Consider, if you will, the strange relationship that exists between a book jacket created in America vs. a book jacket created in the United Kingdom. Both are appealing to an audience that speaks primarily English.  But the perception of what will sell/appeal in one country can vary widely from that of another.  Over the years I’ve seen a whole host of British covers translated (so to speak) for Americans, and American covers translated for the British.  Today we’re going to look at a couple of these and then I shall reveal a new book jacket that makes me inordinately, enormously happy.

First, we will consider the most popular books and how they’ve fared.  For example, there was Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

American Cover

British Adult Cover

Then there are authors like Laura Amy Schlitz who have done very well on both sides of the pond with her covers.

American Cover

British Cover

American Cover

British Cover

Harry Potter is a series with book jackets that experience quite a lot of scrutiny.  Recently the books got new American and British jackets.  Which do you prefer?

American Cover

British Cover

And today, ladies and gentlemen, it is my greatest pleasure to announce that I am allowed to reveal the American cover for the Frances Hardinge fantasy novel Cuckoo Song.  I recently finished the book and it is everything I ever wanted in a new Hardinge novel.  Released as a children’s book in the UK, it will come out here in the States as YA.  With that in mind, it is a perfect companion to Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone as well as the works of Holly Black, Laura Amy Schlitz, and others.  Indeed I kept thinking of Splendors and Glooms as I read this book.

So here we go.  In the spirit of this post, here is the British cover:

And here is the American:

If that isn’t the finest creepiest book jacket you ever did see I’ll eat my proverbial hat.

Many thanks to Abrams for the jacket reveal!