Pet Storybook template

Your pet in a vintage 1950s storybook

Mid-century Storybook recreates the look of children’s books from the 1950s: gouache texture, a handful of warm colours and simple, rounded shapes. It feels instantly familiar, like a book that has been on the shelf for decades.

It is a favourite for grandparents and for anyone who grew up on those books, and it gives everyday scenes (the walk to the shops, a nap by the stove) a charming, old-fashioned calm.

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.

Nostalgic gift

Looks like a vintage find, which makes it a thoughtful present for older relatives.

Limited palette

A few warm colours keep every spread cohesive and print beautifully.

Simple, charming shapes

Pets are simplified into friendly forms while keeping their colouring.

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.

Getting the best from Mid-century Storybook

Clear photos of colouring and markings matter more here than pose.
Christmas and countryside themes suit this style especially well.

The style

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

Is it modelled on a particular book series?

No. It describes a general 1950s illustration look, never a publisher’s series or a named illustrator.

Will it look good printed?

Yes. The limited palette and flat textures reproduce well in the print-ready PDF.

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.