Crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale -- Kristine A. Lombardi, Hardcover

Join Crouton, a lovable shelter cat, as she searches for her perfect person--because not everyone would be the right fit. But wait! Who is that over there? This heartwarming adoption story playfully told from the pet's perspective celebrates the joy of finding a furever home.

Each day I watch people walk by my crate.
I am always on the lookout for my person.

Crouton is starting to wonder if her person is out there... But wait! Who is that adorable little girl? All the other animals are trying to adopt her!

When Crouton finally takes the little girl home, she makes sure she is well-fed, well-groomed--she even helps her focus on her homework and lets her know when it's time to take a break!

Perfect for cat lovers or anyone who has ever adopted a pet, this simple story told from Crouton's perspective will inspire readers to see the world through the eyes of the pets that chose them.

Author: Kristine A. Lombardi
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/27/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9798217029167
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2025

About the Author
Kristine A. Lombardi has written and illustrated several books for children, including Lovey Bunny, Mr. Biddles, My Wish for the World and The Grumpy Pets, which garnered an International Literacy Association Children's Choice Selection. She loves quirky characters and tender stories written with lots of heart. She lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. When she is not working, Kristine can be found taking long walks, antiquing for vintage ephemera and curiosities, riding waves at the beach, or swimming laps at her favorite pool.