Courtney Erickson Creative

Stories leave lasting impressions, sure. But have you ever picked up an old book and felt instantly transported back to a specific moment in your life? Sometimes it’s the smell of the pages, the texture of the cover, or the weight of the book in your hands that brings those memories rushing back.

One of my favorite compliments I received from several people who ordered my book was how much they loved the sturdy quality of The Loon of Ayers Lake. This meant the world to me because the quality and feel of my book mattered just as much to me as the illustrations and the story itself.

When the time came to decide on the design and quality of my first children’s book, I quickly learned that there is an overwhelming number of book sizes, paper options, and formats to choose from, including hardcover, softcover, and board books. To find inspiration, I turned to my daughter’s bookshelf and the children’s section of my local bookstore. I spent time holding books of different sizes, shapes, and qualities, taking note of what felt the most enjoyable to read.

This process helped me clarify my vision for how I wanted the book to look and feel in readers’ hands. As I worked through my options, I kept a personal quality checklist in mind:

1. I wanted the book to be comfortable for adults to hold with one hand, making it easy to read aloud and share with children.
   
2. I chose a hardcover format because I’ve always loved the sturdy, high-quality feel of hardcover books and wanted readers to have that same experience.
   
3. I selected a landscape layout because the story takes place on a lake, and the wider format allowed me to showcase the scenery in a way that felt more natural.

The book that inspired me most was Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I remember my grandmother reading it to me over and over again as a child. The book’s sturdy 8×8 hardcover format and large, easy-to-read text made it perfect for sharing at bedtime. I especially loved that while she read the words on one page, I could focus on the illustration on the opposite page. That experience left a lasting impression on me and influenced how I thought about the relationship between text and illustrations when designing my own book.

I learned so much from creating this book from start to finish. Children’s books have the power to create lasting memories for both children and the adults who share them. Children love them, adults treasure the time spent reading them, and the books get to fulfill their purpose.

What children’s book left the biggest impression on you as a child?