• Home
  • About Us
    • Media
    • Contact
  • Coaching
  • Speaking
  • Our Podcast
  • Our Blog
    • Josh’s Blog
    • Christi’s Blog
    • Our Videos
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Dr. Josh and Christi

Help Us Choose a Book Cover!

March 19, 2015 By Joshua Straub 95 Comments

 

We have some big news to share! No, we’re not pregnant.

I’m excited to announce that my first parenting book will officially release on October 20, 2015! It’s called Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well.

In anticipation of its release, we want to thank you for celebrating with us and are thrilled you’re a part of this journey.

The publishing team at Waterbrook Multnomah is working hard to make this book attractive to readers. And because your opinion matters to us, we would love for you to help pick the book cover. We’ve narrowed it down to the four covers below.

To vote for your favorite, simply comment below with your vote.

As a special thank you, we’ll randomly choose a name from all who comment before Friday, March 20th at 4pm EST.

The winner will receive our free video and workbook series, The Screen-Balanced Family: Six Secrets to a More Connected Family in the 21st Century.

Thanks for joining us on this journey, voting, and spreading the word!

Related Posts

  • #51: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well#51: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well
  • 4 Ways to Champion Safe House Together4 Ways to Champion Safe House Together
  • 4 Unhealthy Messages We Send to Our Kids—and the One They Need to Hear4 Unhealthy Messages We Send to Our Kids—and the One They Need to Hear
  • Creating a Safe Family Where Your Children Can Thrive –Focus on the FamilyCreating a Safe Family Where Your Children Can Thrive –Focus on the Family
  • Super Exciting News!Super Exciting News!

Filed Under: Family, Marriage, Parenting Tagged With: Parenting, Safe House

« 2 Ways To Stop Pleading, Begging, and Bribing Your Kids
The Stay-at-Home Mom or The Working Mom: Who Has It Better? »

Comments

  1. MT says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    1

    Reply
    • joshuastraub@gmail.com says

      March 24, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you MT!

      Reply
  2. drgregsmalley@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    I like option 3

    Reply
  3. Kintner says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    3

    Reply
  4. Sarah Columbus says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Hey professor!

    I would vote option number four. For a moment there, I did think ya’ll were pregnant! Congrats on the book!

    Sarah Columbus

    Reply
  5. Mark Camper says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    Option 1

    Reply
  6. CS says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    4!!!

    Reply
  7. michelle@winningathome.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    I like option 1, but with the title text from option 3. I like the title text with the “e” being a light. Great job, Josh!

    Reply
  8. Cheri says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I vote for option 3!

    Reply
  9. kathymallonee@ymail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    If I were just browsing books on a shelf I think option #2 would jump out at me more.
    Kathy M

    Reply
  10. mruble71@yahoo.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I vote for number three 🙂

    Reply
  11. Kelli says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    Through the eyes of a graphic designer, I have to go with Option three. It is the one that best illustrates what the title is really saying. Options one and four are visually compelling but are a bit misleading from the subject of the book. I think more about physical safety when I see those images. All four work on some level and what an accomplishment no matter which cover you go with!

    Reply
  12. Doug says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Option 3

    Reply
  13. jamesdmahan@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Option 3 fits with the title

    Reply
  14. kpasskiewicz@bellsouth.net says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    As I sit and stare at the covers I think #4 pops with my eyes! Riding bikes for the first time is an emotional high for a child and they have to trust the person that is walking alongside them! I vote #4!

    Reply
  15. Jordan Mulson says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Exciting news! No doubt gonna be an awesome book, no matter the cover art.

    If I had to pick one as they are, I’d pick #2. Very straight forward and stands out.

    I agree with some others that the “logo” from #3 best represents the books topic. But, I like #3 the least, overall.

    If I could tweak #2, I’d add the “logo” from #3 and then change the background color to a “Twitter blue”, which “scientifically” (whatever that means) is shown to evoke a sense of trust, strength, and dependability.

    Reply
  16. melissacoy75@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Option 3 is best

    Reply
  17. Shawn says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    2

    Reply
  18. Torin Berge says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    I’d go with 3.

