project-image

Mika’s Quest for the Lost Artifact

Created by Cat Fan

A children's chapter book series with Asian Latinx lead character who leverages history & archeology in her quest through San Francisco

Latest Updates from Our Project:

An Update on Book Production and Delivery (Apology Included)
about 3 years ago – Thu, Mar 09, 2023 at 03:33:00 PM

Dear Kickstarter Backers and Supporters,

We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to reach out and provide an update on the status of our book production and delivery.

Firstly, we want to apologize for the delay in getting back to you with an update. We understand that you've been patiently waiting for news, and we're sorry for any frustration or disappointment caused by the lack of communication from our end.

In terms of the book production, unfortunately, we've been experiencing some setbacks that have significantly slowed down our progress. We understand that this has been frustrating, and we want to assure you that we're doing everything we can to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

The main issue we've been facing is with the printer we're working with. They've been experiencing some technical difficulties that have resulted in significant delays in printing and binding the books. We've been in constant communication with them and are working closely to ensure that these issues are resolved as soon as possible.

In addition to the printer issues, we've also been impacted by supply chain disruptions and shipping delays. These factors have added to the overall delay in getting the books to you.

However, we've learned some valuable lessons from this experience. We now realize the importance of building in extra time to account for unforeseen circumstances, such as printer or shipping delays. We've also learned that it's crucial to communicate more frequently and transparently with our backers to keep them informed about the project's progress.

We want to thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We know that you've been eagerly awaiting your copies of the book, and we share your frustration with the delays. We want to assure you that we're working tirelessly to get the books into your hands as soon as possible.

We'll continue to keep you updated on our progress and will provide an estimated delivery date as soon as we have a better idea of when we can expect to receive the books from the printer. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Once again, we apologize for the delay in providing this update and for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your continued support and understanding.

Best regards,

Cat

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 there are updates to gobble up.
over 3 years ago – Sat, Nov 26, 2022 at 08:05:16 AM

It’s the season to give thanks, be merry, and celebrate our loved ones. I am thankful for good friends, and amazing backers just like you.

It’s been a very busy last few weeks. I have been busy working with the production team to develop the double sided dust jacket to include Mika’s map! In addition, I have been diligent about ensuring the book is of a premium quality and craftsmanship. I am so excited about the final result! Here is a sneak peek of what the book looks like behind the scene!

The books are in process of printing and shipping. I had hoped they would arrive in time for Christmas but with logistical delays and unforeseen production issues, we are looking closer to early 2023.

The surveys to collect your mailing address will be out closer to when the books and items arrive to the Bay Area port and ready to ship to you!

I recently had a meaningful conversation with Jean from Being Unapologetically Authentic and shared about the experiences that molded me. Check it out here!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/YlXA48bn8YY PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-28987-1316132

At Thanksgiving more than ever, my thoughts turn to those who inspire Mika’s Quest and those who allow me to keep my dream alive and thriving. You all mean the world to me!

I am bursting with gratitude, and in this spirit my family and I say,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cat

BackerKit surveys are coming!
over 3 years ago – Sat, Sep 24, 2022 at 04:54:44 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

We did it!!! 🎉🤸🏽‍♀️🥳 The Beginning.
over 3 years ago – Sun, Sep 11, 2022 at 11:54:29 PM

This morning our campaign ended and we finished strong with 111 backers contributing a total of $7,284. I am completely blown away and incredibly humbled by your support.  


I want to also acknowledge today and honor the importance of 9/11.  It’s hard to believe that it’s been 21 years since the World Trade Center and Pentagon were hit by hijacked airplanes and since passengers took down an airplane in a Pennsylvania field to foil the terrorists on board. Here are a moving quote from that time in our nation’s history to help mark this day.  "If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." - Sandy Dahl, the wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl


A sincere thank you to all of you!!! Because of your support, my book will be in the hands of so many children and make a meaningful impact in our communities. I am so extremely grateful for all of the support we’ve received over the last month. Every pre-order, every share and every kind message keeps me going. 


