Lulu Didn't Want a Dog

by Laurel Molk

A funny and adorable look at the age-old cats vs dogs issue that will appeal to cat lovers and dog lovers as well as anyone looking for a story about accepting big changes.

Lulu’s life was good. She had a window seat in the sun, tuna for breakfast, salmon for dinner, and a comfy lap for long naps. And then her mother said the worst thing a loving cat mom could ever say: “We’re getting a rescue dog to keep you company!” Lulu didn’t want a dog! Think of the germs! Slobber on her water bowl. Drool on her toys? Her worst nightmare. And Gus was all that and more. Of course Gus was obsessed with Lulu and followed her everywhere. What’s a fine feline to do?

In this sweet tale of opposites forced to live together, Lulu learns to appreciate the canine brother she never wanted but ultimately needed. This story will be a great conversation starter for anyone looking to address new siblings and other big changes.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Dogs, Animals, Friendship, Pets, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Laurel Molk has written and illustrated several books for children, including Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, and FLO! and When You Were Just a Heartbeat. She lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat vs Dog romp around.

LuLu was adamant about not wanting a dog and struggled to adapt until Gus made it clear that he’s alright for a dog!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. I also liked that it shows people and their opinions can change with time. But I wish that it didn't have to be just because the dog saved Lulu- she could've changed from the good of her own heart too

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A calico cat named Lulu has the perfect life until her owner brings home Gus, a bouncy, slobbery rescue hound. You can read this elegant picture book as an enemies-to-friends/cat-and-dog story or stretch just a bit and see it as a metaphor for introducing any newcomer into the mix – either way, I bet you’ll love it. Opening end papers show us the things Lulu likes to do (all neat, orderly, and solitary) and cat owners will recognize her idyllic setup, in which she has a sunny window seat, a cozy closet for hiding, and a comfy human lap. All that changes with the arrival of the leggy and loud hound dog, to whom Lulu gamely gives three chances. Unfortunately he squanders her good will by burying the human’s shoe in mud, wolfing down someone’s birthday cupcakes, and getting sprayed by a skunk. So, “Lulu didn’t, in fact, change her mind about having a dog…She wondered if Gus was returnable.” Luckily, he’s not and when he saves Lulu from a watery catastrophe, he earns her love: “And while she definitely had not wanted a dog, she supposed that if she absolutely had to have one, Gus was pretty okay.”

Molk’s gorgeous and carefree watercolor illustrations, supplemented with some defining pen-and-ink work, are the perfect amplification of her slightly deadpan storytelling voice. Lulu’s bewildered facial expressions throughout the book are hysterical and easy to read; any kid who’s watched their quiet home erupt into chaos after a new arrival will relate to the dramatic adjustments the cat faces. I liked that the story is shown entirely from Lulu’s point of view; we never see her owner’s face, only her lap or stocking feet. The narrative text uses a serif font, while the owner’s lectures and asides appear in a casual, handwritten font, signaling spoken dialogue directed at her slightly exasperating pets. The back end papers dovetail with the opening, as we now get to see “Things Gus likes!!”, including comically, hot dogs, shoes (torn to bits), sticks (the wooden end of a toilet plunger), and cold drinks (predictably, sticking his head into the toilet bowl). Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As most of us who share our lives with cats know, they prefer the same routine, and they aren't all that fond with changes in their household or new inhabitants. Some of them can eventually adapt to a new pet, but it takes time. In the case of Lulu, the cat featured in this picture book, she's perfectly content with her life as it was before the arrival of rambunctious Gus. The dog is noisy, big, and messy, and even though she tries to give him several chances, he just isn't her cup of tea or her idea of a good companion. All that changes, though, when he comes to her rescue. The artwork, created with watercolor, pen-and-ink, and Photoshop, is outstanding, capturing the very different personalities of Lulu and Gus, especially Lulu's disdain toward the dog, and Gus's playful nature and eagerness to please and make friends. The double-page spreads with Gus strewing toilet paper all over the bathroom and the one with him chowing down on frosted cupcakes while Lulu looks on from a distance speak volumes about their relationship--or lack of one. It's hard not to choke up when reading the page with both of them holding onto a stick or the very last page. And how proud is Gus when he prances how with that very stick and Lulu clinging to his back. Lulu may not have wanted a dog, but she certainly has one now. (And he has her back.) Share this adorable story with any animal lover, and it'll prompt a positive reaction.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book of all time, of the genre I Liked This So Much I Almost Could Not Return It To the Public Library (my apologies, dearest local public library). Lulu is a refined cat... Gus is a rescue dog. The illustrations are brilliant and evocative. The dialogue is sparse, concise, brilliant and frequently tells a different story than the illustrations, which keeps the brain active. This is a perfect example of a book that will be appreciated by both the adult reading and the child being read to, because the story is so successful being told on multiple levels.

