I first discovered Erin McGuire's artwork when I reviewed French Ducks in Venice in the early days of this blog. Ever since then, I have kept an eye out for her distinct style and have discovered that she has done the covers - and sometimes the interior artwork - for many chapter books and novels. Today's list is a sampling of some of the wonderful covers she has done!
- A Song for Bijou by Josh Farrar
When Alex develops a crush on Bijou, he does not realize how her strict family, her experiences during the 2010 Haitian earthquake, and the judgmental attitudes of their classmates will impact their budding relationship. - Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
When Hazel's best friend Jack is hit by a snowball containing a shard of glass, he suddenly becomes cruel and callous, then disappears into the woods with a mysterious woman. In this retelling of The Snow Queen, Hazel realizes she must be the one to save him and bring him home again.
- The Hard Pan Trilogy by Susan Patron
In this series, which begins with the 2007 Newbery Medal winner, The Higher Power of Lucky, a young orphan from a very small town in California struggles to come to terms with the loss of her mother, the love of her guardian, Brigitte, and various other problems that befall her community. The first two books were originally illustrated by Matt Phelan, but Erin McGuire redid the covers when the third book was published in 2011. The titles in this trilogy, with links to my reviews are below: - The Higher Power of Lucky (2006)
- Lucky Breaks (2009)
- Lucky for Good (2011)
- Nancy Drew Diaries series by Carolyn Keene
This latest middle grade reboot of the Nancy Drew series represents a return to the traditional sleuthing associated with the character, without relying on a lot of technological gadgets and other modern aids to solve her cases. There are ten titles in the series. (Links are to my reviews, where available.) - Curse of the Arctic Star
- Strangers on a Train
- Mystery of the Midnight Rider
- Once Upon a Thriller
- Sabotage at Willow Woods
- Secret at Mystic Lake
- The Phantom of Nantucket
- The Magician's Secret
- The Clue at Black Creek Farm
- A Script for Danger
- Saranormal series by Phoebe Rivers
Sara Collins is a twelve-year-old psychic who tries to lead a normal life while also communicating with ghosts and discovering more and more of her own supernatural powers. There are 11 titles in the series. (Links are to my reviews.)
- Ghost Town
- Haunted Memories
- Mischief Night
- Spirits of the Season
- Moment of Truth
- Giving Up the Ghost
- The Secrets Within
- Kindred Spirits
- Playing with Fire
- A Perfect Storm
- Yesterday and Today
- Shelter Pet Squad series by Cynthia Lord
In this chapter book series, Suzannah, a second grader, can't have a pet of her own due to her landlord's strict rules, so instead she joins the Shelter Pet Squad, where she is the youngest member. In each book of the series, the squad works to find a home for a specific animal by researching it needs and finding the best potential owner to meet them. There are three books so far. (Links are to my reviews.)
- Jelly Bean
- Merlin
- Paloma
For samples from these books, and more art by Erin McGuire, visit her website. See more illustrator book lists here.
