A Note From Patrick: September 2020

Hi Friends,

The summer seems to be over since September is off to a busy start. On Saturday, I will be participating in two virtual events that are free and should be fun.

For the first time, the National Cartoonists Society is opening its Reuben Awards to the public. It’s a free all-day event, starting at 10AM EDT this Saturday (September 12)! My conversation with comic strip legend Lynn Johnston of For Better Or For Worse will begin around 3:45PM EDT. We will be talking about the 25th Anniversary of MUTTS, the process of cartooning, and our common friendship with Charles Schulz. Check out the schedule to watch it all, or sign up to be notified when a specific event begins.

Next, the Princeton Public Library is having its annual Children’s Book Festival online also this Saturday from 11AM to 5PM EDT. I will be part of a fun panel beginning at 11AM EDT. The complete schedule is available now. Come watch, and participate, live!

Lastly, Heritage Auctions has the MUTTS’ essential workers’ strip live on their site, with 100% of the auction’s proceeds going to Stray Cat Alliance. This is a unique chance to own a one-of-a-kind unpublished MUTTS original and simultaneously support a great cause. The auction takes place on Friday, September 11. You can sign up to bid now and/or be notified when the live portion of the auction begins for this MUTTS original.

Also, as promised, I’m announcing the people who created the ideas I’ve chosen for my next Shelter Stories, which will appear starting November 4, 2020. The chosen few are Margaret Donnelly, Scott Pensak, Jonathan Guzzo, and Sabine Richter. Thanks to everyone for your submissions!

Before I let you go, here’s a sneak peek of the new book I am working on. It won’t be out until next April, but since the publisher has sent the cover to Amazon, I thought we should give you an early look. It’s called MUTTS Go Green: Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips.

Need some ideas to help the planet? Jane Goodall has joined the effort to plant one trillion trees by 2030 and has committed to having five million trees planted this year. See how you can find a home for more trees in your town and get your community involved!

Sending all my best,

Patrick

— Patrick McDonnell
Tagged: News & Events, People

Comments (13)

Dear Patrick, Thank you so much for featuring a mini Black Panther in your post honouring Chadwick Boseman. I always remind my Livia (a rescued all-black stray, now my closest friend (she is purring and leaning on me as write) that Black Lives Matter, whether human or feline. Obviously the type of mistreatment was very different, but both enslaved Black humans and black cats tortured and murdered by superstitious idiots were treated horrifically, in different ways. While actual slavery has been abolished in many countries (alas not all…) and cat-killing sprees are less common, there is still far too much discrimination and cruelty in the world.

Lynn Johnson also wrote about racism and discrimination, in particular towards Indigenous Canadian people. Hope you have a good meet-up and I remember her large and friendly dog!

Maria (human) and Livia (cat) in Montréal

Lagatta de Montréal

A day without MUTTS is a day without sunshine

Grace

Each year, I teach a MUTTS lesson to my 5th and 6th grade students. We start with a bio on you, Patrick, and the students take notes on a graphic organizer. A summary paragraph can then be written from their notes. I also often share MUTTS comics with them on the smart board as a way to brighten their day and bring a smile or laugh. This mini unit is always a big hit!

Jan McMichael