Some of Our Favorite Picture Book Endpapers
One of my favorite things as a children’s book marketer is opening boxes of fresh, shiny new books. Whenever I get my hands on a new picture book, the first thing I do is flip it open to check out the endpapers.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the endpapers are what we call the spread of paper that is directly on the insides of the front and back book covers. Illustrators frequently use this spread to highlight moments from the story, create a fun pattern, or provide overall vibes.
While I can’t truly list all of my favorites (I simply have too many!), below are just a few I need you to see for yourself!
I am simply obsessed with the Charlie Mylie’s illustrations in Treehouse Town and the endpapers in this picture book remind me of my childhood, exploring the woods in my neighborhood park.
Wander through the Birch Bazaar, hitch a ride on the Tulip Train, explore the library in the hemlocks, or play birdball high in the sky. There’s something for everyone in Treehouse Town, a world built by children that’s as endless as their imaginations.
Winter is one of my favorite seasons, and I can’t get enough of Renée Kurilla’s adorable art! These end papers have me wanting to curl up with a mug of cocoa.
Pull out your warmest coat, mittens, and scarf! It’s time for sledding, skating, and snowmen! And don’t forget the hot chocolate, decorations, and special time with family and friends—it’s winter! From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, get in the spirit of the season with this joyful rhyming follow-up to It’s Fall! from a New York Times bestselling creator.
My mouth is watering looking at the endpapers for Soy Sauce! Did you know that author/illustrator Laura G. Lee used real soy sauce as paint?! It’s beyond inventive and makes this book extra special.
Luan makes a classic Chinese soy sauce. Haru uses his own recipe at his family’s traditional Japanese brewery. And Yoo-mi’s Korean soy sauce features special ingredients to make it spicy and sweet.
With unique ingredients that reflect different Asian cultures, and a brewing process that can take years, even decades, soy sauce holds deep meaning and flavorful history in every drop.Everything Michaela Goade touches is gold, and the entirety of Berry Song is a masterpiece. I love that these endpapers show off the variety of berries spoken about throughout this beautiful story.
Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry.
Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry, Crowberry.
Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade’s luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth.
Have you ever seen cuter mice in your life? I haven’t. I love that these endpapers show us the entirety of the sweet Mouse family.
Fun fact: Illustrator Leah Hong and I both attended Emily Carr University of Art + Design!
Owls are my favorite of birds, so I was already set up to fall in love with anything pertaining to Urban Owls. And while there are no owls featured on the endpapers (you’ll have to peek at the case cover for hidden owls), I’m a sucker for a gorgeous starry night sky and stunning color palette.
Lifelong birder Christian Cooper introduces us to the majestic owls that have made New York City their home. Learn about Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl that captured all our hearts, Barry the Barred Owl, Geraldine the Great Horned Owl, and Rocky the Saw-whet Owl.
What is special about these gorgeous endpapers is that they are essentially an extension of the story, showing little extra little scenes with Skully and Skelly!
