Some time ago, Waterstones Booksellers launched a competition to illustrate Julia Donaldson's new children's book, 'Freddie and the Fairy'.

The entrants had to supply their interpretation of the main characters and a full colour sample of a double page spread.

Below are my efforts.

The 'Laurel and Hardy' newts were my own addition to the characters, and I decided to make the Fairy Queen character look more like the Fairy Queen Mother.

I thought the combination of the Queen's poise and decorum and the newts ineptitude would make for some good visual comedy.

I also wanted to design a fairy that a little tree climbing boy wouldn't immediately want to pull the wings off.

I didn't make the final shortlist or receive any feedback about my designs, but I still like them a lot.