Patrick McDonnell's New Book

Long time readers of my blog may remember that Mutts! and Patrick McDonnell's books are among my most favorite things EVER.  I wrote a review of his book Me...Jane last year.   And in 2008, I saw him speak at the Decatur Book Festival.

Two Saturdays ago, September 1st, Patrick was once again a featured speaker at this year's Decatur Book Festival discussing his new book called The Monsters' Monster.


The book is just magically wonderful.   All of his art is magically wonderful.

Patrick talking about the character Stinky Pudding

Patrick spoke twice at the festival, first at the Children's Stage, where he drew Mutt's characters and read his new book.  (He was under a tent and the photos didn't turn out very well.  I didn't want to use a flash because I figured it would be distracting.)

Patrick McDonnell drawing Earl

The best thing about author's talks at the Children's Stage are the questions by the kids.  Adorable, honest, open questions.  Too cute.  All of you that have kids know this but it's always new to me.

After the book reading, there was a book signing.  I had my copy of The Monsters' Monster signed and a collection of the Mutts comics called The Best of Mutts. I also was able to tell Patrick how much joy his comic strip brings to my everyday life.

Love. This. Book!

Look he drew a little Mooch for me!!!

I did not ask him to sing the Little Pink Sock song for me.

Although I really wanted too.












Of course we had to buy a copy of The Monsters' Monster for my niece Mackenzie.  S. asked Patrick for a special inscription and Patrick added a great drawing of the Monster.  Wow!  How cool is that?!?!

I've had a "monster" thing going with Mackenzie ever since she was wee tiny little.  I am probably the only person to buy a sweet baby girl a Tim Burtonish-onesie (see here).  And when she was less than a year old, I taught her to make all kinds of monster noises (cause that's how this aunt rolls).

Anyway, I can't wait to see her (next month!) and give her the special book!  And we can read it and make monster noises all week.

"Me...Jane" A Book Review

One of my favorite authors and illustrators of all time is Patrick McDonnell.  He draws and writes the Mutts comic strip and also childrens books.  His books are magical.  That's the best way I know how to describe them.  The drawings and words are works of art and I just adore every one more than the other. 

In today's mail was a package from Amazon of the latest Patrick McDonnell children's book called Me...Jane about the childhood of Jane Goodall. 

As always, it is magical.  Simple words, each one filled with meaning.  Beautiful art that makes the heart full. 

I am biased because I admire Dr. Goodall and her life's work but I wholeheartedly recommend that you
pick it up at your local bookstore for your favorite child person. 

Mutts YESH!

On Sunday, I was fortunate enough to meet one of the people I admire most on the planet--Patrick McDonnell, the comic artist who does "Mutts" comic strip. Since 1994, I have read every single comic strip and collected all his books (I have T-shirts and calendars too). It's corny but "Mutts" really touches my soul. Any other major "Mutts" fans out there??? If you are not familiar with "Mutts" check it out for yourself here http://www.muttscomics.com/

Anyway, on Sunday I went to the Decatur Book Festival to hear Patrick read his new children's book South (there were more adults in the audience than kids LOL!). He drew some of the main characters from the comic strip:

Earl


and Mooch
Here's Patrick "reading" his new book (there's no words so it was more of Patrick explaining the story and the art).

After the talk, he signed books so I now have a signed copy of South and Shelter Stories and I got to say thanks to a great artist who adds a little cheer to every day.