I like both styles but I think the first one will have more "grab off the shelf" appeal to kids. The darker, more textured one is very nice but has more of an adult appeal.

I think at least for the covers whichever way you go they would be better with entirely illustrated text. The brief glimpse of inside text looks fine but the non-illustrated text on the covers really clashes for me. The "Lionhorn" on the first one is pretty great, though.