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Mutts
Hug Time
The New York Times bestselling book that celebrates love and hugs--from beloved MUTTS cartoonist and Caldecott honor-winning artist Patrick McDonnell!
There was once a kitten so filled with love he wanted to give the whole world a hug! Jules the kitten (also known in the MUTTS cartoons as "Shtinky Puddin'") knows that hugs can make the world a better place. So he makes a "Hug To-Do List"--with the endangered species of the world at the top--and travels the globe to show all of the animals that someone cares. From Africa to the North Pole to his own back yard, Jules proves a hug is the simplest--but kindest--gift we can give. With its gently environmental theme, this joyous rhyming story about sharing love is an ideal gift year-round.
There was once a kitten so filled with love he wanted to give the whole world a hug! Jules the kitten (also known in the MUTTS cartoons as "Shtinky Puddin'") knows that hugs can make the world a better place. So he makes a "Hug To-Do List"--with the endangered species of the world at the top--and travels the globe to show all of the animals that someone cares. From Africa to the North Pole to his own back yard, Jules proves a hug is the simplest--but kindest--gift we can give. With its gently environmental theme, this joyous rhyming story about sharing love is an ideal gift year-round.
30 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Patrick McDonnell
181 books399 followersPatrick McDonnell’s comic strip, MUTTS, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries. MUTTS has received numerous awards for its artistry and its animal and environmental themes. These include the NCS Reuben for Cartoonist of the Year, seven Harveys and the Eisner Humanitarian Award. Charles Schulz called MUTTS “One of the best comics strips of all time.”
BREAKING THE CHAIN: THE GUARD DOG STORY, a collection of his newsworthy story centered freeing MUTTS chained dog, Guard Dog, will be published in fall 2024.
McDonnell’s latest book is THE SUPER HERO’S JOURNEY, a graphic novel love letter to Marvel Comics and Jack Kirby. It was on 11 ‘best of’ lists for 2023.
THE ART OF NOTHING, an oeuvre of McDonnell’s work, comprehensively celebrates Patrick’s comic strip career. McDonnell is also the author of New York Times bestselling picture books, including THE GIFT OF NOTHING and the Caldecott Honor winning ME...JANE (a childhood biography of Dr. Jane Goodall). Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. In addition, he has collaborated with spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle on GUARDIANS OF BEING and with poet Daniel Ladinsky on DARLING I LOVE YOU. HEART TO HEART: A CONVERSATION ON LOVE AND HOPE FOR OUR PRECIOUS PLANET is a collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness has said “It is my hope that this book will open the eyes, minds and hearts of all people.”
In 2021, Ohio State University hosted Side Effects, a major exhibition of his large scale canvases. There will be a year-long retrospective of McDonnell’s comic strips, book illustrations and paintings at the San Diego Comic-Con Museum opening in January 2025.
McDonnell was a member of the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States for 18 years as well as The Fund for Animals, and continues to serve as a director for The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust.
You can sign up for the MUTTS daily email at mutts.com.
BREAKING THE CHAIN: THE GUARD DOG STORY, a collection of his newsworthy story centered freeing MUTTS chained dog, Guard Dog, will be published in fall 2024.
McDonnell’s latest book is THE SUPER HERO’S JOURNEY, a graphic novel love letter to Marvel Comics and Jack Kirby. It was on 11 ‘best of’ lists for 2023.
THE ART OF NOTHING, an oeuvre of McDonnell’s work, comprehensively celebrates Patrick’s comic strip career. McDonnell is also the author of New York Times bestselling picture books, including THE GIFT OF NOTHING and the Caldecott Honor winning ME...JANE (a childhood biography of Dr. Jane Goodall). Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. In addition, he has collaborated with spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle on GUARDIANS OF BEING and with poet Daniel Ladinsky on DARLING I LOVE YOU. HEART TO HEART: A CONVERSATION ON LOVE AND HOPE FOR OUR PRECIOUS PLANET is a collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness has said “It is my hope that this book will open the eyes, minds and hearts of all people.”
In 2021, Ohio State University hosted Side Effects, a major exhibition of his large scale canvases. There will be a year-long retrospective of McDonnell’s comic strips, book illustrations and paintings at the San Diego Comic-Con Museum opening in January 2025.
McDonnell was a member of the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States for 18 years as well as The Fund for Animals, and continues to serve as a director for The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust.
You can sign up for the MUTTS daily email at mutts.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
May 20, 2018
Breve y contundente, acompañar a este gato en su viaje por abrazar a todo el mundo, conmoverá muchísimo. Me parece un libro que consigue reflejar la importancia de dar y recibir abrazos, algo en lo que no todos reparamos. Súper recomendable.
March 12, 2018
Delightful children's book about the joys of giving and receiving physical affection. Rhyming in the style of Dr. Seuss, but without the silliness. Just very, very heartwarming. Illustrations are cute and the main character is a cat which is right up my (and my daughter's) alley.
October 3, 2019
4.5/5 estrellas.
Demasiado preciosoooo.
Demasiado preciosoooo.
November 29, 2018
uf
está lo máximo
está lo máximo
July 4, 2025
Qué hermoso libro, abracemos a quienes tengamos cerca.
