Three Creativity Challenges. One Book. Your Ideas Shape the Story.

Each new book we publish is co-created with kids
through our nationwide challenges.

Your wild ideas.  Real picture books.  

So grab your crayons, fire up your imagination, and lets make something magical!

Sign Me Up to Shape a Story!
Gabby, the Bug & Bear Press mascot, holding a book and imagining story ideas during a creativity challenge

Three Ways to Shape the Story

  • Theme Team For all your Big Ideas, What If's and Weird Questions. This is where stories begin.
  • Word Weaver We give you some words, you weave them into magic. If readers like it the most, you're in!
  • Sketch-OffCreate a character or shape a scene and your art could shine in the next story.

Prompts are Exclusive to our Members
Sign-Up Below and Don’t miss the Next One

Click Here for Creativity Chalenge Prompts

How Does It Work?

  • Get the PromptWatch your inbox for the next prompt.
  • Submit Your IdeaSend us your magic through the submisison link.
  • Vote and Inspire the AdventureLet all your friends and family know you've entered so they can get in on the votes! The four finalist will be based on Readers Choice, Authors Choice, Illustrator's Choice, and Bart's Choice.

Got Any Advice?

  • Think BIG! The weird, the wild, the wonderful - we want it!
  • Think DEEP! Some of the best ideas come from big feelings.
  • Think DIFFERENT! If it's something only you would think of, its perfect! You don't have to be a great thinker or artist or writer... you just have to be brave enough to send it in!

Rules to Remember

Keep It Yours:
Original work only—made by humans, bugs, bears, fish, dogs—no bots allowed!
Stick to the Prompt:Let your imagination roam, but stay within the theme.
One Entry Per Artist:Submit only one entry per person—make it count!

What’s in it for YOU?

Your Work in Action:See your Submission in Bug & Bear’s next adventure.
Recognition and Fame:
Be featured in the book’s Story Shaper’s Spotlight the Website “Hall of Fame.”
Royalty Proceeds:
Receive 25% of launch proceeds to donate to your favorite school, club, or library!

Story Shaper Hall of Fame

Illustration of Book Five Sketch-Off winner Shalini Ayre, drawn by Bug & Bear Press illustrator Amna Zaki and featured in the Story Shaper Spotlight section of Faye’s Foil as part of our Participatory Publishing model.

Faye's Foil Sketch-Off Winner

Shailni Ayre,
Cambridge, MA
Portrait of Theme Team winner Tula Sulcer drawn by illustrator Amna Zaki and featured in Book Five: Faye’s Foil as part of the Story Shaper Spotlight and Bug & Bear Press’s Participatory Publishing program.

Faye's Foil Theme Team Winner

Tula Sulcer
Idaho Falls, ID
Portrait of Word Weaver winner Michael Rainey drawn by Bug & Bear Press illustrator Amna Zaki and recognized in Book Five: Faye’s Foil through the Story Shaper Spotlight and Bug & Bear Press’s Participatory Publishing model.

Faye's Foil Word Weaver Winner

Mike Rainey 
Boise, ID

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