Kids Comics Pitchfest 2026 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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
BARRRT The PIRATE Barnacle
Unlike their parents who have settled to the sea floor, BARRRT believes they are destined for adventure. They are still a larvae— unattached, free and eager to befriend a sea turtle named Ghosty and chase a band of pirates. Alas, they find themselves lost, injured, tangle-tied in weeds and close to giving up on their dreams, until friendship helps them realize they still have their nerve and their freedom, a barnacle is more than a salty snack and a scar is a pirate badge of honor! ARGH!
This humorous informational-fiction picture book features fascinating facts about barnacles using comic-book-styled side bars, maps and diagrams, and is told in first person pirate speak, narrated by the infamous pirate barnacle, BARRRT!
Age Range:
Early Reader (approx ages 5-7)Genre:
Adventure, Animals, Humor, Informational Fiction, STEMPage Count Estimate:
40
My Why:
I love exploring the coasts and tidepools of the PNW with my family. Once when we had recently lost our beloved cat, my son tried to insist that we bring home a barnacle as a new family pet, and thus, the story of BARRRT began.
BARRRT is brave, and to be honest, I am feeling the need to be braver lately, especially with sharing my stories and my work. While I could list many reasons why writing and illustrating books can sometimes feel like a far off dream at best, I am instead sending a tiny but fearsome pirate barnacle out into the surly seas!
Comp Titles:
KLYDE THE KRAKEN WANTS A FRIEND by Brooke Hartman, OCTOPUS SHOCKTOPUS by Peter Bentley and Steven LentonRuthie Nicklaus
Ruthie grew up in Central Washington where summers were hot. Her first jobs were at an un-air-conditioned fruit stand and fighting forest fires. So now when her Seattle neighbors complain about the “brutal” two months of 79 degree warmth, Ruthie kicks off her thick socks and thrives. Whether squeezed in the back of a station wagon with siblings, or working with co-fruit slingers or Forest Service truck mates, Ruthie always had her sketchbook and was ready to entertain with drawings and cartoons.