Book cover facts for kids

The decorated cloth cover of The Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James, published in 1881. This is a good example of a Victorian decorated cloth cover.

A book cover is the outer part that protects all the pages inside a book. Think of it as the book's clothing! This covering can be made from different materials like paper, strong cardboard, or even plastic. Sometimes, the cardboard covers are wrapped in paper, cloth, or leather. They might also have a thin layer of plastic over the paper, which is called lamination.

Book covers do two main jobs. First, they keep the pages safe from getting damaged. Second, they help sell the book! A cool or interesting cover can make you want to pick up a book and read it.

Hardbacks and Paperbacks

Books usually come in two main types: hardbacks and paperbacks. They often have different prices.

Hardback Books

Hardback books have stiff, strong covers, usually made of thick cardboard. These covers are often wrapped in cloth or paper. Hardbacks are very durable and last a long time. They might also come with an extra paper cover called a dust jacket. This jacket often has a beautiful design and helps protect the hard cover itself. Dust jackets are a big part of what makes hardback books look appealing in a store.

Paperback Books

Paperback books have flexible, softer covers, usually made from thick paper or thin card. They are lighter and often cost less than hardbacks. Paperbacks are designed to be easy to carry around. Their covers are almost always brightly designed to catch your eye when you see them in a bookshop.

Paperback books look good, but they may not last as long as hardbacks.

Why Book Covers Are Important

Over time, the way books are made has changed a lot. Thanks to new printing methods, making books is much cheaper now than it used to be. This means lots and lots of books are printed and sold every day.

Because so many books are available, they compete with each other for your attention. This is where the book cover becomes super important!

Attracting Readers

The main job of a book cover is to make people want to buy the book. A great cover can tell you a little bit about the story inside, or it can just look really cool. Designers work hard to create covers that stand out on shelves and make you curious.

Protecting the Book

Besides attracting buyers, the cover also protects the pages. It keeps them from getting bent, torn, or dirty. A strong cover helps your book last longer, so you can read it many times or even share it with friends.

Images for kids

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  Front cover of the St Cuthbert Gospel, made around 700 AD. Its original red goatskin binding is the oldest surviving Western book cover.

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  Ivory cover of the Codex Aureus of Lorsch, made around 810 AD during the Carolingian dynasty. This cover is now at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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  A close-up of the cover of a small Book of Common Prayer. This cover was made by Cedric Chivers and features Art Nouveau gold designs and mother-of-pearl details.

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  An early 20th-century leather book cover, decorated with shiny gold leaf.

See also

In Spanish: Cubierta (libro) para niños