Illustrator for Children's Book

We're producing a children's picture book about a young golfer entering his first tournament and learning that giving your best matters more than winning. Aimed at kids aged 8–10. Manuscript is written and finalised. Scope: Approx. 16 full-colour double-page spreads, cover artwork, character designs for 2 leads and 2 supporting characters. Style: Warm, character-driven illustration with expressive faces. Australian setting (suburban backyards, summer light, golf club). Picture book quality — not cartoon, not photo-real. We have an illustration brief and character descriptions ready to share. Requirements: Portfolio showing children's book illustration. Strong character consistency across pages. Rights: Full commercial ownership transfers to the publisher (covers merch, future books, derivatives). Illustrator retains portfolio use with credit.