Shtuff

The Jay Kennedy Scholarship Award for College Cartoonists

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:59:00 +0000

Calling all college cartoonists!

In memory of Jay Kennedy, the late King Features editor and a dear friend of Patrick's, the National Cartoonists Society Foundation awards annual scholarships to the best college cartoonists. (And Patrick is the artist for this year’s solicitation poster.)

Entries must be postmarked by February 12, 2010. Along with a completed entry form, applicants must submit 8 samples of their own cartooning artwork (copies only).

Application details and the downloadable entry form are available on the NCS site. Applicants must be college juniors or seniors in the 2010 academic year. Winners will attend the 2010 Reuben Awards Weekend and rub shoulders with many of the world’s leading cartoonists.

You do not need to be an art major to apply!

A Shweet Suggestion for Valentine’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:01:00 +0000

If you’re stuck for a new idea for spreading the love around this Valentine’s Day, Patrick McDonnell’s Hug Time might just solve the problem. In this gentle story for the young and the young-at-heart, Jules the cat (aka “Shtinky Puddin’”) sets out on a hugging marathon, starting with friends and neighbors before trotting the globe to embrace everyone he meets. The world really isn’t so big after all, Jules finds, and is made all the sweeter by a hug (or two!). Commonsense Media says:

Readers will discover just how powerful a hug can be. Kids and adults alike will be left feeling warm and fuzzy -- and ready to hug their neighbors.

Give Hug Time and be prepared to get a hug!

The Gift of Nothing Special Edition: Available Now

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:29:00 +0000

What do you get the friend who has everything? How about nothing?

A new special edition of The Gift of Nothing is now available. It includes an elegant paper slipcase designed to look like gift wrap. The book itself has an elegant, simple cover with just the words "the Gift of Nothing" and "Patrick McDonnell" on it, along with the drawing of a little wrapped box. We think it's perfect for everyone on your holiday list!

Reports the Washington Post: "A mellow paean to anti-materialism that should ideally be handed out now, before holiday gift mania really kicks in. Spare drawings done in black, white and a seasonal touch of red reinforce the Zen-inspired idea that less is more."

A perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list!

New MUTTS Shtuff from Greenfield Paper!

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Our friends at Greenfield Paper have just created a bunch of new MUTTS items, just in time for your holiday gift giving. Each card is plantable - a bouquet in the making - and the gift wrap is made from recycled paper. Have a look-see!

All Occasion Cards:
Grow A Note® Mutts™ All Occasion Variety Pack
Grow A Note® Mutts™ Jump for Joy
Grow A Note® MUTTS™ Bird Bath
Grow A Note® Mutts™ Flower Patch
Grow A Note® MUTTS™ Friends

Holiday Cards:
Grow A Note® MUTTS© Peace on Earth Holiday Card
Grow A Note® MUTTS© Joy to All Holiday Card

All Occasion Gift Wrap
100% Recycled Gift Wrap-MUTTS

Signed Copies of Wag! Available Soon

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Patrick's new children's book, Wag! will be widely available in the next month or so. Recently Patrick flew to a book warehouse in Indiana and spent the day signing 2,000 copies of the book. These signed books will primarily be distributed to independent bookstores nationwide. We can't say which stores will have the signed copies (we honestly don't know!) but you can contact your local bookstore and find out if they will be getting them.

You can locate independent sellers at Indie Bound.

Comic-Con: 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans, & Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:53:00 +0000

A must for the obsessed comics fan, Comic-Con 40 Years..., with a forward by Ray Bradbury, is a gem. Covering all 40 years of the legendary comics convention, this book gives insight to, and illuminates, the history behind the phenomenon. Plus it includes a few tidbits - not found anywhere else - about Patrick and MUTTS....

Gabe 'n' Arch: The Beagle Boys Review MUTTS Books

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000

We couldn't resisting posting this great review from the Beagle Boys (pictured above).

From the review:

I am not particularly religious and have never before needed to buy a gift for a baby boy's baptism, so I decided on a couple of Patrick McDonnell's books - The Gift of Nothing and Just Like Heaven. I thought Just Like Heaven was particularly apt for the occasion, as it has a gentle moral of finding heaven on earth. But, The Gift of Nothing is just the sweetest little book.... The moral of this one is that the greatest gifts you can give are your time, friendship, and a hug. Perfect.

Thanks Jacki!

The Orange Room Reviews Wag!

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Jackie Reeve at The Orange Room recently reviewed Wag! She comments:

"...here is a delight for kids AND for grownups."

"The illustrations are sure to delight little kids, and adults will find it charming. It’s a true example of how the simplest joys can make us happy."

The complete review can be found on her blog. Thanks Jackie!

You can pre-order your copy of Wag! now.

One Minute of ART: ART Animation DVD Sample

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Weston Woods has provided a sample of the animation DVD created for Patrick's children's book ART. We are so happy that it available on the web, so we wanted to share it with you.

Enjoy!

Audiofile Magazine Reviews ART Audiobook

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:41:00 +0000

ART, a children's book by Patrick (also available as an animated DVD) has an audio version on CD that can be paired with the book. Bobby McFerrin reads the text, and we can't say enough about how great he is.

Audiofile Magazine, dedicated to people who love audiobooks, reviewed the CD version of ART. They write, "McDonnell creates a short story that takes flight with the innovations of Bobby McFerrin's narration. McFerrin involves the listener/reader and invites participation as the rendition of each page is unique and unexpected. By the third track—a fully musical version that is not paced to the pages—the story just soars.

Read the full review, and listen to a sample of Bobby McFerrin's genius!

It's primarily intended for libraries, but you can purchase the book, CD and DVD at Scholastic and also view a clip of the animation.

Support HSUS with MUTTS Postage Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Stamp prices have risen again, so now is a good time to purchase new ones. Why not buy stamps with the good old MUTTS characters and which will also support The Humane Society of the United States? The are 12 different MUTTS stamps to choose from at Zazzle.

Wag! New MUTTS Children's Book Coming in the Fall

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:11:00 +0000

What makes Earl's tail wag? A new book by Patrick perhaps....

Published by our good friends at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Wag! centers on Earl, his tail, and Mooch's reactions to the age-old question "That makes Earls' tail wag? We hate to give away the answer so we won't, for now....

The book will be here in the fall. We'll keep you posted!

Announcing "Guardians of Being"

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:56:00 +0000

“Everything natural, every flower or tree, and every animal have important lessons to teach us….” Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Power of Now and the highly acclaimed follow-up A New Earth, which are widely considered two of the most influential spiritual books of our time. Eckhart Tolle's teachings have also long been a source of inspiration for MUTTS. We at Muttscomics.com are delighted to announce Guardians of Being, a collaborative effort that pairs Eckhart's wisdom with Patrick's whimsy. This book, published in the U.S. by New World Library, highlights new inspirational text by Eckhart with MUTTS art by Patrick. It centers on why we love our companion animals and how they can bring us into joy. It will inspire readers everywhere to recognize the lessons of the present moment, as embodied by all the creatures who share our world. The book is scheduled to be available in September.

Acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm: Eckhart gives us ten powerful insights for A Happier You.

Booklist Review of ART DVD

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Art. Dec. 2008. 5min. Weston Woods, DVD, $59.95 (9780545106351). PreS-Grade 2. REVIEW. First published March 15, 2009 (Booklist).A jazzy music score and Bobby McFerrin’s rhythmic narration accent this animated adaptation of Patrick McDonnell’s energetic picture book (2006) featuring rhyming text. “This is Art,” proclaims narration against the image of a young boy, aptly named, who loves to create artwork. Some of his art eventually ends up on the front door of the refrigerator. The youngster uses crayons, pencils, and brushes to create squiggles, dots, swirls, and doodles that eventually become art. Lively and engaging, this film is a perfect choice to encourage young viewers to create their own masterpieces. An interview with author McDonnell is a nice bonus. This 2009 Notable Children’s Videos selection might be paired with 2005 Carnegie Medal winner The Dot.

MUTTS Grow-A-Note Cards

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Summer is almost here! Why not send some flowers in a unique way? The MUTTS Grow-a-Note® cards are the way to go! Perfect for any occasion, recipients can plant the card to produce a bouquet of wildflowers. Earl and Mooch will surely put a smile on that special someone's face when they receive this special gift. Made by our friends at Green Field Paper, these soy-printed cards will really "wow" your friends and families!

The Gift of Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Mooch the cat desperately wants to find a gift for his friend Earl the dog, but Earl already has everything. "What do you give a guy who has everything?" Mooch wonders. The answer, of course, is nothing!

This simple story features characters from Patrick McDonnell's popular comic strip, Mutts, and has the same depth, charm, and heart that he gives to his daily readers. With delightfully spare illustrations and text, this book has all the makings of a longtime classic, perfect for gift-giving all year round.

Here are some reviews for the book:

From Barnes & Noble
A simple and divine tribute to friendship, this tome from Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell introduces us to Mooch, a cat who wants to give his doggy pal, Earl, a gift. The trouble is, Earl has everything, so Mooch decides to give him the perfect present -- nothing. Confused? Don’t be: Your heart will be as touched as Earl’s in this thoughtful picture book that sails above other friendship books and is an ideal gift for the holidays, birthdays, or other occasions.

The Washington Post - Elizabeth Ward
A mellow paean to anti-materialism that should ideally be handed out now, before holiday gift mania really kicks in. Spare drawings done in black, white and a seasonal touch of red reinforce the Zen-inspired idea that less is more.

Publishers Weekly
The stars of the Mutts comic strip, Mooch the cat and his canine friend, Earl, break out of the Sunday funnies into the picture book world. McDonnell applies his spare style, sketching his cheeky characters with only a few deliberate lines. Each has a distinctive feature-Mooch's red ellipse-shaped nose, Earl's Princess Leia ears-that makes them instantly endearing. With plain backgrounds, a limited palette and a small square trim size, the book looks like a blown-up cartoon strip (even the pages have a newspaper-like grittiness). But the story has more depth than the minimalist visuals would suggest. Here, Mooch searches for the perfect gift for Earl. "What do you get someone who has everything?" he wonders. (Earl is the proud owner of a bowl, bed and chewy toy.) Mooch mulls it over (red and black dots and bubbles indicate his deep thinking) and comes up with "Nothing! He would give Earl the gift of nothing." But where to find nothing? Mooch tries shopping (because "Millie came home from the store and said, `There was nothing to buy!' "). But alas, "nothing was not for sale." How he solves the problem is pure delight, reminding young readers that the greatest gift is friendship, not things. Both Mutts fans and newcomers will appreciate McDonnell's clever wordplay and lovable characters, who prove that nothing can be everything. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature
The problem of Mooch the cat is what to give his best friend, Earl, who has everything. The answer, obviously, is nothing. In his search for this elusive "nothing," Mooch finds that although people say that there is "nothing" on TV, or "nothing" to buy, there really is quite a lot. It is only back home, however, not even looking, that he finds that "nothing." Wrapping it in a big box, since Earl deserves a lot, he takes it to his friend's. Together they can enjoy "nothing, and everything." Playing on just a few words per page, McDonnell manages to convey the elusive concept of "nothing" while including the strong feelings of a well-meaning friend. The black-and-white drawings with touches of pink—and the cat and dog from the artist's comic strip Mutts—are almost lost on the white pages with their minimal backgrounds and spare detail. Mooch is the appealing star, as we find our emotions surprisingly involved. McDonnell's few black strokes combine effectively to illuminate the search as we ponder the philosophy underneath the simple tale. Check the contrasting jacket and cover. 2005, Little Brown and Company, Ages 6 up.

School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-This story features characters from McDonnell's comic strip "Mutts." Mooch (a cat) wants to give Earl (a dog) a gift, but he already has a bowl, a bed, and even a chewy toy. In fact, "he [has] it ALL." In a flash of inspiration, Mooch decides to give him nothing, and sets out to find it. Though the kids say there is "nothing to do," they always seem to be doing something. And even though Millie says "there [is] nothing to buy," Mooch finds plenty in the stores. In the end, he wraps a big box with nothing in it and presents it to his friend. "There's nothing here," says Earl. "Nothing-but me and you," Mooch replies. And that's the point. The text is minimal and the small cartoon drawings are executed in black and white with touches of red and surrounded by plenty of white space. As Mooch ponders over his dilemma, he is engulfed by question marks. The picture of the two friends sitting wrapped paw-in-paw as they enjoy "nothing and everything" is charming. A fine vehicle for a one-on-one discussion of the meaning of friendship and gift-giving.-Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews
Fresh from the comic-strip panels of Mutts, Mooch the cat doesn't know what to get his best friend Earl the dog on a certain "special day." Earl has everything: dish, chewy toy and a bed. Then inspiration strikes. "Nothing" is the perfect gift for someone with everything . . . but where to find it? Mooch has heard his people say there's "nothing" on TV-but something's always on. He hears there's "nothing" at the stores-but there's plenty of everything. After a moment of Kitty Zen, Mooch wraps up a big empty box and presents it to Earl. " 'There's nothing here,' said Earl. / 'Yesh!' said Mooch. 'Nothing . . . / but me and you.' " And the two of them enjoy nothing-and everything-together. A perfect meditation on gift giving and friendship, this is a great present for the Type-A hoarder in your life. It will do double duty as a conversation starter for older kids at storytime. (Picture book. 5+)

Stop and Smell the Roses on March 17

noreply@blogger.com (mutts musings) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Welcome to the place of MUTTS Shtuff! We’ll tell you where to find the latest MUTTS products online. Stay tuned, as we’ll be updating this page.

Today marks not only the launch of the new muttscomics.com site, but also on this day Stop and Smell the Roses, the new MUTTS compilation, is scheduled to be released. It contains all your favorite strips from 2008, so sit back and enjoy reliving some the escapades of your favorite MUTTS characters! Featuring such entertaining strips such as 'The Dude', 'The Doggie Creature From the Black Lagoon', and the 'Shelter Stories Rock Star' series, Stop and Smell the Roses is a must-have for your MUTTS collection.

You may still be able to get a 5% discount on pre-orders of Stop and Smell the Roses if you order right away.