Pet Storybook template

A gotcha-day storybook for your rescue pet

Rescue and adoption stories are some of the best stories a family has: the first meeting at the shelter, the nervous car ride home, the moment they finally fell asleep on the sofa.

An adoption-day book tells that story with your pet as the hero, and makes an anniversary present to bring out every gotcha day.

Start your free preview How it works ↓

Preview in about 60 to 90 seconds

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

Their real journey

Tell us where they came from and the first days at home; the story follows it.

Kind to rescues

Any backstory is handled gently, focused on belonging rather than hardship.

An anniversary ritual

Read it every year on the date they came home.

How it works

Step by step

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

Illustrative artwork shown while sample books are being made.

Making it special

If you have a photo from the day you met, use it alongside a recent one.
Mention the shelter or foster family if you would like to thank them in the dedication.

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

Can I mention the rescue or shelter by name?

Yes. You can name them in the story or the dedication, or keep it general.

My pet looked very different when we adopted them. Which photos should I use?

Use recent photos for the illustrations so they look like themselves throughout, and tell us about the change; the story can mention it.

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.