KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2026 (Shortlist)
Entire 2026 Gallery | List of Judges | 2025 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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
You Can't Play With Us!
Kelsey: the adventurous and creative one. Sarah, the considerate and responsible one. Best Friends Forever and Kings of the Creek. That is until sibling duo Josie and Jack show up to compete for their crowns. Their battle wages until greedy developers threaten the very heart of the creek. But when the two duos team up to save the Meadow, the dynamic of Kelsey and Sarah's friendship is threatened as Sarah grows closer to Josie and Kelsey feels left behind. Together, they just might save the creek, but will Sarah and Kelsey's relationship be changed forever?
'Be Prepared' meets 'Hoot' in this semi-autobiographical slice-of-life adventure with ecological themes.
Age Range:
Early Middle Grade (approx ages 7-9)Genre:
Conservation & Environment, Neurodiversity Content, Realistic Fiction/Slice of Life, Social-EmotionalPage Count Estimate:
80-100
My Why:
I was fortunate to get to spend much of my childhood running around unsupervised in the creek with my friends. Those adventures taught me a lot. Nice things like a love of nature, problem solving, tree climbing, and independence. But they also gave me my first taste of heartbreak and grief. Places change, people change, and for kids just learning how to be their own people navigating those changing relationships can be very painful. This book is based on some of those experiences, and I hope that it will encourage kids to play outside, be stewards of nature, and make their struggles with their friends feel validated.
Comp Titles:
The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens by Isobel Roxas, Skealanour The Decomposer by Emily EttlingerKatie 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.