At Bug & Bear Press we believe stories shape our world.
We aim to empower kids to be part of the Story Shaping process.
Inspired by her own children, Rebecca began writing the Bug & Bear series
to celebrate the magic that occurs when children are allowed to be their most
authentic selves.
And then… they kind of took over:
Rebecca realized that children should be a voice in the magic that occurs when they’re allowed to be their most authentic selves. Suddenly, her whimsical project took on a life of its own.
Her kids’ inquisitive contributions became the foundation for Participatory Publishing, now the cornerstone of Bug & Bear Press.
Participatory Publishing empowers readers to actively shape the stories they love, teaching kids they have the agency to shape both their stories and their world.
Bug & Bear Press makes this vision a reality.
Through the vibrant artistry of Amna Zaki and the innovative contributions of The Rainbow Stories,
a creative studio that animates these stories both on the page and in the digital world,
Bug & Bear Press is committed to creating books that inspire, empower,
and invites readers of all ages to shape their stories.
The Rainbow Stories is a creative studio dedicated to transforming children’s narratives into vibrant visual adventures. Specializing in custom illustrations, character design, and storyboarding, their talented team collaborates closely with authors to craft engaging, child-friendly artwork that captivates young readers. With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the magic that illustrations bring to a story, The Rainbow Stories ensures that each project reflects the author’s vision and resonates with its audience. Their commitment to quality and creativity makes them an invaluable partner in bringing stories to life.
For more information, visit their website:
https://therainbowstories.com/
Rebecca Young is the creative mind behind Bug & Bear Press and the author of the whimsical Bug & Bear series. Inspired by the curiosity and imagination of her own children, Rebecca is passionate about creating stories that empower readers of all ages to embrace their creativity and shape the world around them.
With a vision to make storytelling a collaborative and inclusive experience, Rebecca developed the Community Powered Publishing framework, the cornerstone of Bug & Bear Press, inviting audiences to actively contribute to the stories they love.
When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her kids—skiing, travelling, and traveling to places to ski.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and Amna Zaki’s illustrations turn otherwise indescribable worlds into vivid realities. A professional artist specializing in children’s book illustrations, Amna transforms an author’s vision into vibrant, visual adventures that captivate readers of all ages.
Her passion lies in bringing characters to life—infusing them with personality and wonder—and creating imaginative worlds that leap off the page. With multiple children’s books to her name, Amna collaborates closely with authors to expand the possibilities of their stories, turning their words into breathtaking visual experiences.
As a cornerstone of Bug & Bear Press, Amna shapes the look and feel of every book with her distinct creative flair. When she’s not illustrating, Amna enjoys spending time with her family.
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