    Reply
  19. Selly Nia says

    March 19, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Option 3. Good picture of a kid looking safe and at home

    Reply
  20. carrie@carrieotoole.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    I like 3 because it looks like an emotionally safe and happy child. I’m also drawn to 4, but I think 3 fits the title better. Congrats Josh!! So excited to read and share your new book!

    Reply
  21. Jackie says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    Can we have another option that shows more of “emotional” safety? The bike in #1 is good, but that is showing physical safety. Thank you.

    Reply
  22. Big Earl says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    The covers here don’t show what you’re trying to convey.

    Reply
  23. Jan Phillips says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Option 1 – I like the color scheme, the font and the trike image showing child being a little independent riding on his/her own (I think because the child is on a tricycle, there is an implication that a parent might be nearby – not so much with option 4 with older child on bike) – #3 looks like the child is ‘swaddled’ and seems to only indicate protection, not any independence on part of the child). Jan Phillips

    Reply
  24. becerra1@cox.net says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    Option 2 conveys the message of this book the best to me, and option 3 would be my next choice. Can’t wait to read it! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Pam Strayer says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    I like option 1. Congrats, Josh!

    Reply
  26. Atlee McCray says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    I like option 4

    Reply
  27. drewsheldrake@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    Option. 1 if choosing from your site. I would like to see a young person sitting on a couch In front of the television or at a desk in front of a computer. Their parent (s) could be in the background. Young people are basing their identity and self worth from what they see on television and / or what they read on the Internet and social media.
    Drew

    Reply
  28. Virginia Hornor says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    I like option 3. The kid on the cover looks happy and comfortable.

    Reply
  29. Davidwwilson@mac.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    Option 2 to conveys relevance across a wide audience. The child holding the parents hand is symbolic of safety and a sense of home. Options 1 and 4 convey recreation or even a up coming journey the message of Safe “House” is lost. Option 3 is my least favorite; Is the kid getting squished between a hug and a couch? What if I am not caucasian (white)…

    My choice is option 2

    Reply
  30. Eclectic Interests says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    I agree with Jennifer B. I like Option 2 and my second choice would be Option 3. I am Susan Wells with Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk and was asked to weigh in on the cover. How exciting! Thank you for this opportunity.

    Reply
  31. juan says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    3 is best (insofar as playing off of the title/concept) except for the stacked type treatment of author’s name.

    Reply
  32. juan says

    March 19, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Big Earl has a good point.. not sure I’d satisfice with any of these

    Reply
  33. Michael Simmons says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Josh I’m so excited about your new book. Hey kids sell things that’s why we see so many of them used in advertising. I can picture the kids in the latest auto insurance ad with the one that’s standing in line at the DMV who gets a high number, and the ones at dinner and can’t get the waiter to stop at their table (waiter, waiter…) So number 3 is it. at least in my humble opinion

    Reply
  34. jenifer.browne@myfamilytalk.org says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    Option 4 is my first choice. My second choice is Option 3 sans the picture.

    Reply
  35. info@sundijo.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    1

    Reply
  36. kathybluebird@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    number 3

    Reply
  37. kurtzylady@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    Based on the topic, I like option 2. However, I would encourage a different background color. Red often indicates danger. While it is attention grabbing (which is good for attracting consumers), it may not convey the feelings of safety and emotional calmness that you are perhaps hoping to convey once the consumer takes it home.

    I also like both bike covers. In order for a child to be independent and confident, he or she must first feel safe.

    No matter what you choose, I’m sure it will be wildly successful. I’m looking forward to getting a copy.

    Reply
  38. erinwalton07@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I say option two! Red always draws the eye and I love the child walking hand and hand looking at the parent! Congratulations on your new book Josh!
    Erin walton

    Reply
  39. knapp@destinyinstitute.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    Option 2 – the other covers don’t seem to capture sufficiently the purpose of the book.
    Congratulations!

    Reply
  40. ILIke2MakeUSmile@aol.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    I option 1

    Reply
  41. hannah.parmelee@pepperdine.edu says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    Option 2 is my first choice. Option 1 is my second choice. Congrats!

    Reply
  42. swapensky@liberty.edu says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    I like option 2. I believe that it conveys the message of the book. The other pictures are very nice, but number 2 tops them all.

