Kids Comics Pitchfest 2023 Showcase

Mycos

In a universe of connectedness and a time of trouble, the destiny of planet Earth rests on the backs of two canines. Laika, a wolf-corgi hybrid, and Pebble the pug quest to a distant solar system in a mushroom ship called Mycos. Their mission: to find the source of a mysterious blight afflicting Earth. On planet 42 they unite with Chu-Puu, a long-eared alien with otherworldly knowledge who is fated to aid in the quest. All the while, Laika attempts to conceal the fact that she carries the Earth sickness, giving the mission an even more personal meaning. While exploring a world of strange creatures and elemental forces, the trio must learn lessons of acceptance, compassion, and the interconnectedness of everything if they want to succeed.

My Why:

The alien creatures that Laika, Pebble, and Chu-Puu encounter embody the fears I met while processing an autoimmune diagnosis. I think there are many others, including young readers, experiencing the awkwardness of what it means to exist in a body that doesn’t always work the way we want it to. In some ways, creating this story helped me find a positive way to deal with the unknown of each day. I hope that others find encouragement and inspiration from this tale about companions on a quest together —exploring and seeking out life where no dog has gone before.