I've often wondered how authors feel about turning over, trusting their words to a complete stranger to illustrate. Ideally, I would imagine, the author would want to pick someone themselves, or have a say. Seems that these days publishers are at least discussing the illustrator choice with the author more often. Hope all works out in your favor.
Ditto on what Don said.I think it's great that they are including in the process! I know as an illustrator , it's really important to me that the author is happy with my work.
That is really good to know that some editors involve the writer in the illustrating decision.
I know what you mean about the illustrations not being what you had in mind--but liking them. I had a short story illustrated recently and it was the same--I loved it, but it wasn't what I had pictured. 
At this point, I don't know enough about the potential illustrator to trust or distrust him. But having been through the revision process with my editor, and seen how dedicated she is to getting things right, I've got tons of faith in her -- and, by extension, the rest of Charlesbridge.
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