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When I revealed Musiville’s book cover the other day, you were all so sweet about it and seemed to enjoy it. However, John Howell’s comment about how he liked Pandiano made me think.
You see, that problem I’m having is that Maraceros, the protagonist, is not book cover material, as he looks like a misshapen smudge when small. That’s why I picked Trumpephant instead.
The options I have, as I see it, are:
- Use Maraceros, ignoring the smudge factor.
- Use any photogenic, animal for the cover – say Trumpephant or Pandiano.
- Use a number of animals to highlight the “village” thing.
So, please allow me to present these options in all their glory. Any feedback will be much appreciated!
To help you vote, here’s a small poll:
Effrosyni Moschoudi said:
I like 2a and 3, especially 3. A selection is always better, I think. Good luck!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Interesting! I was worried that the many animals were a bit too much. Thanks for that 🙂
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cjhwrites said:
I’m a little on your side about too busy but I think Trumpephant is fully deserving of a cover to himself. Maybe ‘the next book’ can use Pandiano 😉
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol – Pandiano is such a fun creature, isn’t he?
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Richard Ankers said:
I like 2a. I think it looks a more inviting animal to a child.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
An interesting point. I was worried that Pandiano comes across as a bit manic (he’s actually a sweetheart, of course).
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Richard Ankers said:
I do speak from the perspective of being a big kid LOL
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol – that’s the best kind of comment 😀
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Planetary Defense Commander said:
Maybe he’s a bit scary for the little ones, at least on the cover.
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Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
I like 2a and 3 and probably if pushed 3.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
A second vote for 3 – how interesting! Thank you 🙂
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Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Help Nicholas Rossis decide which cover to use for his latest creation.
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Irena S. said:
I like 3 the best. 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Amazing – thank you!
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gahlearner said:
I like #2a, it fits the style of Runaway Smile, if you want to keep the style consitent. But my personal favourite is #3, it looks balanced, and interesting. Makes me want to know more about the book.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Amazing – thank you 🙂
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philipparees said:
2a or 3. I prefer the first but suspect the ‘ville’ part is clearer in 3. Elephants have universal appeal, both to children and parents. I also think 3 does keep the tradition of Runaway smile and establishes you more consistently as a children’s author on the rise!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Phillipa 🙂
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philipparees said:
It’s called ‘blowing your own trumpet’ :not that you need to with an orchestra of friends who do it for you! A veritable fanfare awaits.And so it should!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Ha ha – so cute! Thank you 😀
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beetleypete said:
I see that the vote is split 50-50 with the leaders. I voted for Trumpephant, although I like Pandiano best, I can see he might look a little scary. And elephants are always popular, after all.
A hard decision for you, Nicholas!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I added the poll after 5 people had already voted for #3 (and 3 for #2a), so it’s pretty much a tie 🙂
Yes, it is! So, your help is much appreciated 😀
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MM Jaye said:
I’ll go with 2a. I like Pandiano more, but it might be a bit creepy for a children’s book. Trumpehant is cute, the concept is clearly shown, and I like how the trumpet extends to the left, showing motion.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
All excellent points. Thank you!
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Catherine Mackay said:
I think 2a is the way to go – Trumpephant really represents the joy of music the best and I think kids will love an elephant-like creature that has a trumpet for a trunk 😀
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Let’s hope you’re right 😀
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apboustead said:
sorry mate would love to help but blind so can’t see the images I sent that the group 1 is probably best personally but I’m sure I can’t see them good luck sorry can’t help
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Finally, someone who doesn’t judge a book by its cover 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
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apboustead said:
that’s write and I hope I do the same for people
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Charles Yallowitz said:
I see what you mean about Maraceros being a ‘smudge’. Not easy to figure out what he is. Honestly, I like Trumpephant because he’s clearly seen, easily identified as an elephant by kids, and looks friendly. Pandiano looks cool, but rather creepy especially for a children’s book. Reminds me of one of the things from 5 Nights at Freddy’s, which is a jump scare video game. So I think that might set the wrong tone. Also, you can’t really tell what animal type he’s supposed to be on sight. As for the multiple characters, it just seems too cluttered compared to the other ones that bring my attention right to the center and hold it.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
All excellent points. Thank you!
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Charles Yallowitz said:
You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing the winner.
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Patrick Jones said:
I can’t help it…I love the one with the piano teeth…2b Good luck Nicholas!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Me too! I just worry it’s too much for children 🙂
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Patrick Jones said:
Well…I don’t know! For me as an adult…that smile grabs me…but in the eyes of a child…hmmmm…didn’t think about that! Will be interesting to see which one wins!!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I’ll let you know 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Say, I’ve got a favor to ask. from reading The River I gather you know a thing or two about fishing, right? I’ve got a short story that features deep sea fishing, and wanted someone to check it for accuracy. Any chance I could impose?
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Patrick Jones said:
Sure…but I don’t know much about deep sea fishing…would be happy to take a look at it and see if I can help!! Would you like to just send a PDF to Sandy over at greymyre at gmail dot com? We will both read it. Jeremy Wade (on TV) is a fresh water fisherman that I watch all the time so maybe can offer some sort of insight? Thanks for offering Nicholas!! Take care and keep workin’ on that nursery!! 🙂 My daughter’s birthday is today so have been reminiscing about that day. They are always your little kid forever…she is 38 today 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Aw, that’s so sweet! Happy birthday and many happy returns 😀
Many thanks for offering to read – I just sent Sandy the story 🙂
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Patrick Jones said:
Perfect!! We’ll get right on it!! Lots of such neat memories with kids…hard to believe they are so old now…my son will be 41 on New Year’s Eve this year…wow…dating myself… 🙂 I just can’t even tell you the joy you will experience through the years. The one thing is you have to keep from laughing when they do stuff wrong!! You will have such fun…
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
*giggle*
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Sue Coletta said:
I like the one you have because it captures the nuance of the story i.e. musical animals. After I voted, it seems many others agree that it’s perfect. I can’t wait to read it!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you! 🙂
The one I have – you mean Trumpephant, right?
