Kibort-Gibbons shares the story of a pet adoption in this charming picture book.

Bandit, a dog, and Pablo, a cat, are adopted by a human family and immediately become friends. Readers learn that, for some who are adopted, “There are days you feel lonely, like you don’t belong. There are days you feel happy and sing out YOUR SONG!” The theme of becoming a new family through adoption is strongly delivered and feels inclusive. Kibort-Gibbons uses simple words to convey the importance of acceptance and love. Repeated messages (including “We are BROTHERS!” and “We are different, and we are the same”) serve early readers well by providing continuity, although such messages do limit the progression of the story. At times, the rhymes feel as if they are overly determining the action; when the text reads, “Then you may understand, that sometimes your beat feels like a whole different band,” the introduction of a band seems a bit contrived. O’Neill’s illustrations are colorful and charming. Bandit and Pablo are adorable pets and will appeal to young readers. The bright colors will keep readers engaged, and the illustrations support the text nicely. The text briefly addresses feelings of loneliness and not belonging, but does not dwell on them.

A warm, relatable story aimed at young adoptees and their families.