Award-winning and iconic cartoonist, author, and playwright, Patrick McDonnell has been putting his fame and success to good use during his illustrious career. While creating his popular MUTTS comic strip and books, he also supports many public and humanitarian causes. His characters are utilized in support of the United States Marines, the American Library Association, and the Humane Society of the United States.
We last spoke to Patrick about the 30th Anniversary of his MUTTS comic strip and his book, “Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story.” But now, Patrick is finally bringing a follow-up to his beloved Christmas book, “The Gift of Nothing,” which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Through Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, they are publishing the 20th Anniversary edition of the original book as well as his latest one, “The Gift of Everything.”
In The Gift of Everything, Mooch the cat is searching for the perfect gift for his best friend, Earl the dog. But what, wonders Mooch, is perfect? Mooch soon discovers the answer: Everyone… Everywhere… Everything! As he sees the world around him with new eyes and a fresh feeling of gratitude, Mooch is delighted that he has just the right person to share it all with! In this joyful rhyming companion to The Gift of Nothing, the stars of the beloved comic strip MUTTS discover and celebrate the precious gift of being alive.
It was our good fortune once again to catch up with Patrick to discuss his recent successes and these two new exciting projects. So, let’s welcome back Patrick McDonnell to GVN Talking Comics.
The Impact of Mutts After 30 Years
GVN: Thank you once again for taking the time to speak with us, Patrick. We spoke in August of last year about the 30th Anniversary of Mutts and your book “Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story,” which I am the proud owner of a signed copy. As you made the PR Rounds for this book, are you still amazed by the impact you have made with readers of “Mutts,” after so long? It has never failed to resonate with children and pet lovers worldwide.
PATRICK: Thanks for inviting me back. The response to the story of Guard Dog’s new found freedom really moved me. MUTTS is based on my love for the art of the comic strip and my love for animals. Many people can relate to the joy and comfort that both comics and our pets bring to our lives. A beloved cast running in a daily comic strip for many years, can become part of your family. I’m happy and honored that readers still see Earl and Mooch as dear friends.
Keys to Success in Comic Strips
GVN: Part of the many charms of Mutts is that it continues to entertain both long-time readers and new ones. When a young comic strip artist asks you for advice on how they can succeed in the business and even hopes for longevity, what do you tell them? Is it skill, hard work, good fortune, or maybe a mix of all three?
PATRICK: You’re right, it’s a mix of all three. And it always helps for your art to have a unique, singular voice. Draw what you love, with love. Be open to the opportunities the universe may present. And most importantly, just keep creating with devotion, persistence, and fun.
New Jersey’s Animal-Friendly License Plates
GVN: We previously talked about the many wonderful things you’ve done for animal welfare and the pride you take in those efforts. One initiative I overlooked was the use of the Mutts characters on New Jersey’s Animal Friendly license plates, which help support pet population programs. How did that opportunity come about?
PATRICK: New Jersey was the first state to have an animal-friendly license plate. Eighty percent of the license fee funds low-cost pet spay and neuter. When NJ Motor Vehicles decided to replace the original design, they approached me. I was pleasantly surprised that they were interested in using my MUTTS characters. My brother-in-law later joked, “I always thought you’d be making license plates some day.”
The Gift of Nothing
GVN: Let’s discuss the reason for our meeting today, which has two aspects. First, in 2005, you published a wonderful story about the gift of friendship and selflessness titled “The Gift of Nothing.” You are now celebrating the 20th anniversary of this book with the release of “The Gift of Nothing Anniversary Edition,” set to be published on October 7, 2025, by Little Brown Books for Young Readers. When you initially wrote this book, what did you hope readers would gain from it? How satisfying is it to know that it is still cherished after 20 years, and that parents who enjoyed it back then are now sharing it with their own children?
PATRICK: The Gift of Nothing was my first children’s picture book, loosely based on a two-week MUTTS comic strip storyline. The book is about the true meaning of the holidays and of gift-giving. It’s about our presence, not our presents. I feel it’s an important, timeless message, and I’m honored that it still speaks to both children and adults. It became a New York Times bestseller and something of a holiday classic. Over the years, I’ve heard from priests, pastors, and rabbis who have used the story in their holiday sermons and of schools who have children participate in making their own ‘gifts of nothing’.
In 2014, The Gift of Nothing was produced as a children’s musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This December, I’m happy to say it will be performed at the Marin Theatre in Marin, CA. It’s wonderful that Little, Brown chose to publish the book in a new 20th anniversary edition in a larger size with a new cover for this holiday season.
The Gift of Everything
GVN: Also coming out on October 7th is your follow-up to “The Gift of Nothing,” entitled appropriately enough, “The Gift of Everything.” When did you decide to create this new story, and how appropriate is it that it comes out on the 20th anniversary of your first Christmas book?
PATRICK: I’m very enthused about this new book. Last Thanksgiving, my niece Erin suggested I should do a book called The Gift of Everything. We laughed at the idea at the time, but it stayed with me. Soon after, the story came to me in a flash, and in rhyme. Mooch searches for the perfect gift for his best friend Earl. This time, he finds it… everywhere. The book is about gratitude, abundance and sharing. I had a lot of fun creating the book, using color pencil to give the MUTTS characters a bit of a new look.
When I submitted the book to Little, Brown, they decided to create a new anniversary edition of The Gift of Nothing to come out on the same day.
Patrick’s Hopes for His Readers
GVN: Thank you once again for your time, Patrick. Before we conclude, I would like to give you the chance to discuss your books, any upcoming projects, or causes you wish to promote.
PATRICK: Thank you for this opportunity and for your thoughtful questions. I believe readers of all ages will find the new MUTTS “gift” picture books as little zen moments of joy in the craziness of modern life. Stay strong and please adopt or foster a new best friend.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, “The Gift of Nothing, Anniversary Edition,” and “The Gift of Everything,” by Patrick McDonnell, can be found where all great books are sold on October 8th.

Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.