Best book covers of 2015 – My pick of New Zealand’s finest

We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but a title's jacket performs an important role. It signals what is within, and it entices you to pick it from a shelf. Here's my picks for New Zealand's best book covers of 2015:

#1 First to the top by David Hill, illustrated by Phoebe Morris. This is a clever, cool picture book about Sir Edmund Hillary, and Phoebe's illustrations are so crisp and character-filled I kept going back and looking again. Find out more about Phoebe on the Penguin Random House website and visit Phoebe's website.

#2 Work by Sarah Jane Barnett. Why is it that books of poetry often have superfine covers? I don't know, but this typographic beauty is so strong and potent, I can't look away. Love that blast of yellow too.  

#3 For someone I love: A collection of writing by Arapera Hineira Blank. A joyously beautiful photo makes a brilliant book cover. This is Arapera Blank and her Swiss husband, photographer Pius Blank.

Here are some more of my favourites:

New Zealanders

Plenty of titles make the most of New Zealand characters.

Poetry

Artful, creative, eye-pleasing - here are volumes of poetry that capture attention.

For kids

Here's three bold covers, including a new picture book by Vasanti Unka.

Colours and patterns

Striking uses of colour and texture make for standout covers.

Special mention

BWB texts - The book design of these texts is plain, but much like Penguin Books there is virtue in that simplicity. This distinctive design signifies the quality thinking to be found within.

• Best reads 2015
• Best book covers of 2014 – My pick of New Zealand’s finest
• Best book covers of 2013 – My pick of New Zealand’s finest
• The colourful book covers of 2012
• Best book covers of 2012 - New Zealand's finest

For more book cover and design, see the PANZ Book Design Awards.

Kōrerorero mai - Join the conversation.