Kids Comics Pitchfest 2023 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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Pia in the Forest
Bluey meets Yotsuba&! in this delightful slice-of-life adventure shared between father and daughter. Join Pia, a five-year-old dog, and her dad as they find magic hidden in the everyday experience of a hike in the forest. Along the way, Pia will play a sneaky trick on Dad, dance in a meadow, discover a secret behind a waterfall, and make some surprising new friends. By turns hilarious and poignant, Pia in the Forest revels in the childlike wonder of nature and the singular joy found in exploration. A full-color graphic novel for fans of Bug Boys, Poppy and Sam, and John Bond's Mini Rabbit.
Age Range:
Picture Book, Early ReaderGenre:
Adventure, Animals, Conservation & Environment, Humor, Realistic Fiction/Slice of LifePage Count Estimate:
56
My Why:
Pia in the Forest is inspired by adventures and conversations between me and my own 5-year-old daughter. It's really a combination of things we love: hiking, animals, nature, and humor. I see this forest adventure as the first in a series of kids' graphic novels focusing on this duo and their humorous, touching relationship as they explore the world together.
David Bruggink
David Bruggink is a graphic novelist and product designer living in Portland, Maine. Growing up in the greater Washington, D.C. area, David spent lots of time in museums and reading Tintin and Asterix. He studied Mandarin and communications in college, and after graduating, he taught English in France. When not drawing, David enjoys practicing his French and making field recordings of the Maine environment.