Illustrator for a children book

I have a project for a series of children's books for youngsters 6-10 years old, that will teach them how to deal with the problems that be set schoolchildren in the modern world - themes like stress, peer group acceptance, poverty, fear, and so on.

Note that I would prefer a three-dimensional design with appropriate light and shade, rather than a flat, child-like painting.

Your imagination is what I am looking for, so avoid stereotypes.

Initially, I am happy to pay a small fee for your rough drafts while we agree on the final designs. Then I would want one piece of finished, hi-res digital artwork for each character. That would be the end of this particular job.

For continuity reasons, it would be ideal to keep the same artist(s) throughout. You will be paid and given credit for the illustration work, but all artwork rights will remain with the author/publisher of the books.
Please ask all the questions you may have before committing to the project. 

Please attach examples of your previous work