Artist Tom Burchell Helps Bring Whiskerville to Life
Tom Burchell
Every great children’s book series requires a spark of imagination and creativity, and even though Erica created the characters, transforming her words into a visual world kids want to step inside? That takes a special kind of wizardry.
For the Tyson in Whiskerville series, that wizard is our incredibly talented illustrator, Tom Burchell.
If you’ve flipped through the pages of Tyson's adventures, you’ve already experienced Tom's gift. He is the visual architect behind Whiskerville, transforming the cozy corners, quirky townspeople, and Tyson’s own expressive, curious nature into vibrant reality.
Tom Burchell's characteristic style: Richly detailed, expressive worlds that invite children to explore every corner.. Source: ArtStation
Designing a Whimsical World
Building a fantasy world from scratch isn't just about drawing pretty pictures; it’s about character and detail. What makes Tom's work so captivating is his ability to layer humor, emotion, and subtle "hidden" details into every single scene.
When creating the world of Whiskerville, Tom focused on a few core elements that define the series' signature look:
Tom Burchell's characteristic style: Richly detailed, expressive worlds that invite children to explore every corner.. Source: ArtStation
Expressive Characters: From Tyson’s wide-eyed wonder to the subtle smirks of the village critters, the emotional heart of the story is always clear on the characters' faces.
A "Lived-In" Fantasy: Whiskerville feels real because Tom packs the backgrounds with personality—crooked bookshelves, bubbling potions, and busy village streets that make young readers want to pause and look closer.
Warmth and Energy: His dynamic compositions keep the energy moving, ensuring that the visual storytelling perfectly matches the fast-paced adventures of Heather Johnson's text.
"An illustrator's job isn't just to decorate the page—it's to extend the story. Tom hides little visual jokes and background secrets in every scene, making rereading the books an absolute must for curious kids."
From Concept Sketches & Script to Completed Page
From the authors original sketches …. the collaboration between author and illustrator is a masterclass in creative teamwork. It begins with rough storyboards—quick sketches to establish the pacing, layout, and perspective of each scene.
Finding Tyson: A look into the artist's sketchbook
From there, Tom refines the lines, focusing on character consistency and framing.
Finally, the magic of color is added. His brilliant palette brings a rich, luminous depth to the pages, perfectly capturing the shifting moods of Tyson's journeys, whether he is exploring a bright sunlit square or a mysterious, glowing workshop.
The result is a timeless aesthetic that feels both modern and reminiscent of classic children's fantasy art. It captures the imagination of children while giving parents something beautiful to appreciate during bedtime reading.
What’s Next for Tyson and Tom?
Tom is already hard at work bringing upcoming chapters of Tyson’s world to life, with even more vibrant landscapes, mysterious creatures, and heartfelt moments on the horizon.
We are incredibly proud to have Tom Burchell steering the visual ship for Tyson in Whiskerville. His dedication to craft, unique sense of humor, and undeniable artistic talent are what make these books a staple on family bookshelves.
Stay tuned to our blog for more exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Whiskerville, sneak peeks of Tom's early sketches, and updates on upcoming releases!