Laurel Monk, author and illustrator, knocked this one out of the park. Now I have to find everything else she has done. I'm on her website right now. Yowzer! In addition to her own author/illustrator books, she has also illustrated books for Jane Yolen! Holy smokes!

Now I need to build my personal library of her works. <3

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Molk writes and illustrates Lulu Didn't Want a Dog. Lulu is a cat that is leading a happy life until her family decides to get a rescue dog. That creates a lot of anxiety in Lulu and most of her predictions about the dog Gus come true. Lulu does decide to give Gus a chance or two or three. One day she finally escapes from Gus and is on her own when tragedy strikes and her life is in danger. Who should come to her rescue but Gus and that changes her opinion. Readers will enjoy this cat and dog story about giving new things a chance.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, cute story with gorgeous water color and ink illustrations!

The story is told from the viewpoint of the main character, a well-loved cat who does not like or want the new dog brought into the family.

The theme, of course, is adjusting to and learning to value a new, different, and unwanted addition to a family. Having read the book, I feel it would open up a reader’s heart to viewing how this could apply to other situations, people, animals, etc., as well - giving one a magnanimous / big-hearted feeling towards others.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully heartfelt (and funny!) book is a standout. I think many of us can relate to Lulu: happy with the routines of life, resistant to a big disruption. And oh boy, Gus is quite a disruption! The illustrations speak volumes about the changing relationship between cat and dog, and each gorgeous picture is telling a story on its own. The last scene gave me happy tears. I know this is a book I'll read to the kids again and again. P.S. The endpapers are adorable!

[Wade Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu the cat's family gets a dog called Gus and Lulu doesn't want a dog. Gus is dirty and loud and Lulu isn't interested in sharing her space or water bowl with Gus. Eventually Lulu and Gus form a friendship and learn to love each other. The illustrations are expressive and colorful. The book would make a good read aloud. Recommended for ages 4-10 by SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.

[Bookworm4Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu's life was great, until Gus came along. Gus is loud and rude and he insists on following Lulu everywhere she goes. Lulu does not want a dog, but when Gus ends up saving her Lulu may just change her mind.

[Lynn Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this from start to finish. The author/illustrator really brought these characters to life!

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The expressions on both the cat and dog are absolutely *perfect*.
I do wish Lulu wasn't shown stalking birds outside.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atticus would like this book!

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about pets, new siblings, and other big changes.

[Kelly]

I actually liked this story. Neither the dog nor the cat was too mean, and it turned out sweet in the end.

[Alyssa Mandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun book about a cat who DOES not want to live with a dog. By the end they become friends.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Lulu is a cat. But when her family gets a rescue dog, she is not enthused. Gus adores Lulu. Will he win her over? Wonderful story and illustrations.

[Kaleidoscope Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im pretty sure this is how my dog felt about the cat, of which there are now 6. He is old and gray at 18 now, but they love him immensely.

[Tayler K.M.]

I will need to read this if my fiance really does decide to get a dog someday.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: dogs, cats, animals, friendship
Ages: 1-3rd grades
Pub year: 2026