Designing a Book Cover for Adventures of a Young Naturalist — My Illustration Process & Concept

(Portfolio Project Inspired by the AOI Book Briefs)

When I began illustrating a book cover for Adventures of a Young Naturalist — based on David Attenborough’s early explorations — I wanted to capture the energy and wonder of a young scientist stepping into the world for the first time.

This portfolio project was originally created as part of the AOI Book Briefs, and it challenged me to think deeply about visual storytelling, nature illustration, and middle-grade readership.

My Concept: Adventure, Curiosity & the Natural World

The heart of this project revolved around one question:

How do you visually capture a young David Attenborough discovering the world?

For me, that meant:

• Emphasising curiosity

• Showing a sense of movement and discovery

• Bringing the magic of wildlife onto the page

• Creating a design that feels accessible and exciting for a middle-grade audience

Middle-grade readers love visual clues, hidden details, and a sense of journey — so I structured the composition to invite children to look closer and explore.

Using the Jeep as a Symbol of Exploration

One of the key elements I illustrated was the jeep Attenborough travelled in during his early expeditions.

It became more than just a vehicle.

The jeep symbolises:

• Adventure

• Youthful excitement

• The beginning of a lifelong passion

• A physical connection between Attenborough and the natural world

By placing it prominently within the composition, I wanted readers to feel like they were climbing into the jeep with him — ready to set off into unknown landscapes.

Animals From His Travels: Bringing Wildlife to Life

Because Attenborough’s early career involved documenting and collecting animals, I illustrated some of the creatures he famously encountered, such as:

• monkeys

• reptiles

• exotic birds

• insects

These animals appear around the lettering and borders, almost as if they’re emerging from the pages of his field notebook.

This creates a feeling of:

• immersion

• excitement

• hands-on discovery

Perfect for young readers who love stories filled with exploration and real-life adventure.

A Hand-Drawn, Warm, Playful Style

To resonate with middle-grade readers, I used:

• expressive hand-drawn illustration

• warm colours

• a playful, energetic layout

• textured linework inspired by adventure sketchbooks

The aim was to give the cover an immediate sense of:

• fun

• movement

• storytelling

I wanted young readers to feel like they were flipping through the illustrated journal of a curious young explorer — because, in many ways, that’s exactly what Attenborough was.

Why I Aimed This at Middle-Grade Readers

Middle-grade is a wonderful age group for books about nature and discovery.
Kids aged 8–12 are naturally curious, eager to learn, and love adventures with a strong hero figure.

David Attenborough’s early life embodies:

• discovery

• courage

• empathy for animals

• a global perspective

So I created the artwork with that age group in mind, blending:

• accessible illustration

• a bright palette

• bold, adventurous typography

Everything was designed to ignite curiosity, excitement, and imagination.

Final Thoughts

Illustrating Adventures of a Young Naturalist allowed me to combine the two things I love most:

nature and storytelling through hand-drawn illustration.

This portfolio piece reflects my passion for:

• designing covers with narrative depth

• creating artwork with educational value

• celebrating the beauty of the natural world

If you’re a publisher, editor, or art director looking for hand-drawn, storytelling-driven book cover art, especially for children’s or YA titles, I would love to connect.

Website: nosheendesigns.co.uk
Instagram: @nosheendesigns
Email: hello@nosheendesigns.co.uk