This meme was started by Books by Proxy, whose fabulous idea was to compare UK and US book covers and decide which is we prefer. This meme is being nurtured by Lynn’s Book Blog and this week we are featuring covers with SPIDER WEBS. I’ve selected Wintersmith – Book 3 of the Tiffany Aching series and Book 35 of the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett.
This edition was produced by Corgi Childrens in July 2010. This is the cover that caused me to choose it for this theme, given that the scene is swathed in spider webs. I do have a soft spot for this cover as it is the one I have on my own copy of the book – and given that this story holds a special place in my heart, I have a real fondness for it. But it isn’t my favourite.
Published in October 2006 by HarperTempest, this is another strong contender. I really like it – the snowflakes make an attractive addition and the fact we don’t see Tiffany’s face gives it a sense of mystery and allows me to continue with my own imagined appearance for one of my favourite young protagonists. I’m also delighted that one of the Nac Mac Feegle makes an appearance. When my grandson was reading this series, ‘Crivens!’ became a favourite family exclamation…
This edition, published by Corgi Childrens in September 2007, is my favourite. It encapsulates the style of the original Discworld covers – and again we have three of the main Nac Mac Feegle warriors – Rob Anybody, Daft Wullie and Big Yan. I love the font and overall design. And while I’m aware that Pratchett’s name doesn’t appear to be very visible – it is highly likely to be embossed, seeing as it is on all our covers.
This edition, produced by HarperCollins in September 2015 is the only one not featuring any of the colourful characters from the story. But nonetheless, it is an attractive cover. I love the three-D effect of the title font with the green leaves twining through it and the author font is nicely balanced. The deep blue shading into the black works well with the sense of chill and coldness evoked by the title. My only misgiving is that this title doesn’t convey the humour of this story – unlike all the other designs.
This edition, published by Corgi Childrens in May 2017, is also a contender. I love this one. Lots of drama and movement, with a cool graphic novel treatment of Tiffany Aching on her broomstick, giving those Nac Mac Feegle a lift. The snowflakes, flowing cloak and antics of those naughty blue men provide sufficient appeal for the younger market – though this one is too good to just leave to the children. It was so nearly my favourite, but I did feel the title was just a bit too small. Which is your favourite?
Brainfluff 
Apart from the 2nd cover , I like all of em , the first one is my favourite , it feels very “children fairy tale” sort .
I have had Discworld on my tbr for a long time , but everyone says it’s a parody of fantasy books , and I haven’t read a lot of fantasies , hence I have kept it on thay self , plus worried about the length , I wonder if I should read it
I won’t claim that the Discworld series is for everyone – it’s not. Like all humour, it is a question of taste. But it’s more a parody of the modern world, using fantasy as a vehicle, so there aren’t any ‘in’ jokes that you won’t get. I’d advise you to try it – if you don’t find it to your taste, then you can bail fairly fast and no harm done. But if you do happen to love it – there is a wonderful reading experience for you to bask in and there really is nothing else quite like it…
I like most of them. The last one is my favorite.
Thank you, Laura. It is really appealing – I found myself being more drawn to it, once I saw it full-sized.
HarperCollins 2015 is my favorite. You’re right that it doesn’t really convey much of the story, but you are spot on about it being attractive! 😀
It has a charm of its own – and is particularly appealing for readers who don’t appreciate seeing their favourite characters actually brought to life by someone who doesn’t share their own vision of what they should look like:).
I’ve started with the Discworld Novels when I was in school and then I stopped. I should pick them up again. I remember I enjoyed them sooo much.
The last one on your list will be my favorite. Mainly because it features the snowflakes so nicely and that reminds me of my blog!
Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Mareli:)). I’m completely biased, but the Discworld series is a complete joy. And something that would make a delightful escape right now…
Yes, thank you – it’s been a hugely hectic weekend, but overall it’s been fun:)).
I like the first cover: that circle of light around the characters and the surrounding darkness look interesting while not giving any hint of mortal threat, only of mysteries to be solved… 🙂
I know! Though there are high stakes and mortal threats, but served up with humour and humanity… The Tiffany Aching books are simply magical in every sense of the word.
I think the Harper Tempest is my favorite. Its the cover I remember when the book was released. 😁
Yes – and it’s the cover we have, too:)). So I’m also very fond of this one, Tammy.
I prefer the HarperCollins cover without the characters, as I usually like the artwork without the faces. Lovely colors and great font!
Yes – I often have a weakness for covers without faces, too. And that title font is really effective, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s great!
I like both the July, 2010 and May 2017 from Corgi Childrens. The Harper Collins is quite lovely.
Thank you, Jennie:)). They are lovely covers, aren’t they? Which is great – because it’s a lovely book…
Yes, it is!
While I do like the first one, the Corgi Children Publication in 2007 is really cool with the blue men, but I think my favorite is the last one. It has both the protagonist and the blue men in an active scene with the snow! It just works! I agree, though, that the title is a bit too small.
Yes – it’s a great cover, Wanda. There isn’t one here that I actually dislike…
I love that Corgi cover – it just feels ‘Pratchett’.
Lynn 😀
It does summon up echoes of the Discworld – and of course Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg have major roles in this one… I love the Tiffany Aching series more than a fair number of the later Discworld series – I’ve just been listening to this one again on Audible and it blew me away with the quality of the writing and the story-telling!
What a tough decision, but I think I am going with the first one.
Oh yes, Tchaikovsky is fortunate is having some really strong covers as his default…