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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Choose the Right Color Palette for Children\u2019s Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Two factors should be top of mind when selecting a children’s book color palette: the psychology of color and matching colors to the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psychology of color<\/a> simply means that certain colors evoke certain emotions. This is a subtle science, and it affects both adults and children. For example, red is a color that denotes aggression, warmth or power. A book with a red cover or prominent red accents signals fear, anger, or passion. Red is a good fit for a scary chapter book or picture book about emotions. Yellow is happy, meaning a yellow book cover signals an uplifting, lighthearted, feel-good story. Blue is, of course, calming. A dark blue cover is perfect for a bedtime story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to pick a color not just because you like it, but because it reflects the tone of the story. Even though kids might not realize it consciously, these visual connections are highly influential to their experience with your book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, children are drawn to bright colors. Don\u2019t be afraid to go loud and proud with your color palette for kids. What might feel tacky to an adult will look enticing to a young child. When designing a coloring book palette or a childrens\u2019 paint palette for a paint-by-number book, the more colorful the better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A children\u2019s color palette emphasizing neutrals like black, white, gray, and brown will not catch a child\u2019s eye, but may be the right choice to complement other colors. Dark colors should have a light or bright accent. Dark and neutral colors evoke a more serious tone, which is indeed appropriate for some topics. As the target age range goes up, designs will become more sophisticated and muted in tones. <\/p>\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at some real world examples of how successful books utilize a kids\u2019 color palette for their target age range and genre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pigeon<\/em> series<\/a> by Mo Willems is a lighthearted picture book series. All Pigeon<\/em> books have a silly cartoon of the iconic protagonist, a light blue pigeon, on the cover. It\u2019s crucial to use a consistent design for each book cover in the series so that kids recognize the books as a group that goes together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can change the kids\u2019 book color combinations from book to book, but certain design elements should be consistent. In The Pigeon<\/em> series, each cover\u2019s illustration always reflects the illustrations inside. The title is always in black typographic font inside a speech bubble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The covers in this bestselling series keep it simple and consistent, with the light blue pigeon and a light-colored background, such as peach or light green. At times, the speech bubble encompassing the title is a light neutral, such as light gray or a lighter shade of the background color. Though these colors are not extra bright, the large font, the mischievous, recognizable, and lovable pigeon, and the consistent branding makes this an excellent example of a successful color palette for children’s books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: There are some exceptions to the light colors in the covers, but as you\u2019ll see, they all match the story. One is a school bus yellow background, fitting for The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!<\/em> The dark navy background, reminiscent of the night sky, is appropriate for the bedtime book, Don\u2019t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!<\/em> What does the color brown mean to a kid? This typically brings to mind mud or dirt, which is why The Pigeon Needs a Bath! <\/em>has a brown background. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pexels-lina-kivaka-5624377-scaled-2-683x1024.jpg?resize=683%2C1024\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2 Examples of Children\u2019s Book Color Palettes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For a Series, Consistency is Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUtilize Contrast to Your Advantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n