🎨 The Secret Chemistry of a “Mojo” Book Cover

Why Some Images Stop Us Scrolling (and Others Don’t)

Have you ever noticed how some book covers grab you instantly…

…and others vanish into the background like wallpaper?

It’s not luck.

It’s not expensive software.

It’s not even “great drawing.”

It’s something quieter.

It’s visual mojo.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Eyes Come First (Always)

Humans are hard-wired to look at faces.

Especially eyes.

Before we read a title.
Before we notice colours.
Before we even know what the book is about…

We lock onto a face.

If your cover character’s eyes feel:

Empty
Lifeless
Too tiny
Looking away

You’ve lost the moment.

Great covers feel like:

“This character is looking at me.”

2. Leave a Little Mystery

The best covers don’t explain everything.

They whisper:

“Something interesting is happening… want to know?”

A character who looks:

Curious
Unsure
Thoughtful
Excited
Worried

…creates questions.

Questions create page turns.

3. Safety Sells (Especially to Parents)

Parents are your hidden customer.

They scan for:

Softness
Warmth
Friendliness
Emotional safety

Sharp edges.
Harsh colours.
Aggressive faces.

They’re gone.

A “safe” image doesn’t mean boring.
It means welcoming.

4. One Star Only

Your cover should have one hero.

One main face.
One main moment.
One emotional focus.

Not:

Three characters
A busy background
Ten visual ideas

Clarity beats cleverness.

Every time.

5. Imperfection = Personality

Perfect characters feel fake.

Quirky ones feel real.

A crooked smile.
Messy hair.
Big nose.
Uneven eyebrows.

These aren’t flaws.

They’re hooks.

Kids love characters who look like they might mess up.

Because… so do they.

6. Colour Is Silent Storytelling

Colours talk before words.

Ask yourself:

Does this feel calm?
Does it feel warm?
Does it feel inviting?

If your cover feels “cold,” it probably won’t convert.

The Formula for a Mojo Image

Here it is in simple terms:

✅ A face we connect with

✅ An emotion we recognise

✅ A mystery we want solved

✅ A world that feels safe

✅ A design that isn’t shouting

When those line up…

People stop scrolling.

They lean in.

They click.

A Quick Test for Your Own Covers

Before publishing, try this:

Shrink your cover to phone size.

Now ask:

Can I still see the face?
Do I still feel something?
Do I still feel curious?
Do I still feel safe?

If “no” to any…

Tweak.

Final Thought

Great children’s book covers don’t scream:

“Look how clever I am!”