I’ll ask my grandson for his opinion, but I like that cover. It’s very retro – kind of how children’s books covers used to look before they all started looking the same. The title type could be a little stronger, but the audience for this is young children, not adults or graphic designers.
Nevertheless, the lion is drawn in a less-than-skillful manner. Just because a child is okay with it doesn’t mean that it’s good for them, no matter what the Apple Jacks commercials say.
Actress Kristin Davis mentions African Safari with Ted and Raymond as a must read for your young children 🙂
Kristin Davis actress of “Sex and the City” reads “African Safari with Ted and Raymond” and writes about it as her top 8 Elephant reads. In Momtastic Entertainmet Magazine http://www.momtastic.com/entertainment/367539-kristin-davis-8-awesome-elephant-books-…
To each their own, I suppose. But consider this, art is like beauty – it’s in the eye of the beholder. Take for instance, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, would some consider it a mess of scribbles? Probably. Look at Picasso, his art is drawn and painted in a ‘less-than-skillful’ manner for sure- heck most of his art isn’t even created to the ‘proper’ proportions. My point is this, art is an expression of ones soul and it takes on all forms. So if we take a moment to step back – to truly look at children’s books for what they are, we might reconsider our opinions. A children’s book is written to allow us time with our kids. I grew up in tiny house, we didn’t have much that the world would consider valuable. But as I look back I realize the most valuable ‘things’ were unconditional love and TIME with those who cared about me. Our children are a mirror, they reflect the truth about who WE are as parents. With that said, we are all blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to love or to hate and we pass those values on to our children. We shouldn’t be surpirse when looking at the world at large, because bullying isn’t only a playground issue. Opinions are great and constructive criticism is just that – constructive. Choose wisely what you say and more importantly what you do, because how would you feel if your children had posted your words, listed above, on the internet?
Not trying to ‘shut-you-up’, just wondering why this site exists. If it’s nothing more than bashing other peoples work then whats the point? If it’s to be constructive, then fine. I’m glad you read to your kids, but again what does a ‘competent cover’ have to do with it? If the books not for you, then simply don’t buy it. Why is there a need to aggressive?
The point, as many indie writers have commented here, is that one can learn good tips on what NOT to do with one’s own covers by bad examples. Also, just like the websites for bad haircuts, bad movies, bad comics, bad translations, bad repair jobs… there are many people in the world who find these things funny.
Michelle
10 years ago
My daughter loves this book! It’s made for young children, not adults.
Michelle
10 years ago
My daughter loved this book! It’s drawn for children to relate to, not adults.
Lisa
10 years ago
I have to disagree that this book should be here. Dr. Seuss books are even more simplistic in the illustrations and they are well loved classics. Children are drawn to this type of art, that is why there are cartoons.
There is a difference between simple-but-skillful and, well, not. But I’m guessing that the Militant Fans Of African Safari that assembled here in the last couple of days feels differently.
The artwork inside is just as bad as the outside.
If I was a child reading this, I would cry.
I’ll ask my grandson for his opinion, but I like that cover. It’s very retro – kind of how children’s books covers used to look before they all started looking the same. The title type could be a little stronger, but the audience for this is young children, not adults or graphic designers.
Nevertheless, the lion is drawn in a less-than-skillful manner. Just because a child is okay with it doesn’t mean that it’s good for them, no matter what the Apple Jacks commercials say.
Actress Kristin Davis mentions African Safari with Ted and Raymond as a must read for your young children 🙂
Kristin Davis actress of “Sex and the City” reads “African Safari with Ted and Raymond” and writes about it as her top 8 Elephant reads. In Momtastic Entertainmet Magazine http://www.momtastic.com/entertainment/367539-kristin-davis-8-awesome-elephant-books-…
To each their own, I suppose. But consider this, art is like beauty – it’s in the eye of the beholder. Take for instance, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, would some consider it a mess of scribbles? Probably. Look at Picasso, his art is drawn and painted in a ‘less-than-skillful’ manner for sure- heck most of his art isn’t even created to the ‘proper’ proportions. My point is this, art is an expression of ones soul and it takes on all forms. So if we take a moment to step back – to truly look at children’s books for what they are, we might reconsider our opinions. A children’s book is written to allow us time with our kids. I grew up in tiny house, we didn’t have much that the world would consider valuable. But as I look back I realize the most valuable ‘things’ were unconditional love and TIME with those who cared about me. Our children are a mirror, they reflect the truth about who WE are as parents. With that said, we are all blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to love or to hate and we pass those values on to our children. We shouldn’t be surpirse when looking at the world at large, because bullying isn’t only a playground issue. Opinions are great and constructive criticism is just that – constructive. Choose wisely what you say and more importantly what you do, because how would you feel if your children had posted your words, listed above, on the internet?
Ah, yes. “Bullying.” The designated Shut-You-Up word when “racist” just doesn’t apply.
Hey, guess what? I’ve read tons to my kids — mostly books with competent covers.
Not trying to ‘shut-you-up’, just wondering why this site exists. If it’s nothing more than bashing other peoples work then whats the point? If it’s to be constructive, then fine. I’m glad you read to your kids, but again what does a ‘competent cover’ have to do with it? If the books not for you, then simply don’t buy it. Why is there a need to aggressive?
Hi. Welcome to the internet. First day?
The point, as many indie writers have commented here, is that one can learn good tips on what NOT to do with one’s own covers by bad examples. Also, just like the websites for bad haircuts, bad movies, bad comics, bad translations, bad repair jobs… there are many people in the world who find these things funny.
My daughter loves this book! It’s made for young children, not adults.
My daughter loved this book! It’s drawn for children to relate to, not adults.
I have to disagree that this book should be here. Dr. Seuss books are even more simplistic in the illustrations and they are well loved classics. Children are drawn to this type of art, that is why there are cartoons.
There is a difference between simple-but-skillful and, well, not. But I’m guessing that the Militant Fans Of African Safari that assembled here in the last couple of days feels differently.