Gotcha Day

  • Illustrated By: Udayana Lugo
  • Pages:32
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Themes:dog rescue, pet, pet adoption, rhyming, starred review
  •  
  • Available:03/17/2026
  • Lexile:250L
Hardcover
9781459839663
$21.95
Ebook
9781459839687 LICENSE OPTIONS
$17.99

★ “A must-purchase for all libraries. Perfect for instilling the lesson of kindness toward animals and the importance of rescue.” — School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review

A stray pup wanders the streets, growling, prowling and scared, until an animal control officer finds him and takes him to a shelter.

There, he gets fed, groomed and perfumed, so he's ready to find a new home. As people come and go, the dog waits and waits and waits... until someone exclaims, “This pup!” A little girl knows he's the perfect dog for her. Told in rhyming text, this sweet story shows that even a down-on-his-luck pooch can find his forever home.

Praise for Deborah Kerbel:

★“This beautiful dedication to these special animals brings the reality and the irreversible finality of extinction to the forefront and calls on readers to act now, before so many other animals become endlings. Highly recommended for all collections.”—Booklist, starred review for The Late, Great Endlings

“Kerbel’s spare, staccato text heightens emotions while drawing out pauses and landing on sturdy, rhyming words. Paired with Lugo’s deeply saturated illustrations (which feature some joyously blurry tail wagging), this tale will captivate young readers. An exuberant reminder to adopt, not shop.”

– Kirkus Reviews

★ “Lugo’s illustrations fill every page, with bright colors and perfect expressions that are sure to attract even the youngest readers. This story is certain to be reread many times by adoring fans. A must-purchase for all libraries. Perfect for instilling the lesson of kindness toward animals and the importance of rescue.”

– School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review