My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story

by Yuko Torii

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Pets, Childrens, Adoption, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 3, 2026

Reviews

[ryan ⚡︎]

i almost cried reading this while at work

[Zachary Sklar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: Hardcover
Yuko Torii's simple story of a stray dog who finds a safe home and a loving family is charming and touching. It tells a heartwarming story through beautiful illustrations and a few well chosen words. This is a lovely book that young children will appreciate, cherish, and want to read over and over again. Highly recommended!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender, engaging story told from a stray dog's perspective as it searches for its place in the world. Simple text for young readers gently weaves a powerful story of pet adoption. Yuko Torii's expressive watercolor and ink illustrations bring the journey to life, making it easy to fall in love with the adorable pup and the happy ending. Highly recommend - an excellent choice for libraries, preschool story time or a comforting bedtime read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuko Torii’s great achievement - An exquisite book that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

I purchased this book and few others for my friend’s grandchildren. “My Someone” was instantly their favorite. They fell in love with the dog, and as the story unfolded they became excited to know what came next. I think the book works on more than one level. The simple and short text is beautifully written. The paintings are so exquisite that the may even inspire children to paint or at least to appreciate art. The way the beautiful story is told through words and images generates and teaches empathy, which I think is Yuko Torii’s greatest achievement. This is an exquisite book that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Highly recommended.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This special picture book is especially for pet parents who have adopted a pet that they found as a stray. I have adopted several cats that I found as strays and I can relate to the fact that there is nothing like saving the life of a pet that needs a home. Young readers will learn a life lesson about saving the life of a stray dog and providing a forever home. The life lesson of all animals needing their own special someone is a special lesson to learn.

This little dog is alone on the street and does not like all of the loud noises. He doesn't like being hungry or risking fights with other strays that are encountered. He just wants a forever home to feel safe. He is found and taken home. Baths and hair dryers are strange to him. Going to the vet for shots are not something that he likes. But he loves his new forever home and now he is safe.

The illustrations are adorable and portray the experience of finding a stray dog and providing a forever home. The text is simple and easy for young readers to read.

This engaging and sweet picture book was published by Rise, a division of Penguin/Random House. It has an ISBN of 978-0-593-88727-1.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure. I know the artist author and bought the book to support her. Now here’s the truth of it. I wasn’t prepared for how moved I was going to be. The illustrations are wonderful for both adults and small children. Giving plenty of information but leaving room for imagination and internal stories. The story itself is as heart warming and charming as it can get. A wonderful bed time story book and early reader book. I’m also going to be giving it to the many animal lovers who have rescued their little ones. Can not say enough wonderful things about this book and look forward to the next one!

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every dog and cat deserves to find there “someone.” This is the story of one dog who is alone, but eventually finds her someone through a pet adoption agency. At the beginning, we see her struggling to get by on the streets of a big city. She is very scared and all alone. She looks longingly at all the dogs who have found their families. One day, a van rolls by with a sign that says, “pet rescue” and the little dog isn’t sure of it. She doesn’t like getting a bath or getting her nails trimmed. Or getting shots! But soon, they take her to an adoption event! Is this where she will find her “someone?”

A sweet and hope-filled journey.

Mia’s 3rd Year of Books: Day 65

#FirsttoCheckOut

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for a friend who is really passionate about adopting, not shopping, and cannot wait for her to have it. This is such a sweet story about the importance of providing a home for animals who have been saved from the streets or shelters. It also is a great reminder of the time it can take for a puppy to get comfortable in their new home before relationships truly begin to form.

[Natalia Yaskina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story by Yuko Torii is a gentle and heartwarming picture book. It’s a lovely read for families adopting a pet or for anyone who loves animals. The story feels very tender and emotional, showing the joy of finding someone special. The illustrations are warm and full of small, everyday details. A sweet and comforting book.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will probably cry while reading this.

The words are sparse. It's about a stray dog who is picked up and adopted out. Told from the dog's perspective, the readers see why he's miserable outside, the shelter is a little uncomfortable, and how he settles into his new home.

If I weren't at Kitty Capacity I would be running out to get a few more.

[Barbara DiLorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuko Torii's heartwarming picture book is absolutely beautiful. The narrative from the stray dog is so simple, yet powerful. The stakes feel high, yet the conclusion is so warm and satisfying. A definite choice for any library -high likelihood of rereading over and over!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This pet adoption story seems like a rough draft, lingering too long on the dog’s background on the streets and breezing through the processes of rescue and adoption. Heartwarming illustrations fill in some of the blanks.

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pet adoption story with a very happy ending.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple enough for toddler storytime but all the adults might cry.

[Kelly]

I got confused by how the dog went from the street to a house so quickly. I think there should have been more text about what was going on.

[Chris H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flipped through this at BookPeople…bawling in public. 5 stars.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Gwen!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and sweet.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated story about a small yellow dog living on the streets, wanting to find someone to keep it safe.

Torii encourages pet adoption over buying a pet at store.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple. Sparse vocabulary. Accessible. Charming. The illustrations are perfect. A delight. A winner.