Fabric book covers are so much more durable for all those school books the children have to take care of.  Why not embroider them?  They are quick and easy to do.  I particularly love to use denim and featherwale corduroy.
Here's how:

Cut a piece of fabric the following length and width:
Length: Measure the book from front edge around to the back edge and add 6 inches
Width: Measure the book from top edge to bottom edge and add 2 inches

Press under long edges 3/4 inch
Press under short edges 3 inches for facing
Fold in half and mark front for embroidery; unfold the short edges and embroider the design (I use 1 layer medium tearaway stabilizer hooped with the denim)

Cleanfinish or serge all raw edges

To make facing: Fold back short edges 3 inches right sides together; stitch from fold to short edge to make a 3/4 inch seam at all 4 corners of the book cover;  trim corner diagonally; turn right side out

Topstitch 1/4 inch from top and bottom edges, from facing to facing

Piece of cake!  If you like, you can even embroider the child's name and teacher on the inside of the front facing (before you stitch the facings, of course!).  Applique pockets are also fun on the front of the book cover.  Have fun finding designs to go with the subject of the book.  There are tons of them around!  Here's a free one to get you started!