A system for creating an on-line book with an animated cover. The system includes an animation program for inserting an animation sequence at the beginning of an on-line book which is compiled into the M14 format. The animation program includes: a user interface module configured to receive input from a user; a data sequencing module which arranges at least two graphical images in a sequence; and an update module which modifies at least one compilation control file. The animation program modifies the control files for an on-line book compiler to provide for the display of an animated object upon the opening of the on-line book.