Does the Companion pass grant evolution items?

Branching evolution is the part that matters here. Some Aniimo have more than one evolved form available to them, and Emberpup is the clearest example: its path splits, with one branch ending in Inferlupa. The materials the Handbook hands out are the ones tied to that kind of split, which makes them a different class of reward from the cosmetics and journey-assisting items sitting alongside them on the tracks.

The Handbook is Aniimo's seasonal battle pass, so nothing in it arrives all at once. Rewards unlock gradually as you earn battle pass experience, and the evolution material comes down the track with everything else, including the unique Aniimo form the pass carries. Buying in is the start of the process, not the end of it.

Which edition you need

The standard Companion Handbook unlocks rewards from the free top track only. The Advanced edition costs $10, opens both tracks for bonus rewards, and lists exclusive evolution material for branching evolution among them. The $20 Collector's Companion Handbook also includes Aniimo evolution materials, and adds a 10-level boost the moment you activate it, which pulls the early track rewards forward rather than replacing the grind entirely.

The monthly pass is a separate purchase and works differently. It pays out 6,000 companion experience points spread across 30 days, so it feeds your companion rather than your evolution stock.

Not settled: Exactly which track the evolution material sits on is not pinned down, so it is unclear whether the free standard edition reaches it or whether it is reserved for the paid Advanced track.