San Diego Author's 'I'm Adopted' Book Celebrates Rescue Pets

Cynthia R. Gould's second children's book, illustrated by Lana Lee, provides a charming and hopeful story about an orange cat searching for a forever home.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:36pm

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San Diego author Cynthia R. Gould has released her second children's book, "I'm Adopted!", which tells the story of a cat struggling to live on the streets before being picked up and placed in a shelter, where she yearns to be adopted. The book, illustrated by Lana Lee, provides a charming and hopeful tale that has inspired the reviewer to consider adopting a rescue cat of their own.

Why it matters

With the rise of pet adoptions during the pandemic, Gould's book highlights the plight of homeless animals and the joy that can come from providing a loving forever home. The story aims to encourage readers, both children and parents, to consider adopting a rescue pet.

The details

"I'm Adopted!" is Gould's second children's book, following her 2023 release "Coco In My Heart", which was also illustrated by Lana Lee and honored Gould's beloved Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Gould, who grew up in New Mexico and now resides in San Diego, has been writing since retiring from her career in the San Diego County government. Her goal is to create books that foster a bond between parents and children through reading.

  • Cynthia R. Gould's first children's book, "Coco In My Heart", was published in 2023.
  • "I'm Adopted!" is Gould's second children's book, released in March 2026.

The players

Cynthia R. Gould

A San Diego author who has released two children's books, "I'm Adopted!" and "Coco In My Heart", the latter of which honored her beloved Chocolate Labrador Retriever.

Lana Lee

The illustrator for both of Cynthia R. Gould's children's books, "I'm Adopted!" and "Coco In My Heart".

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What they’re saying

“Coincidentally, I happen to be looking for a cat from rescue agencies. Gould has given me information, hope and determination to adopt my own homeless animal.”

— Pennell Paugh, Reviewer (eastcountymagazine.org)

The takeaway

Cynthia R. Gould's children's books, with their charming and hopeful stories, aim to inspire readers to consider adopting rescue pets and provide loving forever homes for homeless animals. In an era of increased pet adoptions, Gould's work highlights the joys and importance of giving rescue animals a second chance.