Tom Percival: A Powerful Journey of Creativity, Emotion & Storytelling

How a Remarkable Author Transformed Childhood Emotional Literacy Through Art & Imagination

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Introduction

Tom Percival is a celebrated British author and illustrator known for creating emotionally meaningful children’s books that help young readers understand feelings, empathy, and self-expression. His work blends storytelling and artistic depth, making him one of the most influential voices in modern children’s literature. Through his books, animation projects, and visual art, he has inspired millions of children around the world to navigate emotions with confidence and courage.

Growing up in a remote part of South Shropshire, Tom Percival developed a deep imagination shaped by nature, simplicity, and creativity. Living without modern comforts taught him the power of storytelling as both escape and expression. Today, he lives in Gloucestershire, continuing to produce heart-centered stories that echo across families, classrooms, and communities.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Tom Percival
Nationality	British
Profession	Author, Illustrator, Artist, Animator, Musician
Birthplace	South Shropshire, United Kingdom
Education	Studied Graphic Design in South Wales
Residence	Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Known For	Big Bright Feelings Books, Emotional Learning Themes

Early Life and the Foundations of a Creative Author

Tom Percival’s early life played a profound role in shaping his identity as an author and illustrator. Growing up in rural South Shropshire, he lived in a caravan that lacked many everyday comforts. This simple lifestyle required him to rely heavily on imagination, outdoor exploration, and storytelling. These experiences built the foundation of the emotional depth and creativity present in all his work.

His upbringing encouraged him to develop a unique artistic voice. Instead of being discouraged by limited resources, he turned to drawing, writing, and creating characters as a form of expression and entertainment. Over time, these passions solidified into a lifelong commitment to inspire children through emotional storytelling.

Education and Early Creative Path

Studying Graphic Design

Tom Percival continued nurturing his artistic passion by studying graphic design in South Wales. The structured creative training helped him refine his technical skills, understand visual communication, and build confidence in professional artistic work.

While studying, he gained insight into how images and text can work together to create powerful emotional impact. This learning later became essential to his success as an author and illustrator of children’s books.

Early Career in Illustration

Before becoming widely known as an author, Tom Percival worked in various creative roles. He illustrated book covers, designed merchandise, and created characters for animated educational campaigns. These early projects sharpened his design abilities and exposed him to storytelling through visuals.

His illustration work for major children’s book series also helped him understand the publishing world and shaped his ambitions to write and illustrate his own stories.

Becoming an Influential Author

Breakthrough in Children’s Literature

Tom Percival transitioned from illustrator to full author when he began writing children’s picture books. His stories are celebrated for their focus on emotional literacy — helping children understand feelings such as worry, anger, joy, and confidence.

His popular Big Bright Feelings series includes widely loved titles such as:

Perfectly Norman
Ruby’s Worry
Ravi’s Roar
Meesha Makes Friends
Tilda Tries Again
Milo’s Monster

These books have been translated into many languages and used globally in homes and schools to support emotional development.

Impact on Emotional Learning

Tom Percival’s books are known for their warm tone, gentle illustrations, and meaningful messages. Children, parents, and educators appreciate how his storytelling simplifies complex emotions and encourages open conversations.

His work empowers children to:

Face their worries
Build self-confidence
Understand anger
Celebrate uniqueness
Develop social empathy

His influence continues to grow as emotional education becomes a global priority.

Expanding His Creative Universe

Animation and Multimedia Work

Beyond writing, Tom Percival has contributed to animation and visual storytelling. One of his notable works includes the BBC Children in Need animation “Goodbye Rainclouds”, a project that demonstrates his ability to blend emotion with visual art.

Middle-Grade Fiction

In addition to picture books, Tom Percival has written middle-grade fiction such as The Wrong Shoes, expanding his creative contributions to older readers. His storytelling continues to evolve while maintaining the emotional integrity that defines his work.

Career Overview and Creative Influence

Tom Percival’s career represents a blend of art, compassion, and communication. As an author, illustrator, musician, and visual storyteller, he brings a multidimensional approach to children’s emotional learning.

His books often explore:

Self-identity
Mental well-being
Friendships
Personal growth
Social understanding

Educators frequently integrate his stories into emotional learning programs, making him a powerful figure in modern children’s literature.

Conclusion

Tom Percival stands out as a powerful and influential author whose work transforms how children understand emotions. His upbringing in rural Shropshire, combined with his graphic design education and artistic versatility, has shaped meaningful stories that positively impact millions of young readers. Whether through illustration, writing, or animation, he continues inspiring emotional awareness, empathy, and creativity. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to helping children grow confident, expressive, and connected to their inner world.