@StudioLooong Snowy trees would look cool. Maybe the beard could start off as white from the top and then transform into red towards the bottom? Then the dwarfs would still be in a forest that could be spring or summer time? Just a thought.
Re: the title, I wasn't thinking of making it a title-less cover, just that I wondered if others could tell what story it was without the title. I actually never read the original story. I think I read a version for young kids in elementary school, and I didn't actually remember the dwarfs, so much as that Rip was lazy and drinking something that made him fall asleep. So for me (and I may probably be the 1% that thought this way), I couldn't place the story right away. I just thought it was a really cool image.
re: keeping the text minimal, I tend to agree. I love minimal covers with mostly image. And you have plenty of room in the beard area should an art director decide to add your name. OR, it could be added at the bottom of the cover, and the middle bush omitted.