a children's literature monthly | Volume I, Issue 5
June/July 2006 |
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:: interview |
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Patrick McDonnell is the creator of the famous Mutts comic strip, which appears in 20 countries and numerous books. He's
a New Jersey native, devoted animal lover and, most recently, the writer and illustrator of two children's books, The Gift
of Nothing and Art, both from Little, Brown. You can learn more about him at his site,
www.muttscomics.com.
The Edge of the Forest: You're practically a one-man industry. I noticed there are even Mutts pajamas. What was
the allure of adding "children's book author" to an already successful portfolio?
Patrick McDonnell:I've always wanted to create children's books, but, with the tight deadline of a daily comic, it took a while
before I could make this happen. Children's books have a magic all their own, but are similar to comics in that they rely
on a combination of both art and words. I love being able to share little complete stories about my characters. I have
enjoyed the process tremendously, and plan to continue.
The Edge of the Forest: In Art a little boy paints up a storm. I'm guessing it's at least a little autobiographical.
What were you like as a kid? When did you first pick up a paintbrush and realize "This is me"?
Patrick McDonnell: Art is somewhat autobiographical. I have been making art for as long as I can remember.
My parents met in art school, so being creative was always encouraged in my home. I had wanted to be a cartoonist since I
was about five years old.
The magic in creating art is that the child-like wonder you experience never ends.
The Edge of the Forest: There might be two or three people out there who haven't read Harold and the Purple
Crayon. How did that book inspire you to draw Art?
Patrick McDonnell: Harold and the Purple Crayon has always fascinated me. One of the things I love about drawing is to be
able to see the lines come alive, and Crockett Johnson captured that whimsically in his wonderful book.
In Art I wanted to celebrate the joy of creating and to instill the desire of making art in others.
The Edge of the Forest: What were your other favorite books as a kid? What particular magic did they cast over you?
Patrick McDonnell: I treasured my Peanuts collections, the surrealism of Dr. Seuss, and the zen-like simplicity of
Winnie-the-Pooh. The love I felt from those books I try to recreate in my own children's books.
The Edge of the Forest: I was charmed by The Gift of Nothing, a disarmingly simple story with messages about
friendship and the meaning of giving. What message did you want most for kids to take away from it?
Patrick McDonnell: There are a few messages in The Gift of Nothing for both children and their parents. One of
these is to enjoy the simple things in life, especially time spent with friends and family.
The Edge of the Forest: Are there more children's books on the drawing board for you? Can you give
us a few hints what they'll be about, and when to expect them?
Patrick McDonnell: I have another book which will be published this fall by Little, Brown called Just Like
Heaven. Mooch falls asleep under a tree, and awakes in a fog to find heaven on earth. Right now I am working on a
book featuring another Mutts character, Shtinky Puddin', who is a tabby kitten. The book is centered on Shtinky's travels
around the world. It will have a strong animal-friendly theme.
Patrick McDonnell's Children's Books
Art. Little, Brown, 2006. ISBN: 0-3161-1491-X.
The Gift of Nothing. Little, Brown, 2005. ISBN: 0-3161-1488-X.
Forthcoming on October 4, 2006: Just Like Heaven. Little Brown, 2006. ISBN: 0-3161-1493-6.
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