City of Stolen Magic
Children’s Book Cover Design

Book Cover Design – City of Stolen Magic
Shortlisted Entry | Penguin Cover Design Award 2024 – Children’s Fiction Category

This book cover was designed as a submission for the 2024 Penguin Cover Design Award (Children’s Fiction category), where it was selected as one of the top ten shortlisted entries for final judging in June 2024.

City of Stolen Magic is a captivating historical fantasy novel aimed at readers aged 9–12. My design approach focused on capturing the dynamic relationship between the main protagonist and antagonist while visually reflecting the story’s fast-paced, dramatic tone.

A key design element was the use of contrasting colours (fire tones and indigo) both of which play an important role in the narrative. This contrast also symbolises the cultural and geographical divide between the two characters and their respective home cities.

The cover incorporates meaningful story elements, including a taviz (protective amulet), iconic architecture from Dacca and London, a horse-drawn carriage, and a boat with a date palm mast. These details help ground the story's fantastical elements in a vivid, culturally rich visual world.

The book cover for 'City of Stolen Magic' by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak. The cover features a reaching out, surrounded by flames, with iconic landmarks like Big Ben in flames and a flying horse, set against a starry night sky with whimsical illustrations of a man in a coat, a flying teapot, a girl in a dress, and a magician's top hat.
Concept development board titled 'City of Stolen Magic' with sections labeled Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver. Section 1 features a mind map of book design elements, target audiences, and themes. Section 2 displays sketches of book covers with inspiration from Indian fabric and patterns. Section 3 shows a mood board with bright colors, Indian motifs, and visual hierarchy. Section 4 presents final cover artwork with detailed illustrations, color contrast, and typography. The background is a starry night sky with fireworks and a silhouette of a city skyline.

A concept board was designed as part of the competition entry, detailing the design process from research to the final rendering.

The front and back cover of a book titled 'City of Stolen Magic' with colorful illustrations of a cityscape, palm trees, a woman sitting on stairs, a clock tower, and animated characters against a dark starry background.
Books and magazines displayed on a wooden shelving unit with a large television screen in the center, located on a wooden floor.
A person holding a book titled 'City of Stolen Magic' by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak. The book cover features a whimsical illustration with a woman sitting among fire, a large clock resembling Big Ben, a unicorn, hot air balloons, and other fantasy elements
The back cover of a fantasy book titled 'Champa.' The cover has a dark blue background with illustrations of a magic lamp, a feather, a top hat, decorative lanterns, and flowers. The text provides a brief summary of the story set in 1855 India, invol
A person holding a board game titled 'City of Stolen Magic' in a store aisle with shelves of other games in the background.

All shortlisted entries for each competition category were displayed in an exhibition at Penguin Randomhouse Studios Office, London. (Second from Left, Second from Top) Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to tour the studios and the exhibition.