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I'm Not Missing
The dog days are over when one pup breaks free from his home to become an independent, Lone Wolf!
Humans don't realize the stresses of pet life.
Working hard to meet every command.
Trying to be a good boy, the best boy.
It's exhausting . . . humiliating, even!
Sick of the pressures of pet life-the costumes, the treat-withholding, and the dreaded cone of shame-one dog escapes to fulfill his true Lone Wolf destiny. But then he sees his owner-um, ex-owner-with a new dog and feels unexpectedly jealous. All he wanted was a little space to poop in peace, not for his ex-owner to forget him entirely! Is it too late to go back, or is he stuck in the doghouse forever?
Find out in this hilarious picture book by the author/illustrator team that brought you Poe and Lars !
Humans don't realize the stresses of pet life.
Working hard to meet every command.
Trying to be a good boy, the best boy.
It's exhausting . . . humiliating, even!
Sick of the pressures of pet life-the costumes, the treat-withholding, and the dreaded cone of shame-one dog escapes to fulfill his true Lone Wolf destiny. But then he sees his owner-um, ex-owner-with a new dog and feels unexpectedly jealous. All he wanted was a little space to poop in peace, not for his ex-owner to forget him entirely! Is it too late to go back, or is he stuck in the doghouse forever?
Find out in this hilarious picture book by the author/illustrator team that brought you Poe and Lars !
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 17, 2022
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 11, 2023
Presmešno 🤣🤣🤣
December 21, 2022
This dog is not missing, oh no. He choose freedom!
Writing this 7 November and still looking for a cute puppers, so this book was perfect! I was curious about this dog and why, according to him, he was not missing while that is clearly a missing poster. XD
In this book we meet a dog who is done with it all. Yes, he is missing. But just for humans. He is actually and totally not missing. He just choose to go for his own route. The Lone Wolf destiny as he calls it. He tells us, the reader, all about why he choose to go for this route. Why he was DONE with being a pet. Why he was DONE with having a home and an owner. He has some convincing reasons, like the dreaded cone of shame, the treats that are not coming unless you do something for them, being called fat by the vet and having to go on a diet… It made me laugh so hard, but I could also very much understand him. Though I am sorry puppers, I will definitely see if my dog (if I find one, hopefully by the time this goes up) will like costumes, I hope so, because I would love it. I always adore those pictures I see on the internet. But if my dog is not OK with it, then I will give it up. Promise.
But what happens when our dog, living out his biggest fantasy, sees his owner with another dog? And apparently not missing him? Or does she? He was so conflicted and so wondering if he should give up his Lone Wolf destiny. I won’t spoil what he does next, you will have to read it yourself! But I definitely loved it, especially that last thing he told us.
The illustrations were my absolute favourite thing in this whole book! They made me laugh and I loved how the dog was drawn. Perfect facial expressions!
All in all, this was a laugh-out-loud hilarious book perfect for dog-lovers, dog-owners, and everyone else curious about this dog and why he is NOT missing!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Writing this 7 November and still looking for a cute puppers, so this book was perfect! I was curious about this dog and why, according to him, he was not missing while that is clearly a missing poster. XD
In this book we meet a dog who is done with it all. Yes, he is missing. But just for humans. He is actually and totally not missing. He just choose to go for his own route. The Lone Wolf destiny as he calls it. He tells us, the reader, all about why he choose to go for this route. Why he was DONE with being a pet. Why he was DONE with having a home and an owner. He has some convincing reasons, like the dreaded cone of shame, the treats that are not coming unless you do something for them, being called fat by the vet and having to go on a diet… It made me laugh so hard, but I could also very much understand him. Though I am sorry puppers, I will definitely see if my dog (if I find one, hopefully by the time this goes up) will like costumes, I hope so, because I would love it. I always adore those pictures I see on the internet. But if my dog is not OK with it, then I will give it up. Promise.
