Children’s books - Four Small Boys From Wales
Illustration & book design by Nathan Shelton
A bold, comic-inspired children’s book packed with mischief, friendship and old-school adventure.
About the Book
Four Small Boys from Wales is a lively, rhyming adventure written by Lyndon Jeremiah.
Readers join four friends on a real-life childhood escapade filled with fearless fun, cheeky revenge, and the kind of friendship that only comes from growing up together.
The story blends clever rhyme with laugh-out-loud moments and nostalgic mischief - capturing the playful spirit of classic comics.
Perfect for children who love energetic storytelling - and parents who remember those comics fondly
Illustration approach
The style leans heavily into:
Exaggerated facial expressions
Dynamic body language
Rich colour palettes
Action-packed compositions
The boys needed to feel mischievous but lovable - expressive enough to carry the humour even before the rhyme lands.
We worked carefully on:
Character consistency across spreads
Visual pacing to match the rhyme
Ensuring each double-page spread held your interest
Keeping backgrounds lively without overwhelming the text
The result is a book that feels alive on every page.
My role in the project
For this book, I provided:
✔ Full character design
✔ Interior illustrations
✔ Cover artwork
✔ Typography & layout
✔ Print-ready file preparation
✔ Promotional package (incl. banners and videos)
The goal was to create something that felt:
Energetic
Expressive
Slightly chaotic (in the best way)
True to classic British comic tradition
while still working as a professionally structured children’s book.
Highlights - Four Small Boys From Wales
Thinking about your own book?
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The outcome
The finished book:
Feels bold and confident
Stands proudly alongside comic-inspired children’s titles
Appeals to both children and nostalgic adults
Maintains professional print standards throughout
It balances classic comic chaos with structured book design.
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