Kids Comics Pitchfest Showcase

Thornwall

In post-climate change Thornwall, the Decider controls everything, even which plants people are allowed to grow with the precious water. Anyone who breaks the rules gets exiled to the Wilds, like Jacca’s father did for trading illegal seeds. Jacca, who can’t even fit in with other kids, feels too small to change things. But when she befriends a tiny kangaroo mouse with secret superpowers and they plant a banned seed that grows into a massive, wall-breaking Beanstalk, she learns that you don’t have to be big to do big things. THORNWALL is an optimistic post-apocalyptic Jack and the Beanstalk with the science detail of LITTLE MONARCHS and the mystery and adventure of ZITA THE SPACEGIRL. #hopepunk for kids.

My Why:

I’m fascinated by the ancient partnership between people and plants. Once, it was important to know that willowbark tea eases pain, that birch makes the best bobbins, and that walnut shells make excellent ink. I wondered what would happen if we had to rediscover the plants that once provided not just our food but All The Things. In THORNWALL, the Wilders are searching for exactly this kind of botanical gold dust. This future fairytale has a daring library heist, rich botanical detail, and a tiny superpowered sidekick. The backmatter includes instructions on saving seeds, pressing plants, and making quill pens and ink. I hope THORNWALL invites kids to connect with nature and cultivate self-sufficiency.