Kids Comics Pitchfest 2025 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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
The Cat Factory
12 year old Amara has just won a tour of the first ever Cat Factory. Amara is amazed to see the magical tech that CAT CO. use to make cats of all shapes and sizes.
As they’re guided through the massive facility, Amara meets Rosie, the daughter of the company’s CEO. Rosie is everything that Amara isn’t - bored and jaded. More than anything, she seems to dislike her father’s business. The two 12 year olds immediately butt heads.
When Amara and Rosie get separated from the group, the two girls set out on a journey through the factory to find their parents. The more they explore, the more Amara learns about CAT CO. Slowly, she starts to understand Rosie’s attitude - not everything is what is seems at the Cat Factory.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
AdventurePage Count Estimate:
120-150
My Why:
Like anybody with a heart, we both love cats. We’re constantly bombarded with cute animal videos online - which is mostly great, but sometimes the things we see online aren‘t always what they seem.
In our story, the Cat Factory seems amazing until Amara discovers its secret. Instead of making cats for kids and families, they’re keeping them locked up and neglected. They’ll be taken out by CAT CO. influencers to pose for photos with a product for 30 seconds and put right back. The company only sees them as a way to sell products and make money.
Amara and Rosie will rally to free the cats and expose the Cat Factory. Our message to the reader will be to question the reality you see on social media and always take care of your pets.
Chris Gooch
Chris Gooch is an author and illustrator living in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2016, he’s published graphic novels and a short story collection with the Top Shelf publishing. Under-Earth (2020) was awarded the Aurealis Award for Best Graphic Novel and named one of the American Library Association‘s Best Graphic Novels for Adults. In Utero (2024) was published in 2024 and listed as one of the best graphic novels of by the NYPL, Booklist, Comics Beat, Comic Book Herald and BookRiot.
Jess Kitty Parker
Jess Kitty Parker is a comic artist, writer and illustrator based in Melbourne (Narrm) Australia. She has contributed to the Ledger award winning comic anthology Squishzine Brunstown and has worked with The Nib, the ABC, Arts Centre Melbourne, various councils and the City of Melbourne
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