I have xml:
Ray
Other
When using Elements() you have to specify the structure more precisely.
In your code, cover is a element. But size is an attribute of .
var c = from cover in xml.Elements("book")
where (string)cover.Attribute("size").Value == "mini"
select cover.Value;
This ought to work:
var c = from cover in xml.Elements("book")
.Elements("cover")
where (string)cover.Attribute("size").Value == "mini"
select cover.Value;