Bug & Bear Press

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.