Q&A.
1. Originally I was gearing my book towards children, I was interested in creating a visual dictionary. I planned to include a catalogue of images (14 per category) that fall in these categories; fruits, vegetables, tools, kitchen utensils, colours, shapes, and school supplies. From this catalogue I would include an image of each object as well as a definition and fact section. Reg suggested that I create a section in the book which includes worksheets and plans geared towards teachers so that they can use the book in their classes. Basically what I’m getting at is should I gear the book to children or teachers?
2. If I choose to gear the book to children, should I bind it with a hard or soft cover? If I choose to gear the book to teachers, should I bind it so that it can be opened completely flat? How?
3. What should I name my book? I’ve been thinking of Things You Should Know, Stuff You Should Know, etc.
Please help, I would really appreciate it! 
Filed under: Book Design | 8 Comments
1. Personally, I don’t think it needs to be mutually exclusive. I think you can definitely include the worksheets in the book, gear it towards children, and teachers could still use the worksheets in their classroom (photocopying and whatnot). If you design it in such a way so that it can be fun enough to appeal to children but serious enough that teachers will pick it up then I don’t think you need to make it purely one or the other. Working in a bookstore, I can tell you that teachers pick up all kinds of supplies for their classroom and it’s not always stuff “geared towards teachers” sometimes it’s stuff meant for kids that they think the kids can relate to better (and, honestly, the stuff geared towards a child audience probably explains it better and teachers find that really helpful when they aren’t sure how to explain it themselves). That was kind of long-winded but, yeah, that’s my suggestion.
2. Depends on how it’s meant to be used. Softcovers are lighter weight but tear more easily (and kids aren’t the most careful with stuff like that so it gets destroyed – trust me – really quickly). Hardcover lasts longer but is generally heavier but has the advantage that, yes, it will usually lay flat better. The way to do this, from what I’ve seen of similar books, is to sew it and use paper that is not stiff so it has the natural tendency to fall flat rather than stick up (also, it’s usually of the lighter weight variety – sometimes light gloss).
3. Those both sound pretty good. Kids like fun or weird titles, especially for books that are supposed to be teaching them things so I definitely recommend going with something fun and maybe a little off-the-wall. Kids appreciate humorous (often bordering on rambling) titles and it helps to get them interested enough to pick it up (again, coming from someone who’s worked with kids books etc).
1) I think making the books for kids would be good, because kids like to interact with colourful, fun books made for them. You can have learning aspects in it, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be designed for the target audience of the teacher. Just as long as it is kid-friendly.
2) Hardcover. Children are maniacs and destroy everything.
1. Don’t worry too much about whether you are targeting to teachers or children, because the worksheet idea will work for both, as well as parents!
2. I think hard cover is better, just because children don’t know how to take good care of their stuff. They will break / torn the book apart very soon if you make a soft cover. However, keep in mind that it might be better if the hard cover is rounded at the corners, so that it’s more friendly and it won’t hurt the kids.
It sounds like your book can be helpful to both the teacher and child. However you need to differentiate the two section wither by paper stoke or design style… I believe the different paper stock can help with the separation (that is if you choose to do both).
You can also write the book to Parents to teach their children. Write an introduction for parents/teachers stating that this book is a workbook for children to read, enjoy, and play with…. That it is intended for them and only them.
If geared to kids, a strong sturdy cover would be best. They destroy everything. Thinking about purpose Hard might be better.
Also, Identify an age group for your book,that can direct the aesthetics of your book.
1. Maybe try doing a dual purpose or what I mean is, do it for both children and teachers. Maybe do all children stuff on the Recto side and all the teachers stuff on the Verso side. To distinguish from the two sides, maybe have the teachers side to be greyscale and the children side to be full of colour.
3. I think you should be more playful with the book title! If it’s geared towards children, maybe…..Alphabet soup? (haha. I don’t know) But, “Stuff you Should Know” is actually the name of a pretty popular podcast. They talk about everything and it’s pretty interesting!
1. agree with Karen! the worksheets can work for both children and teachers. (and they will most likely use the book together anyway). so kind of like what you told me the other day, a space for kids and teachers to put their own words and definitions.
2. hmmm soft cover that doesn’t rip easily… that’s a difficult question D: I’ve seen little kids books made of felt instead of paper and thought that was really interesting. Some of them also had texture elements kids can touch and feel, and some pages make a crumbling paper noise and etc. You should try something fun if you have enough time!
3. I think “should” is too much of a strong word for kids. something that sounds more softer? “things we like” or something more friendly like that.
2. I think the hardcover would work very well with your book especially since it’s geared to children and teachers who teach children.
On a side note, you can consider a soft cover with a glossy finish. Something you can think about if you don’t want it to be scratched brutally by children!
1. I like the idea of gearing it towards children. There are soooo many more oportunities! I feel like the teach ting limits your creativity. They ould probably want something really flat and to the point, less room for fun design.
2. Whether it’s for kids of teachers of kids make it hard cover. It’s mch more durable. If you should choose to do a soft cover, round the corners so that it might be slightly more durable over the years.