The cover of "Stones of Fire" by Jeris Hamm, illustrated by Joel Cockrell, featuring a young boy holding glowing stones with a castle and a mysterious figure in the background. Fire-themed art decorates the borders, and text describes a fantasy adventure with characters named Matt Silvers and Jasper. A photo of the author and a barcode are also present.

Above: Custom illustrated lettering for the book’s title.

Illustration of a young person with mystical energy and orbs, set against a castle backdrop and a cloaked figure.

Initial approved sketch

"Stones of Fire" text in golden gradient on white background.
Illustration of a large bird with long eyelashes, a stylized appearance, and a decorative collar of plumes. In the background, three smaller silhouetted birds perch on a branch against a cloudy sky.

Below: Full Spread Painting

A smiling cartoon character with blond hair and an orange outfit is playfully juggling glowing orbs, surrounded by swirls of yellow-orange energy, set against a dark background.
Spiked flail smashing wooden door
A glowing necklace with a large gemstone pendant.

Cover close up

Illustration of a fantasy scene with a blonde boy juggling glowing balls surrounded by flames, a hooded figure with a staff, a ruined castle, two people in fiery circles, and a silhouetted creature in a lake.

Have a middle grade project in need of an illustrator or designer? Send me an email and let’s chat:

Joel.cockrell@gmail.com

Middle Grade Novel Cover Wrap and Interior illustrations created for Jeris Hamm and her “Time Treader’s Adventure” Series.

Scroll down to see the sketches, interior b/w illustrations, and the full painting.

Illustration of a baseball glove hanging on a wooden wall
Illustration of a cartoon lizard with a curled tail and scales on its back, standing on a patch of grass.