ANIMAL-FRIENDLY COLLABS, WITH EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Patrick's Collaborations
Through the years, Patrick has joined forces with some of the most extraordinary minds on the planet — from Dr. Jane Goodall and the Dalai Lama to iconic Marvel Comics artists, and more — to create inspiring books that resonate with readers and animal lovers alike.
Some of these works have become national bestsellers or were adapted into award-winning stage musicals, bringing the stories to life in new and exciting ways. Explore the creative possibilities that emerge when passionate individuals come together to share their love for animals and storytelling.
Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story
An instant national bestseller! "Breaking the Chain" features the seven-week-long tale of Guard Dog’s unchaining and adoption, an illustrated history of Guard Dog (now known as "Sparky"), real-life rescue stories, empowering information from voices in the animal welfare community, and introductions from Marisol and Rob Thomas (Sidewalk Angels, Matchbox Twenty).
"In 'Breaking the Chain,' McDonnell kindly and gently breaks the reader’s heart over and over again, and does so with such gentleness and grace that the reader, by the end, is in a state of elevated bliss."
— Jules Feiffer
ABOUT GUARD DOG
The Gift of Nothing
This beloved picture book was released in October 2005 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. In 2014, it was adapted as a musical for the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where it won a Helen Hayes Award. Then in 2016, it was adapted into a board book called "The Little Gift of Nothing."
The book has also inspired The Gift of Nothing Day, recognized annually on or around December 15.
"Both MUTTS fans and newcomers will appreciate McDonnell's clever wordplay and lovable characters, who prove that nothing can be everything."
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
ABOUT THE BOOKThe Super Hero's Journey
The Super Hero's Journey, published by Abrams ComicArts in collaboration with Marvel Comics, is an adventure unlike any you have ever read. Imbued with the creativity, artwork, and heart of Patrick McDonnell, this graphic novel features the classic Marvel super heroes including the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, the Incredible Hulk, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, and is the synthesis of McDonnell’s positive, inspirational sensibility and Marvel’s blockbuster brand.
"McDonnell’s tale is as straightforward as a fable and as spare as a haiku. ... An amazing, uplifting testament to the power of comics and the rare serious graphic novel that can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages and all levels of interest in superhero comics.”
— Forbes, "Top Graphic Novels of 2023"
ABOUT THE BOOK
Heart to Heart: A Conversation on Love and Hope for Our Precious Planet
"Heart to Heart" features stirring words from His Holiness The Dalai Lama and illustrations by Patrick, with a compelling message about the future of our planet. This timely gem of a book shares a simple but profound message for healing our relationship with the planet and each other.
"Complemented by charming illustrations ... this book’s uplifting message is clear: while the planet’s forecast may be dire, each individual is able — and obligated — to harness personal power to help save it. This would make a life-affirming gift for people of all ages."
— Publishers Weekly
ABOUT THE BOOKMe...Jane: The Story of Young Jane Goodall
Patrick's NYT bestselling picture book "Me...Jane" tells the story of young Jane Goodall as she discovers a lifelong passion for animals and nature. This Caldecott Honor-winning book was adapted as a children's musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The book has received praise from outlets such as The New York Times and Kirkus Reviews, as well as from notable figures like Chelsea Clinton, Maria Popova, and Dr. Jane Goodall herself.
"An emboldening treasure from cover to cover."
— Maria Popova, The Marginalian
ABOUT THE BOOK
Darling, I Love You: Poems From the Hearts of Our Glorious Mutts and All Our Animal Friends
This book of poetry and illustrations, honoring the animal-human bond, is a collaboration between Patrick and internationally acclaimed poet Daniel Ladinsky. This heartwarming collection features selections from Daniel’s thousands of original, unique haiku, alongside drawings of Patrick’s beloved MUTTS characters.
"Pet owners will chuckle knowingly about the way the speakers shift between simple observations and deeper statements . . . that remind us why humans need animals as much as they need us.”
— The Washington Post
ABOUT THE BOOKGuardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings From Our Dogs and Cats
The book is a collaboration between Patrick and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, joining original words by Eckhart with delightful illustrations by Patrick. This uniquely heartwarming book teaches us about finding inner peace by living in the now, the transformation of our consciousness, and the arising of a more enlightened humanity.
"Tolle’s gentle admonitions to stop, learn, and listen to the world around us are rendered positively irresistible by the illustrations of McDonnell, an elegant and playful evocator of all things canine."
— The Christian Science Monitor
ABOUT THE BOOK
MUTTS Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.
In this emotive collection, Patrick McDonnell has paired more than 70 full-color, reader-submitted photographs of adopted animals with over 100 of his popular "Shelter Stories" comic strips. Also included is a reference section with an Adoption Guide and resourceful links that encourage readers to, as Patrick writes, "Adopt some love today."
"An emotive tearjerker that works."
— Lincoln Pet culture
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Watershed Institute
Water is our most fragile and precious resource. Essential to all forms of life and to our economies, our water supplies face a myriad of threats from pollution to climate change. Keeping our water clean, safe, and healthy in the face of these challenges is the heart of the Watershed’s mission. Their strategy for doing so involves scientific investigation, advocacy at the state and local level, enhanced land and water stewardship, and education to expand environmental literacy.
Years supported:
2023
Green Amendments for the Generations
Green Amendments for the Generation collaborates with environmental leaders, legislators, faith groups, and individuals to educate and empower communities to advance Green Amendment proposals which defend their inalienable rights to pure water, clean air, a stable climate, and healthy environments — and to hold government accountable to ensure they honor the environmental rights of all people in the laws they enact, the decisions they make, and the actions they take.
Years supported:
2023
Garden to Table
Garden to Table provides gardens, curriculum, and support to schools in Boulder County, Colorado and surrounding areas. The program currently empowers 308 teachers and more than 6,000 students, and provides everything a school needs to maintain a garden and use it for teaching and learning. Its Garden Team makes weekly check-ups to ensure the school garden is thriving, and its standards-based curriculum includes lesson plans for grades PreK through 5th grade.
Years supported:
2023
D&R Greenway Land Trust
D&R Greenway Land Trust works throughout central New Jersey to keep the “Garden” in the Garden State. Since its founding in 1989, it has permanently protected more than 20,000 acres of land. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, the organization works to combat climate change, protect birds and wildlife, and ensure clean drinking water for future generations.
Years supported:
2023
More Books by Patrick
Explore dozens of titles written and illustrated by Patrick — including beloved MUTTS collections, award-winning picture books, and much more.
EXPLORE ALL BOOKS