But what happens when our dog, living out his biggest fantasy, sees his owner with another dog? And apparently not missing him? Or does she? He was so conflicted and so wondering if he should give up his Lone Wolf destiny. I won’t spoil what he does next, you will have to read it yourself! But I definitely loved it, especially that last thing he told us.
The illustrations were my absolute favourite thing in this whole book! They made me laugh and I loved how the dog was drawn. Perfect facial expressions!
All in all, this was a laugh-out-loud hilarious book perfect for dog-lovers, dog-owners, and everyone else curious about this dog and why he is NOT missing!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 28, 2022
I'll start by saying how much I adore the side-eye of this book's fictional dog narrator! He's a dog who grew tired of being a pet--the costumes he was forced to wear, the tricks he had to perform, the lack of toilet privacy, etc. And so he snapped one day, and took off on his own, looking askance at the missing dog posters adorned with his image, scrounging for food, and finally pooping without an audience. But then he sees his little girl loving a new dog. Though he tries to just nonchalantly accept that she's moved on to another relationship, when he realizes she was just pet-sitting, and when he sees her weeping while looking at his missing dog picture, he gives being a pet again another chance. Fun and adorable, and thought-provoking too with regards to relationships, with illustrations that made me grin.
April 16, 2023
3.75 stars, super cute dog story about a dog who runs away from pet life. Is his newfound freedom as good as he wishes? Or will he find himself longing for his old home?
May 25, 2023
Best use of pixellation in a picture book.
June 16, 2024
lustig mit viel Charakter :)
April 10, 2025
? Deze week liep ik langs de jeugdafdeling van een bibliotheekfiliaal in mijn stad en zocht vooral op "eigenwijze titels"
🤔 Naast de titel is vooral de inhoud ook eigenwijs ;-), maar ook ontroerend aan het eind en met een morele ondertoon: zeker een leuk boek om te gebruiken bij het voorlezen!
MW 12/4/23
🤔 Naast de titel is vooral de inhoud ook eigenwijs ;-), maar ook ontroerend aan het eind en met een morele ondertoon: zeker een leuk boek om te gebruiken bij het voorlezen!
MW 12/4/23
May 14, 2022
I truly laughed out loud
August 31, 2022
This book was HILARIOUS! The illustrations are great. An excellent story about thinking the grass is greener on the other side. I think this would be a fun read-a-loud for Pre-K or Elementary-aged kids. It's a bit on the long side.
September 15, 2023
This dog is missing, but not really. He is just fed up with being a pet.
He tells us the story of how it used to be and how it is now that "freedom" is actually part of his life.
That is, until the dog sees his former owner with another pet!
Sweet funny story with hilarious illustrations! The dog's face expressions are the best <3
He tells us the story of how it used to be and how it is now that "freedom" is actually part of his life.
That is, until the dog sees his former owner with another pet!
Sweet funny story with hilarious illustrations! The dog's face expressions are the best <3
September 1, 2022
Cute. The dog is trying to be a lone wolf but discovered he likes being a house pet alright.
September 6, 2024
Cute children’s book!
June 28, 2022
Under 1 min. To read.
4 stars
4 stars
February 9, 2024
4.5 stars. Cute, funny story and beautiful illustrations. I read this to my dog. I hope she doesn’t get any ideas.
June 6, 2024
4.5
Ilustración: Hermosa, muy buena paleta de colores.
Narración: Me sorprendió, está muy bien desarrollada, y muchas veces es difícil encontrar una narrativa sin un quiebre en un libro album.
Historia: Es buena, pero hay ciertas cosas que no me gustan, como la humanización de animales, además el mensaje que da (al menos uno de los que veo) no me ha gustado.
Ilustración: Hermosa, muy buena paleta de colores.
Narración: Me sorprendió, está muy bien desarrollada, y muchas veces es difícil encontrar una narrativa sin un quiebre en un libro album.
Historia: Es buena, pero hay ciertas cosas que no me gustan, como la humanización de animales, además el mensaje que da (al menos uno de los que veo) no me ha gustado.