    Reply
  43. mea@woodhills.org says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Option 1- love the training wheels, implies safety to us mamas 🙂 Also like the light sun-bleached colors, if I saw this book I would pick it up. Classy 🙂

    Reply
  44. Terri Brown says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    Option 1 is the safest “feeling” cover. Red is not a safe color to me. I’d pick it up and read the back. 🙂

    Reply
  45. kcandange08@aol.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Both Option 1 and 2 are great.

    Reply
  46. anhoutz@hotmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    I am having a hard time choosing between 1 and 3. I like the background on 3 better, but I like the wording layout on 1 better. So, I would probably choose 1. Either way I will be sure to read it.

    Reply
  47. Joby says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    My vote is Option 1, but no to the green for the font and less contrast to the image (more pop, less washed out haze). Option 2 won’t make it off the shelf, because it blends in too much with all the other covers. Nice font style on 3, but layout is wrong; too textbook-like. Option 4 is a DVD/VHS cover.

    Reply
  48. Michele Rigel says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Option 1 🙂
    Congrats!!

    Reply
  49. steve.jump@myfamilytalk.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Option 2 gets my vote

    Reply
  50. Jane says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I think Option 1 or 4 — I’d change the typography placement on #1 but I do like the photos..

    Reply
  51. stacy@iscolorado.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Option #4 is my top pick as they stand now. #2 would be my top if the red were either black, navy or some other saturated color.
    I am so excited! I can’t wait to read it. Congrats~

    Reply
  52. matt@nameonline.net says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Option 4! Modern design and best typography!

    Reply
  53. kkmiraldi@msn.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:22 pm

    1 or 4…can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  54. jstewart@lgcs.org says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    Love the font with the lamp play on ‘f’ on #3, but I love the training wheel image on #1.
    I’m no help at all. 🙂

    Reply
  55. Amy Adams says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    I think option 2 is the best … I think the picture captures the meaning of the best. You could turn that into a real life photo …

    Reply
  56. AD says

    March 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    Option 1

    Reply
  57. Janelle says

    March 19, 2015 at 7:50 pm

    3 says it all to me.

    Reply
  58. micah.sage@gmail.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Option 2.

    Reply
  59. theresabalatincz@yahoo.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    I like option 4, however 3 I good I would just have your name and title towards the bottom of the cover like the rest of them:)

    Reply
  60. JT says

    March 19, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    1

    However, I like the creative around the light and would attempt to build that out to better integrate within the messaging of the title. Not sure why the light is illuminating only the “e?” Perhaps it curved more toward the center and illuminated the entire word “house.” Plus, it may help with the branding around the term safe house if a parents hand were on the shoulder of the child sleeping.

    Very excited for you!

    JT

    Reply
  61. Laurie Hart says

    March 19, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    I like option 3!!

    Reply
  62. Brooke Wagner says

    March 19, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    1 or 4.

    Reply
  63. Sam shepherd says

    March 19, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    Option 1, love the training wheels metaphor

    Reply
  64. lund51@verizon.net says

    March 19, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    option 3

    Reply
  65. Carole McCardle says

    March 19, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    4 is my favorite
    Then 1
    Then 3
    Then 2….red just doesn’t do it for me

    Reply
  66. ivieblessed@aol.com says

    March 19, 2015 at 11:51 pm

    Option 3
    Wonder would it look like to move the light more toward word “house”
    Name seems a little large for the image

    Reply
  67. cyntata@msn.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Option #2 ~ I like how the child is looking up to his parent. Not sure if it’s mom, dad, or grandparent, but I appreciate the “mystery” of not knowing especially in this day and age when children may be raised in single-parent homes or even growing up with their grandparents.

    Reply
  68. anthonyaumiller@msn.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 12:45 am

    Option 3 all snugly in the blanket

    Reply
  69. Kristi says

    March 20, 2015 at 1:12 am

    Option 4

    Reply
  70. Frances says

    March 20, 2015 at 1:17 am

    Prefer the layout design of option 1. Very nice eye flow. Consider swapping out images but leave layout.

    Reply
  71. Marlene says

    March 20, 2015 at 1:36 am

    I like options 1 and 3 because of the analogy of teaching a child to ride a bike. The ultimate goal is for the child to exercise these skills on his/her own.