July 20, 2017
AAAA it's so cute I can't take it
September 3, 2018
I liked the book because there were so many hugs given.
October 13, 2020
From the creator of the "Mutts" comic strip comes a sweet, kind, gentle story of a kitten who sets out to give the world a hug. Every child should have this in their library.
October 17, 2008
I got this book to read with my (then) just barely two-year-old daughter. It turns-out that this was one of the best book purchases that I've made in a number of years. My daughter went nuts and has made this the most frequently requested last book of the night. The three big things that she latched-onto were:
(1) The book has an assortment of animals (the Boynton books are another regular request) and even a Boabab Tree (which she just likes to say).
(2) The book is about hugs (a big feature of pre-bed story time).
(3) The story is in rhyme and she has come to memorize the book for this reason, as she did with a few Dr. Seuss titles.
I was so taken with the book - and by my daughter's reaction - that I went-out and bought a number of copies as a gift given for no specific reason for friends and family who had small children. Everyone (the little girls, the little boys, and the parents) has loved it.
(1) The book has an assortment of animals (the Boynton books are another regular request) and even a Boabab Tree (which she just likes to say).
(2) The book is about hugs (a big feature of pre-bed story time).
(3) The story is in rhyme and she has come to memorize the book for this reason, as she did with a few Dr. Seuss titles.
I was so taken with the book - and by my daughter's reaction - that I went-out and bought a number of copies as a gift given for no specific reason for friends and family who had small children. Everyone (the little girls, the little boys, and the parents) has loved it.
January 10, 2008
Jules gives the best hugs. Awesome drawings (by the cartoonist of Mutts). I especially like the whale-hug, the tiger & the polar bear.
January 29, 2012
Could this book be any more smile inducing? Travel the continents to distribute hugs! My favourite - hugging a big Blue Whale! Love this simple mesage of love.
February 11, 2020
The Board book version:
This one is cute for preschoolers and babies.One to get for a nursery. In this we learn about a kitten in the Mutts world.
The Hard Cover version:
As with the board book this is good for babies up to 1st graders. There are a few more story elements in the bigger hardcover book than in the board book. Also a few more detailed drawings.
You can’t go wrong with either version
This one is cute for preschoolers and babies.One to get for a nursery. In this we learn about a kitten in the Mutts world.
The Hard Cover version:
As with the board book this is good for babies up to 1st graders. There are a few more story elements in the bigger hardcover book than in the board book. Also a few more detailed drawings.
You can’t go wrong with either version
February 28, 2020
Kinda surprised this is the first book by a well-known cartoonist we've read to bebe, since it's not an uncommon practice for cartoonists to do so. I hate to narc on it. It's pleasant and the artwork is expectedly wonderful, but it's kind of all over the board in focus. Bebe does seem to love it though and now asks for it by name...
September 11, 2023
This super cute book is about an adorable kitten who wants to hug the world. Will he do it? Find out in this poetic picture book! I have a cat and I love books that rhyme, so this is perfect for me! (I'm a bit cautious of hugs, though. I like my personal space. 😅) Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
May 16, 2019
A brilliant little story about a kitty who wants to hug the entire world. Just as sweet as can be, and one that will stay with you long after you finish it. So kind, so lovely, so respectful and compassionate towards the planet and others. Probably my very favorite children's book!
May 14, 2020
One of my favorite books to read to my daughter. It's such a fun book to read with the words that roll off the tongue and sweet illustrations. Even though she's too young to care what I'm reading, I go to this one almost daily. Highly recommended for parents.
January 7, 2023
It’s the time in my life when I start to review children’s books?!
Only because I’ve actually read some truly terrible ones. I didn’t realize that children’s books could be terrible!
This is not one of them though. This one is great.
Only because I’ve actually read some truly terrible ones. I didn’t realize that children’s books could be terrible!
This is not one of them though. This one is great.
March 4, 2026
That no matter how far and wide you explore, and no matter how grand and incredible abroad experiences can be, that home will always be with those you love and with you want to share the quiet moments with.
October 9, 2017
Love this book - actually love everything MUTTS. Even though this is a children's book the life lesson is great for all ages
October 24, 2017
My daughter loves this book! I also love the simple drawing and rhythmic verse... nice to read and listen to, and great values encouraged!
December 30, 2017
So cute! This little kitten wants to hug the world. With a message for all of us. Some subtle and some obvious.
February 8, 2018
I really like this one. It's sweet and fun and doesn't involve forcing children to consider romance. It's a little small for storytime but I may give it a try. (Btw, Patrick McDonnell is great!)
March 1, 2018
What a delightful story for all ages. Jules aka Shtinky Puddin' is a great hugger with a great heart!! I love Patrick's books and never miss his comic strip! Kudos Patrick!!
April 23, 2018
Cute but a bit irresponsible. You should be a bit careful about whom you hug sometimes.
July 17, 2018
Touching and winsome. Happy to see themes of the love of all things great and small and honouring the environment. I was able to memorize it for Baby within a few readings!
April 26, 2019
Está lo máximo! Todo lo que hace él lo hace bien!
October 1, 2019
Muy tierno 😭
January 16, 2020
Themes: hugging, animals, love
February 25, 2020
So gentle and sweet 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews