John Sullivan received the Ezra Jack Keats Award and Margaret Wise Brown Prize for his debut picture book Kitten and the Night Watchman, also named a best book of the year by The Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and BookPage. He is also the author of Ethan and the Strays, Stanley's Secret, and Can I Keep It, Please?. John is a cat lover and tap dancer who formerly worked as a night watchman. He lives in Chicago. Visit John at JohnSullivanKidBooks.com.

Jessica Gibson is a freelance illustrator from the riverfront area of Detroit, Michigan. She started her career after graduating from Wayne County Community College and has produced illustrations for a number of publishers and brands, including picture books, editorial spot pieces, packaging design, and surface patterns. Her books include Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena and Can I Keep It, Please? by John Sullivan.

"Cheery digital cartooning by Gibson alternate domestic and school scenes, while light animalian anthropomorphism effectively conveys that different beings have different natures--and that the best pet is the one that chooses you."--Publishers Weekly

"Sullivan offers a sweet and well-paced take on responsible pet ownership, starring a protagonist who's keenly aware of her animals' needs. Gibson's colorful cartoonlike illustrations set a cheery tone."--Kirkus Reviews

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-08-26

Length: 33 pages