The Art of Nothing: 25 Years of MUTTS and the Art of Patrick McDonnell

Celebrate all things MUTTS with this gorgeous 25th anniversary collection of some of the very best of author and illustrator Patrick McDonnell

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Celebrating 25 Years With Mooch and Earl

Mooch, the curious cat, and Earl, the ever-trusting dog, are just two of the characters who inhabit the world of MUTTS. In The Art of Nothing, the award-winning author and illustrator’s beloved comic strip is celebrated as well as his bestselling children’s classics, including Me . . . Jane, The Gift of Nothing, South, Just Like Heaven, Hug Time, and Wag!, all shot from the original art.

Published in 2019, this 12" x 9" hardcover collection includes rare and never-before-seen artwork, proposals, outtakes, and developmental work, along with autobiographical commentary, a brand-new, career-spanning interview conducted by artist Lynda Barry, and an introduction by Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now and A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose).

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"The quality of this publication is excellent"

A must-read for fans of MUTTS, as it’s an overview and retrospective of the comic strip. It gives behind-the-scenes peeks at how McDonnell works and visually demonstrates his growth as a writer and artist. It shares insights to what he cares about and even some glimpses of his work unrelated to the strip.

Bill, Goodreads Review

"A truly fantastic collection"

I've read Mutts probably since its beginnings but this was my first book. The insights Into the author and others is wonderful. I loved the stories around many of the strips and books he has written.

Stephen, Goodreads Review

"Such a comfort"

I read this amazing tome during the coronavirus pandemic, and it was such a comfort to read heartfelt comics and learn their backstory. McDonnell is a talented artist and his compassion and love for animals shines through his work.

Jen, Goodreads Review

"Charming and Inspiring"

Completely captivating, a wonderful combination of final cartoons with works in progress. Mooch and Earl are able to say so much with the fewest words.

Kitty, Amazon Review

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More Words About MUTTS & The Art of Nothing


"One of the best comic strips of all time."

Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts

"Patrick McDonnell is a compassionate champion for all animals, particularly dogs and cats, and through his comic strip, Mutts, he captures magically the personalities of some of our best friends."

Dr. Jane Goodall

"Patrick McDonnell's book is a singular work of art, a giddy, gorgeous treasure, which I will wear out studying and learning from."

Jules Feiffer

"There is a simplicity to Patrick McDonnell's work that is as delightful as it is deceptive."

Eckhart Tolle, from his foreword

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