January 6, 2023
This was funny, with a dog deliberately running away and griping about how much he hated his life back home (until he changes his mind). The digital illustration style is colorful and simple but I felt like there was something missing. It was cute seeing the dog change his mind when he sees how much his owner misses him--so that was a cute take.
August 22, 2025
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 17, 2022
HILARIOUS! ADORABLE! Dog lovers will laugh out loud at this smart, cute dog friend trying to take a vacation from his life.
December 4, 2022
Very funny!
June 1, 2025
WOOF! Finally, someone wrote a book that gets it! This dog in "I'm Not Missing" totally understands what it's like being a pet. Just like me, he gets SO frustrated with all the ridiculous things humans make us do. Don't even get me started on costumes - the author really nailed how embarrassing and uncomfortable they are. My mom really thought dressing me up as King KONG was funny?!?
And the PRIVACY thing! The book perfectly captures how awkward it is when your human just stares at you while you're trying to do your business. Like, can you please look away? I'm trying to concentrate here!
I really felt for the main character when he decided to run away. Sometimes I fantasize about it too, especially after bath time or when my mom tries to put shoes on me. But honestly? I could never actually do it. Me, my human, and my brother have been a pack for my whole lifetime - all 10 years of it! So basically forever.
The part where the dog sees his owner with another dog broke my little heart! I would be SO jealous and hurt. Without giving anything away, let's just say this story really shows how us anxious pups can jump to conclusions when we're already feeling vulnerable.
This book really speaks to any dog who feels misunderstood but ultimately knows where home is. Two paws up!
And the PRIVACY thing! The book perfectly captures how awkward it is when your human just stares at you while you're trying to do your business. Like, can you please look away? I'm trying to concentrate here!
I really felt for the main character when he decided to run away. Sometimes I fantasize about it too, especially after bath time or when my mom tries to put shoes on me. But honestly? I could never actually do it. Me, my human, and my brother have been a pack for my whole lifetime - all 10 years of it! So basically forever.
The part where the dog sees his owner with another dog broke my little heart! I would be SO jealous and hurt. Without giving anything away, let's just say this story really shows how us anxious pups can jump to conclusions when we're already feeling vulnerable.
This book really speaks to any dog who feels misunderstood but ultimately knows where home is. Two paws up!
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September 7, 2022(Review by Biven- Buddy & Ivan, Goldendoodles
Luckily, we read I’m Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley @kcororminagourley before mom made us take this ridiculous picture. We might have considered making a run for it and trying life on our own.
But after reading this book, we learned being on your own isn’t all that great. We definitely felt this dog's pain- crazy costumes, no privacy, cone of shame- yep, yep & yep. But we know the best place is right here at home, so we liked how it ended.
I’m Not Missing
By Kashelle Gourley
Illustrated by Skylar Hogan @skylar_hogan
Published by Little Bee Books @littlebeebooks
Luckily, we read I’m Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley @kcororminagourley before mom made us take this ridiculous picture. We might have considered making a run for it and trying life on our own.
But after reading this book, we learned being on your own isn’t all that great. We definitely felt this dog's pain- crazy costumes, no privacy, cone of shame- yep, yep & yep. But we know the best place is right here at home, so we liked how it ended.
I’m Not Missing
By Kashelle Gourley
Illustrated by Skylar Hogan @skylar_hogan
Published by Little Bee Books @littlebeebooks
May 25, 2025
A beloved dog decides to run away from home and see if the grass is greener as a "lone wolf."🐺
His dog voice is engaging and the storytelling is filled with humor. The illustrations really bring life to his descriptions of life as a pet and out in the "wild."🐕
There is a two-page spread showing all the dog costumes he had to wear. Another favorite is a picture of him being chased by a raccoon, a cat, and a mouse all at once. 😻
Will he decide to go home? Let's just say that he couldn't go too long without checking on his owner.🤗
And sometimes, it's best to just let sleeping dogs lie.
