. Rush delivery is available on request.

Are revisions included in the price?

Yes, unlimited revisions are included at every stage — from initial sketch to final coloring. We work until you're 100% satisfied with the cover. No hidden fees or surprise charges at any point.

Can you match my book's interior illustration style?

Absolutely. If you already have interior illustrations (by us or another artist), we'll match the style, color palette, and character designs so the cover feels seamless with the rest of the book.

Children's book illustrator consulting with an author

What file formats do you deliver?

All covers are delivered as print-ready files at 300 DPI in PDF, PNG, and JPEG formats. We also provide the original layered PSD or AI files upon request. Files are formatted for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, and any other publisher.

Professional children's book illustration FAQ guide