Kids Comics Pitchfest Showcase
Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents. A panel of judges (click here to see the juror list) select the top pitches. Projects are archived here so that industry pros may view them and discover new talent.
My Pet Phoenix
10 year-old, introverted Arka, grapples with guilt following her mother's accidental death. Arka also endures her father's grief and anger towards her. Lonely and desperate for love, Arka wishes for a pet under a dark moon. Instead of gaining her own pet, Arka is tasked with caring for Uncle Aydin’s dying senti, Maru, when he’s called away on government business. This thrusts Arka and her father on an unexpected emotional and physical journey. MY PET PHOENIX is a fantastical story filled with heart, determination, making connections, and mending relationships. It’s a 200 – 250 page middle-grade graphic novel set in a modern-day parallel universe—where mythical creatures and humans coexist. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON meets THE GOLDEN COMPASS.
Age Range:
Middle GradeGenre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Magical RealismPage Count Estimate:
200-250
My Why:
My Pet Phoenix flowed onto paper one night after listening to my Papi recount his tale about his chance encounter with a mythical phoenix as a boy. Although this story isn’t about my father’s encounter, it inspired me to let my imagination run wild. And allowed Arka to present herself and her story to me. MY PET PHOENIX is about being brave, learning to trust others, finding purpose, learning to cope with loss, and learning how to forgive. I hope readers will revel in the magical adventure that awaits them as they read in real life and feel empowered to make their own mark in their world.
Nadia Salomon
I’m a #PitMad Success Story and author of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, a Bank Street Best Book and ALSC DIA Selection. I have two forthcoming picture books in 2024, a non-fiction biography, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE, the recipient of the 2019 SCBWI WOOP Honor Award for work of outstanding progress and unannounced title about sibling rivalry. I write about South Asian and Caribbean culture, STEM, and humor. I work closely with KCU, SCBWI, 12×12 Challenge, the Desi Kid Lit Community, and Storyteller Academy.