His dog voice is engaging and the storytelling is filled with humor. The illustrations really bring life to his descriptions of life as a pet and out in the "wild."🐕
There is a two-page spread showing all the dog costumes he had to wear. Another favorite is a picture of him being chased by a raccoon, a cat, and a mouse all at once. 😻
Will he decide to go home? Let's just say that he couldn't go too long without checking on his owner.🤗
And sometimes, it's best to just let sleeping dogs lie.
September 7, 2022
This one cracked us up. It's a top contender for Christmas presents for my kids and the Ogg boys.
The dog is sick of being taken advantage of by his owner, so he goes rogue. The dog's expressions were cracking us up, as well as the funny phrases. The dog was "living the dream" and "I loved my dog bod..."
It would be a great Wyoming Reads title, but I don't think JJ would go for it because it talks about the dog pooping and has a pixelated "naked" picture when the dog ditches his collar.. My kids loved that part.
The dog is sick of being taken advantage of by his owner, so he goes rogue. The dog's expressions were cracking us up, as well as the funny phrases. The dog was "living the dream" and "I loved my dog bod..."
It would be a great Wyoming Reads title, but I don't think JJ would go for it because it talks about the dog pooping and has a pixelated "naked" picture when the dog ditches his collar.. My kids loved that part.
January 12, 2023
This one really tickled my funny bone.....maybe because I am an owner of a four-legged and maybe because I've had the same thoughts as the poor dog in this book. Thanks for the list, ALD!
May 26, 2023
Hilarious and relatable picture book about a humiliated dog that just wants to leave his home and try becoming a "Lone Wolf". Bumble is tired of having to do tricks for treats, poop while everyone is watching, and wear ridiculous costumes. Once he begins his quest for solitude, he encounters his human with another dog and becomes envious of him living his life with his toys. You can guess what happens at the end of the story when he realizes his life isn't so bad after all and it's better to be with the ones you love.
September 24, 2023
Read this book to your child only if you wish to train your child to become cynical, snide, self-aggrandizing, and all-around arrogant.
The only good news I find here is that most children young enough to need an adult reader...
Won't yet have the capacity to find it "funny" or "cute" to read about a character like the doggy hero portrayed here.
Of course, if you read this repeatedly, and explain with enthusiasm how to live like a cynic, you just might be able to make your child a precocious smart-alec.
The only good news I find here is that most children young enough to need an adult reader...
Won't yet have the capacity to find it "funny" or "cute" to read about a character like the doggy hero portrayed here.
Of course, if you read this repeatedly, and explain with enthusiasm how to live like a cynic, you just might be able to make your child a precocious smart-alec.
June 17, 2022
This sweet, silly picture book is told from a dog’s perspective. Readers learn the pressures dogs face trying to be a “good boy” all the time. Tired of wearing costumes, having to do tricks to get treats, wearing the dreaded cone of shame, and having an audience every time he poops, one dog decides to embrace his Lone Wolf destiny and run away. But when he sees his human with another dog, he wonders if he made the right decision.
October 25, 2022
**This book is being considered as a nominee for next year’s Beehive Book Award for Children in Utah. My review reflects my thoughts as it pertains to that consideration.**
Storytime Themes: Dogs
Yes. This is going in the Storytime rotation. It's funny and heartwarming and cute. The dog's snark is endearing and the lesson is sweet. It is a great choice for Beehive.
Storytime Themes: Dogs
Yes. This is going in the Storytime rotation. It's funny and heartwarming and cute. The dog's snark is endearing and the lesson is sweet. It is a great choice for Beehive.
April 15, 2023
The costumes, the treat-withholding, the dreaded cone of shame—all the stresses of pet life force this beleaguered brown mutt to break free, become a lone wolf, and finally poop in peace. Told from the pooch’s point of view, this zany story is laugh-out-loud funny, and the waggish illustrations are hilarious, especially the “cute” costumes (the clown!) and the knock-knock joke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews