New Graphic Novel Series ‘Pet Placement Society’ finds it place in a booming market.

Author-illustrator Primo Gallanosa debuts a middle-grade graphic novel series that combines animal rescue, friendship and life lessons as graphic novels continue to surge in popularity.

By Eric Schuman

Special to the Star

Graphic novel sales in the U.S. have more than doubled since 2019, with children’s and middle-grade titles leading that growth. As best-selling franchises like Dog Man and The Baby-Sitters Club dominate shelves, a new graphic novel series is carving out space.

Primo Gallanosa’s first graphic novel series, Pet Placement Society, marks the first graphic novel release from Melissa De La Cruz Studio. The studio is an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide, led by #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa De La Cruz.

Pet Placement Society promises to be perfect for animal lovers and fans of The Baby-Sitters Club, touching on themes like animal welfare, empathy, and community service. The story centers on Mia Garcia, a twelve-year old student. Mia is determined to find homes for all the animals in her parents’ overcrowded animal shelter, all while traversing the complexities of schoolwork and friendships. Gallanosa used elements from his own middle school experiences to shape the events and feelings that Mia and her friends encounter.

Mia’s efforts to place the shelter’s animals shows little success until she accepts help from her friends at school.Together, they learn that matching pet personalities with people's personalities is hard but rewarding work. The animals in Pet Placement Society were inspired by Gallanosa’s own love of pets.

“My favorite character to draw was Ruffles the dog.” Gallanosa said. “My pet Chihuahua was the inspiration for him. He was such a goofy and hyper dog, and I thought he would be a perfect fit to be in the book.”

When Gallanosa is not working on his stories and games, he loves spending time with his wife, who is an author, and their son. Both writers alternate watching their son, to balance their careers and family life. Their weekends are dedicated to family time, no matter how behind they are in their deadlines. Growing up, Gallanosa was a fan of The Goonies and The Baby-Sitters Club. These stories influenced his decision to release a middle-grade graphic novel.

 “I know the interest of young people changes all the time” he said. “I'm hoping the story of growth, cute animals, and friend drama is something anyone from any generation can relate to.”

Pet Placement Society is currently available online, and at major book retailers.