    Reply
  72. pspears@cofo.edu says

    March 20, 2015 at 1:41 am

    I like 3 & 4, but I believe 4 is THE ONE! Here’s why, in this day and age, the first thing most parent thinks about pertaining to their safety. I am drawn to the word “safety” in the title of the 4th choice. It gets the most important key across without anything else on the book cover competing for attention. Then you are drawn to read more of the subtitle.I also love the picture.

    Reply
  73. heather.gingrich@denverseminary.edu says

    March 20, 2015 at 1:58 am

    Option 2 or 3. I like 2 because the child looks so vulnerable, and it is so clear that the adult is in a position to create safety or danger. It could be a boy or a girl.

    I like the light shining out of the “f” on Safe on #3. It’s like there is nothing to hide in a house that’s safe.

    Reply
  74. kelseylynnschwenk@gmail.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 3:43 am

    Option 1 or 2 for sure!

    Option 1 looks modern and my eye is attracted to the text and subtext.

    Option 2 is very clean and my eye is drawn right to the title and the child; the red makes it pop.

    Options 3 and 4 are a little muddled and dark, too hard for my brain to comprehend the message of the book and option 3 looks a little flat and dated.

    Reply
  75. Kim Hieber says

    March 20, 2015 at 3:48 am

    Option 3

    Reply
  76. theredheadab@yahoo.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 6:37 am

    2 for sure!

    Reply
  77. S says

    March 20, 2015 at 8:34 am

    Option 1

    Reply
  78. fdiblasio@ssw.umaryland.edu says

    March 20, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    option 1

    Reply
  79. Kim Plummer says

    March 20, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    option #1

    Reply
    • Kim Plummer says

      March 20, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      my bad, I meant option #3

      Reply
  80. walkerandassoc@hotmail.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    From Larry Walker: Image 2 is the strongest (note the word “vulnerability” in previous comments linked with the security of a parental/guarding hand), but the art shouts “Self-Published work, Vanity Press!” Image 3 is the most professional and viable on an extremely crowded bookshelf in a retail setting. The others are good but so pale that they “pale” in the face of very aggressive competitors vying for the buyer’s eye.

    Reply
  81. Shawn Kennedy says

    March 20, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    Can’t wait to read, learn and share your book! I would suggest option 1 or 3. All of them are great!

    Reply
  82. christinajefferys@yahoo.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    Option # 1

    Reply
  83. sheldcf@hotmail.com says

    March 20, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I would say # 3 or 4 🙂

    Reply
  84. Jesus Barboza says

    March 21, 2015 at 1:23 am

    I like # 1. 2nd would be # 4.

    Reply
  85. Judy Straub says

    March 21, 2015 at 2:24 am

    I like 3

    Reply
  86. hdh_11@yahoo.com says

    March 21, 2015 at 4:55 am

    We like option #3.

    Reply
  87. manglum@gmail.com says

    March 21, 2015 at 4:57 am

    2 is my favorite

    Reply
  88. bobbette61@hotmail.com says

    March 23, 2015 at 12:12 am

    I like #3. And yes that reads number 3, not hashtag?!3!

    Reply
  89. stephanie donyes says

    March 24, 2015 at 3:41 am

    option 1 🙂

    Reply
  90. Michelle Peek says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    Option 2 is my favourite; though I love the images in the other options, the words and message read loudest to me in option 2.

    Reply
  91. nnorris@ugst.edu says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Option #4 is my vote~

    Reply
  92. Leona says

    March 25, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    Hi, I like the pedaling child, but not the title, sorry! It immediately reminds me of a safe house for women trying to get out of an abusive and violent relationship!

    Reply
  93. Sharon May says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:17 am

    Hello Josh, so excited for you. The book covers #2 and #3 give the image of a child’s emotional safety, #1 and #4 create the image of physical safety. I know regardless of the cover your content will be great! Sharon May

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


JOIN OTHER FUN & AMAZING FAMILIES ON OUR EMAIL LIST!

Get the weekly podcast delivered straight to your inbox!

[You are consenting to be on the Dr. Josh + Christi email list. We do not spam. We pinky swear.]

Find topics you care about

I’m looking for:

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2019 - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy - Joshua Straub