Pet Storybook template

A storybook starring your dog

Most personalised dog books make you pick the nearest breed from a list. Penwrite works from your photos instead, so the scruffy eyebrow, the odd ear and the white sock on one paw all make it onto the page.

You tell us what your dog lives for (tennis balls, the beach, stealing socks) and the story is written around it, so it reads like your dog and not a generic pup.

Sign up free and see your preview in about 60 to 90 seconds.

Preview in about 60 to 90 seconds

Pet storybook: example cover
Illustrative artwork. Pages from real sample books appear here at launch.

Mixed breeds welcome

Because it draws from photos rather than a breed list, rescues, crosses and one-of-a-kind dogs come out looking like themselves.

Built around their habits

Three quick prompts (loves, silly habit, best friend) give the story the in-jokes your family will recognise.

Adventure, bedtime or birthday

Pick a story theme and an art style; the same dog stays consistent across all twelve spreads.

How it works

Step by step

  1. 1

    Upload their photos

    One clear photo is enough; three is best: the face at eye level, a full body from the side, and any distinctive marking. iPhone photos are fine.

  2. 2

    Tell us about them

    Their name, a story theme, and up to three details that make them who they are: what they love, a silly habit, their best friend.

  3. 3

    Pick an art style

    Compare styles side by side, from Storybook Watercolour to Old Master Portrait. Penwrite suggests one for your theme.

  4. 4

    See the preview

    In about a minute: two portraits to choose from, a cover with their name, and the first page of the story. One free restyle.

  5. 5

    Make the book

    Twelve illustrated spreads appear page by page. Edit any line, re-roll any picture, add a dedication, then download the PDF or share the flipbook.

What you need
  • 1 to 4 photos of your pet (3 recommended)
  • Their name and species
  • A story theme and an art style
  • Optional details: what they love, a silly habit, their best friend
What you get
  • A 12-spread illustrated story (24 interior pages and a cover)
  • Your pet drawn consistently from their photos on every page
  • A character portrait in your chosen style
  • Screen PDF and print-ready PDF
  • A private flipbook link to share with family
  • Editable text and a dedication page

Previews are free for signed-in users during the 7-day Pro trial. Making the full book uses a Pro book credit (Pro includes one a month), and downloading or printing needs a paid plan.

Examples

Example pages

Pet storybook: example cover
cover
Pet storybook: example spread
spread
Pet storybook: example page
page

Illustrative artwork shown while sample books are being made.

Photo tips for your dog

  • Use one photo at your dog’s eye level, with the face in focus and good daylight.
  • Add a full-body shot from the side so coat pattern, tail and leg length are right.
  • If they have a distinctive marking (a patch, a scar, odd-coloured eyes), add a close-up of it.
  • Avoid heavy filters and dark indoor photos; long-haired dogs look best freshly groomed.
Art styles

Storybook Watercolour

Soft watercolour washes, warm pastels and gentle pencil outlines: the classic look of a bedtime picture book.

Best for bedtime stories, first books for toddlers, gentle gifts for grandparents.

Old Master Portrait

A 17th-century oil painting: chiaroscuro light, a velvet cloak and lace ruff, a dark umber background and fine craquelure.

Best for regal pet portraits, funny gifts for adults, "royal" story covers.

Fairy-tale Classic

Golden-age fairy-tale illustration: fine pen line, muted watercolour wash, enchanted forests and a storybook border feel.

Best for bedtime stories, keepsake books, quest adventures.

Hand-painted Anime Film

A hand-painted animated-film look: soft cel-shaded characters, lush painterly backgrounds, towering clouds and warm afternoon light.

Best for adventure stories, countryside and seaside settings, teens and adults.

Comic Hero

Bold inked comic-book art with halftone dots, a flowing cape, an eye mask and vivid primary colours. No real superhero costumes or emblems.

Best for superhero adventures, birthdays, gamer and comic fans.

Mid-century Storybook

A 1950s children’s book look: gouache texture, a limited warm palette and rounded, friendly shapes.

Best for nostalgic gifts, grandparents, Christmas books.

Questions

Frequently asked

Does it work for mixed-breed and rescue dogs?

Yes. The illustrations are drawn from your photos, not from a breed menu, so crosses and rescues keep their own colouring, ears and build.

Can my dog’s favourite toy or walk be in the story?

Yes. Tell us what they love and their silliest habit, and the story is written around those details. You can edit any line of text before you make the book.

Will it really look like my pet?

It draws from your photos rather than a breed list, and describes your pet back to you before illustrating so you can correct anything. Three good photos give the most consistent results across all twelve spreads.

Is the preview free?

Yes, for signed-in users during the free 7-day Pro trial. Making the full book uses a Pro book credit (Pro includes one a month), and downloading or printing needs a paid plan.

A storybook starring your dog

Sign up free and see your preview in about 60 to 90 seconds.