ComingSoon is excited to reveal a brand new book by Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell. Titled The Gift of Everything, it is a companion to his 2005 book The Gift of Nothing. Both the new book and The Gift of Nothing Anniversary Edition will be published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on October 14, 2025.
“I’ve always loved the holiday season—a magical time of grace, giving, and gratitude,” said McDonnell of his new book. “In The Gift of Everything, I wanted to capture the joy and wonder that children feel during their favorite time of year. It tells the playful story of Mooch the cat as he discovers that the whole world is our Secret Santa.”
What is The Gift of Everything about?
“In The Gift of Everything, Mooch the cat is searching for the perfect gift for his best friend, Earl the dog. But what, wonders Mooch, is perfect? Mooch soon discovers the answer: Everyone… Everywhere… Everything! As he sees the world around him with new eyes and a fresh feeling of gratitude, Mooch is delighted that he has just the right person to share it all with! In this joyful rhyming companion to The Gift of Nothing, the stars of the beloved comic strip Mutts discover and celebrate the precious gift of being alive,” says the official description.
McDonnell is best known for creating the award-winning comic strip series Mutts, which has appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries. His most recent book, Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story was a bestseller. Both The Gift of Nothing and Me…Jane were adapted into musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. Other works include Hug Time, A Perfectly Messed-Up Story, The Monsters’ Monster, and Thank You and Goodnight.
“This anniversary edition of The Gift of Nothing is a celebration of my first picture book—a story that seemed to write itself,” said McDonell. “I love its simplicity, its joy, and its timeless holiday message: the most precious gift we can give is ourselves. More than presents, it’s presence.”
The Gift of Nothing also stars Mooch the cat as he attempts to find his friend Earl the dog a gift for the holidays. Ever since 2017, fans around the globe have celebrated The Gift of Nothing Day holiday on December 15.
