KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2025 (Top 50)
Entire 2025 Gallery | List of Judges | 2023 Showcase
Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents. A panel of judges have selected the top pitches. The projects are archived here so that industry pros may view them and discover new talent.
Cats Around Town
Cats Around Town is a wordless graphic novel for young readers about a parent cat and kitten and their day spent around their town. As they visit charming locations such as the market, the cafe, and the library, the other cats around town live their lives. Wordless vignettes display the small dramas of domestic life, culminating in the duo returning home to make dinner for visiting family.
Age Range:
Early Reader (approx ages 5-7)Genre:
Realistic Fiction/Slice of LifePage Count Estimate:
60
My Why:
Last year I played Hello Kitty Island adventure every day and every day I thought: “I wish I was just a cute little guy living in a cute little cartoon town”. So I began drawing locations in my dream cartoon town. Somehow cats got in there. I cherish my memories of running errands with my mom, I recall how exciting simple grocery shopping was. For a kid, seeing their point of view of daily life reflected in a book is validating, and feeling validated is a powerful thing. Escapist stories are great, but it’s powerful to have stories that remind us our lives are important just as they are. I want to remind readers that their lives are full of lovely moments if they pay attention, and that convenience isn’t everything.
Katie Risor
I’m a professional illustrator and author who loves all things weird, interesting, and whimsical. In my personal work, I’m all about weird creatures, hidden themes, and childhood adventures. My debut early reader graphic novel series, “Welcome to the Forest,” published in 2025 by Andrews McMeel. When I’m not painting or writing you can find me gardening, cooking, eating fancy cheese, going on walks, making specialized playlists, or looking for cool new restaurants to try.