South (Hardcover)

by Patrick McDonnell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 3—McDonnell has composed another quiet gem. Literally. The sole sounds are birdsong, weeping, and snoring; the only words appear on signs: "South" and "Walk." The season is fall, and the chorus comes from a flock perched in a nearly bare tree. In the next instant, the birds lift off, and, as the pages turn, the last leaf drops, bonking a slumbering bird on the head at the base of the tree. Anyone who has every experienced the thought of being abandoned or feeling lost will relate to the utterly convincing panic conveyed in the artist's expressive watercolors and emotive lines as it dawns on this tiny creature that he has been left behind. Yet, he is not alone. Enter Mooch, the feline protagonist from the artist's comic strip "Mutts." He offers a hand, leading and carrying his young charge through rural and urban landscapes, until the birds are joyfully reunited. McDonnell's comfort with unfilled expanses, his beautifully balanced compositions, and the nature of his brushwork evoke the feel of traditional Chinese art. Tan recycled paper provides warmth in keeping with this tender, compact story. While it will be enjoyed universally, be sure to place it where nonreaders will find it, and remember it when asked for a Good Samaritan story. Its subtle sweetness is a rare and wonderful thing.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
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Review
Praise for Mutts:

*National Cartoonist Society Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year 1999
*National Cartoonist Society Reuben Award for Comic Strip of the Year 1997
*Harvey Award for Best Comic Strip 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003
*PETA Humanitarian Award 2001

Praise for Just Like Heaven:

"McDonnell delivers his message with maximum effectiveness." (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

Praise for The Gift of Nothing:

"Both Mutts fans and newcomers will appreciate McDonnell's clever wordplay and lovable characters." (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316005096
• ISBN-13: 978-0316005098
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #351,524 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious Work of Art, September 8, 2008

By	Julia McDonough (Charlton, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." This quotation came to mind immediately after I opened SOUTH, Patrick McDonnell's latest picture book (notice that I did not say "children's book").

The story is simple. Our hero, the usually vocal Mooch the Cat, silently saves the day by helping a yellow bird whose flock headed South without him. Through expressive watercolor paintings, we are encouraged to care for the weaker, the smaller, and the sad. I will turn to this book often this Autumn as I wave goodbye to my own feathered friends.

There are not enough stars in Heaven to adequately rate this precious work of art.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious, touching, artful, October 27, 2008

By	E. M. Tennessen (The Windy City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book says much about friendship, love and change without using words. You can truly feel what is going on through Patrick McDonnell's touching drawings. Mooch helps his little bird friend find the way south after he misses the signal that sends his flock off. The artwork has a soft, watercolor feel and is printed on soft brown paper, so it "feels like fall." When you take off the dust jacket, you discover a bright red spine and soft brown cover boards printed with dozens of Patrick's bird drawings (delightful!). A lovely story and a work of art. Recommended for all ages. Children will get the message at once, and adult hearts will yearn for the simple love and fall nostalgia in its pages. Don't miss this one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and wonderful, October 6, 2008

By	E.R.Maven - See all my reviews

This is a great little book; perfect for giving to a friend. It's a 48-page picture book and yet I got a little teary-eyed. I love the "Mutts" comic strip and this is even better!