I worked up some sketches and colour test pictures and am quite happy with the results. I normally do things in waves (if I have the time), preferring to let things sit for a few days before deciding if they work or not. Here are the two main characters from the story. It was a surprise that the text came together so quickly and so well.
A note about colour tests. While I paint with acrylics, my graphic design background means that Photoshop skills are included. The software is used to work out colours before painting. It would be interesting to do a book this way; painted line and digital colour- and that might happen one day. Enjoy!
The Illustrationist 