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Sue Coletta said:
Yup. That’s the little dude. Adorable! Though I am partial to elephants, anyway.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Sounds like many people are! 🙂
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macjam47 said:
My first choice is 2a, but 3 is a strong second. Though I like them all, I love the Trumpephant (but I have a collection of elephant figurines). He seems so much friendlier and joyful than Pandiano, Three would work because there are obviously more than one character in the book.
When will it be available?
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Perhaps as soon as next week 🙂
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macjam47 said:
🙂 🙂 🙂
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Jan Hawke said:
I think 3 the multiple solution is best as it reflects the whole village thing – and you could still put Macaceros in there as the principal character without bringing too much attention to the smudge! 😉
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
That’s a good point. We may have to come up with a “villagy” design just for the first page. Hmm… Poor Dimitris…
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D. Wallace Peach said:
Hi, 2a or 3. I like both quite a bit and can’t decide between. The covers are adorable.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you! I just spoke to Dimitris, and he’ll prepare a decent “villagy” cover. I’ll be sure to share when it’s ready! 🙂
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Courtney M. Wendleton said:
Reblogged this on Books and More and commented:
I like 2b or 3
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shehannemoore said:
I like 3 and 4. bet you wish you had never asked.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
On the contrary. This is great! I’d be lost without you guys 😀
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cleemckenzie said:
I’m going for 2a.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
A fine choice, indeed 🙂
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C.E.Robinson said:
Nicholas, I like either 2a or 3. 2a favors Runaway Smile (one character). 3 is a “village” orientation. Might be nice to go the village way. It’s a balanced three items as in Japanese art. And kids like a variety. Good luck with your choice! Chryssa
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I sense an additional “help me choose” coming up 😀
Thank you 🙂
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Bookwraiths said:
They were all great, but I really loved 2a and 2b. Ultimately, I picked 2a because one of my kids loved them when he was small.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Trumpephant is starting to pull ahead, it seems. Thank you! 🙂
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Elle Boca said:
They are all nice. I voted for 2a as I think it will be the one readers will relate to the best. I look forward to seeing the final.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Hey, long time, no see! Thank you, Elle 🙂
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John Maberry said:
I like 3 the best
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, John! 🙂
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Rachael Ritchey said:
I’m with most everyone else 2a or 3. I was most drawn to 3, but I can see why 2a would be another good choice. Good luck!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you! It seems to be split 50/50 🙂
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Rachael Ritchey said:
I was noticing that. 😀 I’m sure whichever you choose will be the right choice! 😉
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Erm, yes, me too 😀
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Rachael Ritchey said:
haha You got this. 😀
*HUGS*
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pursuitofanewadventure said:
I like 2a the best. Great designs! Congrats on your book.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you – and double thanks for the vote 🙂
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pursuitofanewadventure said:
Absolutely!
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edwinasepisodes said:
I loved a and b but couldn’t decide which, that is why I thought you should use a number of animals! 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Lol – it’s definitely a possibility 🙂
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dgkaye said:
Seems like Trumpephant is winning this race. 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
It’s almost 50/50 right now 🙂
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Linnea Tanner said:
I like option 2a Tumpephant and 3 Various Animals
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thanks! 🙂
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Ali Isaac said:
Dont use pandiano! He’s too scary for the cover!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Sigh… I’m afraid you’re right. Plus, he only got, like, 3 votes out of some 50. Poor thing’s devastated. He’s been hiding under my bed all morning.
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Ali Isaac said:
Oh poor thing! I do think hes a great character, just not for the cover.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I’ll be sure to let him know you said that 🙂
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
I went for option 3, variety looks good. That seems to be the most popular at the moment. Great cover art. 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
It’s almost evenly split between that and Trumpephant. Thank you for voting 🙂
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Yes I must say I liked Trumpephant too!
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Reblogged this on kyrosmagica and commented:
Help Nicolas Rossis choose a book cover for Musiville.
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khansana1000 said:
Option 3 , lot of animals give me more appeal of the village and idea of multiple characters in story!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
It does seem to be a popular choice. Thank you – and welcome 🙂
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Michelle Proulx said:
I like the many animals version. I’m not entirely sure why. It just … speaks to me.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Interesting! Thanks 🙂
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messupdressup03 said:
Loved option 3 and I love your blog ❤
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Yay! Thank you so much – and welcome 😀
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messupdressup03 said:
You’re welcome 😄
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
To quote from your blog (see pic):
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Problems With Infinity said:
2a and 3 are both awesome!!! 3 might make more sense b/c of the village thing since 2a isn’t the main character? I don’t know- but both of those are great!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Yay! Thanks 😀
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Widdershins said:
#3, but I have some ‘buts’s 🙂
The green background is way too strong. It takes over everything. It also doesn’t add anything to what you’re trying to convey with the other two elements of the cover.
Love the shape/whimsey of the title, but … the font’s too thin/weedy, and hard to read.
The critters and their positioning on the cover is perfect!
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thanks for the great feedback! The green is because we wanted it to stand out among the rest of the children’s books. Dimitris is working on an alternative version of #3. I’ll soon put it to the vote 🙂
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