This Story is Not About a Kitten - Hardcover

A heartwarming picture book about a neighborhood coming together to help a kitten find a home, from a New York Times bestselling author and a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator.

Contrary to what you may believe, this story is not about a kitten, hungry and dirty, scared and alone, needing a home. It is also not about the dog who heard the kitten meowing sadly. Even less so about the woman and child walking the dog, who stopped when their dog heard the kitten. Nor is it about the friends who brought a box for the kitten, or the man who offered it some milk. No, this story is not about a kitten at all—well, maybe a little—but more importantly this is a story about community, compassion, and generosity. 

Randall de Sève’s thoughtful and warm story is sure to fill readers of all ages with hope and the warm fuzzy feeling that rescuing animals brings. Wonderfully complemented by Carson Ellis’s breathtaking illustrations, this book is sure to be cherished by animal-loving readers everywhere!

Surprise Hero Is Kindness – Though a lost kitten starts the story, each page cheekily insists it's not about the kitten—it’s about a community stepping up with generosity and open hearts.

Cumulative, Rhythmic Wonder – With a refrain that builds like "The House That Jack Built," it adds characters one by one, showing how caring actions cascade.

Illustrations of Connection – Carson Ellis paints a vibrant cast of neighbors who come together to offer a home, friendship, and new beginnings.

Shipping timelines

Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, excluding weekends and national holidays. Orders ship via USPS or UPS based on weight and destination, with ground delivery typically taking 3–7 business days. Tracking is provided, and signatures are required for orders over $200. We recommend using a secure delivery address. Pacifier is not responsible for theft or damage after tracking confirms delivery.

Pre-orders

Pre-order items ship within the timeframe listed on the product page. If the vendor changes the expected availability date, we’ll provide an update. Pre-orders may be canceled at any time before shipment.

Special shipping

Expedited shipping may be available for an additional fee outside of December. Call 612-767-8501 for rush shipping options. Standard shipping is available within the continental U.S.; for Alaska, Hawaii, or APO addresses, please call for availability and a shipping quote.

Contact hours

Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM CST, at 612-767-8501. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

To request a return, email orders@pacifieronline.com with your name, order number, and the item(s) you’d like to return. We’ll respond within 2 business days with return authorization and shipping instructions for eligible items.

Returns made within 30 days of delivery are refunded to the original form of payment. Gifted items may be returned for store credit or a Pacifier gift card.

Return shipping is not covered by Pacifier and will be deducted from your refund. Return shipping costs vary based on package size and weight.

Items must be new, unused, and in their original packaging with all seals intact. Strollers, car seats, and furniture may only be returned or exchanged if the original packaging remains sealed. Additional return timeframe restrictions may apply to these items.

Clearance items, special orders, and opened gear or furniture are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.

Questions? Call us at 612-767-8501.

For the fastest response, call us at 612-767-8501 during the week or use the contact form on this page. Our store team can also be reached at 612-623-8123 Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM CST, and Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM CST. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Want to submit a new product for our shop?

We welcome new product submissions, especially locally made products. You can contact us using the form on this page, but mailed submissions and samples are more likely to stand out. Please do not stop by without an appointment.

Mail submissions and samples to:

Pacifier
245 2nd Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401

If you’d like a sample returned, please include a prepaid return shipping label. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we’re unable to respond to every inquiry.

Thank you for your interest in Pacifier!