


Consistent with McDonnell’s concern for the environment, all of the MUTTS books are printed on recycled paper. McDonnell’s website,, promotes his animal and earth friendly philosophy. His fifth children’s book, South, was released in 2008. McDonnell again returned to the New York Times bestseller list with Hug Time, featuring a kitten named Jules who goes around the world hugging endangered species. His next release, Just Like Heaven (2006), heralding the joys of simple blessings, was hailed in a starred review by Kirkus as 'a meditation on the true nature of miracles'. Art (2006), his second release, told the story of a boy named Art who makes art. His first children’s book, which featured the MUTTS characters, The Gift of Nothing, quickly became a New York Times bestseller. In 2005, McDonnell embarked on a children's book career. In 1994 McDonnell created the comic strip MUTTS which now appears in over 700 newspapers and 20 countries. Mutts has also won awards for its environmental and animal advocacy, including two Genesis Awards from The Ark Trust, The HSUS Hollywood Genesis Award for Ongoing Commitment, the PETA Humanitarian Award, and a Sierra Club award.

McDonnell has received numerous awards for this strip, including the National Cartoonists Society's highest honor, The Reuben, for Cartoonist of the Year, six Harvey Awards for Best Comic Strip, Germany's Max and Moritz Award for Best International Comic Strip, and the Swedish Academy of Comic Art's Adamson Statuette.

Mooch is the curious instigator of action, while the ever-loyal Earl often gets pulled into the fray.Ĭreated in 1994, Mutts appears in more than 700 newspapers and in 20 countries. Lively, animated, confident, and silly, Mooch is a smorgasbord of emotions who dances with enthusiasm and sings a lot. Mooch has a fuzzy way of thinking and exclaiming "Yesh!" when really excited. Earl is Mooch the cat's innocent friend, as well as a witness to Mooch's antics, and is sometimes a reluctant participant. Earl is a small mutt with a big heart who cheerfully tugs at the leash on the walk of life. The warm humor and friendship between unlikely characters create a special blend. The beloved characters in Mutts have a special appeal to kids. The first Mutts collection in the AMP! Comics for Kids series!
