About us

At Bug & Bear Press, we believe stories shape our world—and we aim to empower others to be a part of that process. Inspired by the imagination and curiosity of her own children, author Rebecca Young created the Bug & Bear series to celebrate the magic that happens when we meet children where they are, encouraging them to embrace their most unique, curious, and creative selves.

As her children added to the narratives with ideas like, “What if … happened?” and, “That character should…”, Rebecca discovered her whimsical project wasn’t meant to be just a collection of stories—it was the beginning of something far bigger, ready to take on a life of its own. Their inquisitive contributions became the foundation for a framework of Participatory Publishing, now the cornerstone of Bug & Bear Press. At its heart, participatory publishing empowers readers to actively shape the stories they love, showing the power of creativity and collaboration in shaping the world around us.

Bug & Bear Press serves as the vehicle to make 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, we are committed to creating books that inspire, empower, and invite readers of all ages to join in the creative magic.

Together, we’re shaping stories—and shaping worlds.

Rebecca Young
Author | Founder of Bug & Bear Press

Amna Zaki
Illustrator Extraordinare

The Rainbow Stories
Makers of Storybook Magic

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 Participatory 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.

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/