Like the messages of soon-to-be moms and dads who told me that this is the first book they bought for their hapa daughter or mestizo son. Like the friends who said that this book means that their inner child feels seen and how books like these would have meant the world growing up. Like the moms' comments on Facebook, ecstatic to have a different kind of book to share with their kids, a book that can help them start engaging conversations with each other. Like the look in my parents' eyes. Like the people who pledged on Kickstarter for the first time to support this project. Like the other creators I've met along the way and the late nights spent rooting for each other. Like the unshaken trust you all have put in me.


I do not take it for granted. It is a special feeling that I will cherish for the rest of my life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.


A special thanks to Cyra Canonigo for the Hero's Quest pledge to donate to countless children! Also shout out to Kimberly, Eve F., Jay L., Smglatt, Theodore W., Beverly C., Zzipper H., Ann, Tuebor, and Mike G. for your backing in the last 24 hours to get us to finish strong! All of you have the bragging rights as one of over a hundred of others who helped to get this book on bookshelves. 😉 🙏🏽💕


I will keep updating you on the progress of the book and I can't wait for you to hold it in your hands, to share it with your children, and to be a part of the quest to disrupt what we see on our bookshelves.


Here’s what to expect next:

  • Over the next few days, your payment will be processed. If there are any issues with collecting your payment, Kickstarter will notify you to make any necessary changes to your payment method.
  • In the next two weeks, you will receive a survey. Once you receive it, please complete the survey and finalize your shipping information. You MUST complete your survey in order to receive your items. I am unable to fulfill your order if I don’t have your address.

In a day like this and with so much more work to do, all I can feel is hope and enthusiasm for the world we're building together. Thank you for being part of this quest.


What a beginning.


Cheers,

Cat

www.mikasquest.com 

1 day left + New Reward Tier!
over 3 years ago – Fri, Sep 09, 2022 at 04:42:16 PM

 We are in the last home stretch and the campaign ends this Sunday, September at 8am!
I am excited to launch a new reward tier. Some of you had asked for an option to gift or donate a book to a child, school, library or organization and I think that would be a great idea! If you pledge $20, I will donate a hardcopy book to a child, school, library or organization of your choice or my choice! You can choose to have a nameplate in the book recognizing your donation or "In Honor" of a loved one.
Check out the new reward tier and pledge here!

Let's end the campaign strong! I will be reposting and giving shout outs for any new backers or backers that increase their current pledges. 


HOW TO SPREAD THE GOODNESS
 

  • Share! - Share my Kickstarter and post on social media
  • Tell me about it - Tag @bycatfan on Instagram or Facebook when you share a public post or story
  • Private accounts can send me a screenshot! - If you have a private account, sharing on a different platform (ie. Twitter, Reddit, WeChat, Group text message, etc...) or you're sharing to a private group, you can take a screenshot and message me on FB, IG or email me at [email protected]
  • Your friend's pledges count! If you're taking a break from social media, but are able to get a friend to pledge between now and the end of the campaign. Just email me with the name of the pledger.

 I believe that education and literacy levels the playing field. I care about exposing children to different perspectives, various career fields, learning to be resourceful and advocate for themselves in order to break cycles and so that they are not just going with the flow, but are active participants of this world.

Word-of-mouth is currently the only way for me to get the word out. I would be so grateful for your help!
THANK YOU! *Virtual hugs*
Happy Friday,
Cat

About Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact
For ages 5-9, Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact is a fun and educational illustrated chapter book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and a cute sidekick, Polo. This book is a great concept, where the history and culture of a real city is revealed through solving cryptic clues. Children will be engaged and entertained, as they help Mika and Polo solve the clues, and at the same time learn about the city of San Francisco.
Pre-order a copy today! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bycatfan/mikas-quest-for-the-lost-artifact-childrens-book

#weneeddiversebooks #kidlit #littlebrownyoungreaders #education