Patrick McDonnell is the person behind “Mutts”, the comic strip known for its heartwarming stories about animals.
If you appreciate his gentle humor, the focus on animal friendships, and the kind messages found in “Mutts”, you might be on the lookout for authors with a similar sensibility. This article presents some authors you might like.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle humor and charming animal characters may also appreciate Mo Willems. Willems is known for playful, funny children’s books that capture everyday experiences and emotions.
His book “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” features a determined pigeon who desperately wants to drive a big bus. Throughout the story, the pigeon tries every possible argument and hilarious excuse to persuade readers to let him take the wheel.
The pigeon’s funny pleading and relatable personality make this book a favorite with children and adults alike.
If you enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle stories and expressive illustrations, Oliver Jeffers might become one of your favorites too. Jeffers creates picture books with warmth, humor, and thoughtful simplicity.
In “Lost and Found,” a little boy meets a penguin who appears on his doorstep. Worried and concerned, the boy decides to help the penguin get back home. Together, they take a surprising journey full of friendship, discovery, and unexpected feelings that resonate beyond words.
Jeffers’s illustrations add layers of charm and emotion, complementing his thoughtful storytelling beautifully.
Jon Klassen is an author and illustrator famous for simple yet expressive storytelling, often flavored with subtle humor and a touch of quiet suspense. Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle but clever narrative voice may appreciate Klassen’s book, “I Want My Hat Back.”
In this story, a calm bear loses his beloved hat and politely asks the other forest animals if they’ve seen it. Each animal denies knowing anything, but sharp-eyed readers may spot a clue hidden in the subtle illustrations.
Klassen’s playful mix of innocence and sly humor matches McDonnell’s warm and thoughtful style, making this book appealing for fans wanting another cozy yet clever story.
Peter Reynolds is an author and illustrator known for creating heartfelt children’s books that inspire creativity and kindness, similar in spirit to Patrick McDonnell’s gentle storytelling.
His picture book, “The Dot,” tells the story of Vashti, a young girl who believes she can’t draw until a teacher encourages her to trust herself and begin with just a simple dot.
Vashti’s small dot leads her toward a surprising discovery about creativity, confidence, and self-expression. With warm illustrations and a simple narrative, Peter Reynolds offers young readers a reassuring reminder about the potential hiding within each person’s imagination.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle storytelling and charming animal characters might also appreciate Beatrix Potter. Potter was an English author and illustrator who created some of the most beloved children’s stories.
One delightful example is “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”. The mischievous little rabbit, Peter, ventures into Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden, despite his mother’s warnings.
His curiosity lands him into trouble, and readers get to follow his adventures as he tries to escape safely back home. Potter’s detailed illustrations and warm storytelling make the story both playful and memorable.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle storytelling and whimsical illustrations might also appreciate Shel Silverstein. Silverstein offers playful humor, heartfelt messages, and imaginative drawings in his books.
One book worth exploring is “The Giving Tree,” which tells the story of a tree and a boy who form a unique and moving friendship. Through simple yet emotionally powerful words and images, Silverstein captures generosity, sacrifice, and enduring love.
This timeless tale invites readers to reflect quietly on themes of giving and receiving, making it memorable for both children and adults.
Eric Carle is a beloved children’s author and illustrator, known for his colorful collage illustrations and sweet, memorable stories.
If you enjoy the gentle warmth and playful charm in Patrick McDonnell’s books, you might also appreciate Eric Carle’s classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.
It follows a tiny caterpillar as he eats his way through many tempting foods until he eventually becomes a beautiful butterfly. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and the simple yet lovely story has delighted generations of kids and adults alike.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s playful illustrations and warm storytelling will appreciate Lane Smith. Smith’s book “Grandpa Green” is a heartwarming tale about a young boy exploring the life story of his great-grandfather through a whimsical garden.
Each topiary in the garden symbolizes a memory from Grandpa Green’s past, beautifully capturing family history, adventures, and dreams. The simple yet imaginative illustrations complement the gentle narrative, creating a warm celebration of family and memory.
Fans of Patrick McDonnell’s charming and thoughtful style will find Lane Smith’s storytelling equally appealing.
Dr. Seuss is a children’s author who creates imaginative worlds filled with colorful characters, clever rhymes, and playful lessons. If you enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s whimsical stories, you might appreciate Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax”.
In this story, the Lorax, a small, mossy creature who speaks for the trees, stands against greedy Once-ler who cuts down forests to make his Thneeds.
This tale gently explores caring for nature and warns against greed and overconsumption, all presented in delightful illustrations and engaging verses.
Arnold Lobel was a children’s author and illustrator loved for his gentle sense of humor and ability to bring animal characters warmly to life.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s heartwarming animal illustrations and thoughtful storytelling will likely appreciate Lobel’s charming book “Frog and Toad Are Friends.”
This classic follows two best friends, Frog and Toad, through everyday happenings that showcase friendship’s simple pleasures. Each short tale, whether it’s about planting a garden, sharing cookies, or waiting for mail, is calm yet playful, full of empathy and warmth.
Lobel’s friendly illustrations blend wonderfully with the text, making the stories inviting and easy to enjoy again and again.
Books by William Steig offer warmth, humor, and heartfelt storytelling that readers of Patrick McDonnell will easily embrace. In “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble,” Steig introduces us to Sylvester, a little donkey who discovers a magic pebble.
This pebble grants any wish—how wonderful that sounds! But an accidental wish turns Sylvester into a rock, and he can’t undo it on his own. With gentle humor and tender moments, Steig explores family, longing, and the simple joys life holds.
Readers who enjoy McDonnell’s affectionate take on life’s small moments in “Mutts” comics will likely connect deeply with Steig’s storytelling style.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s heartwarming and gentle storytelling may also appreciate Margaret Wise Brown. Brown had a knack for creating cozy stories that tap into a child’s wonder about daily life and nature.
Her timeless classic, “Goodnight Moon,” follows a young bunny as he says goodnight to everything around him, from the red balloon to the quiet old lady whispering “hush.” The story’s simple yet poetic language and soothing repetition create a peaceful bedtime feel.
Fans of McDonnell’s tender narratives and affectionate tone might find a similar comfort in Margaret Wise Brown’s gentle storytelling.
Leo Lionni was a children’s author and illustrator whose gentle storytelling and thoughtful illustrations share a similar warmth to those of Patrick McDonnell.
Lionni often created lively characters from animals and nature, using simple yet imaginative plots to explore friendship, creativity, and the joy of discovering oneself.
In “Frederick,” Lionni introduces us to a special mouse who gathers words, sunshine, and colors instead of food for winter.
When the chill of winter settles in and the supplies run low, it is Frederick’s own special provisions that bring warmth and hope to his friends—proving that art and poetry nourish the spirit just as food nourishes the body.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle storytelling and delightful illustrations may find Tomie dePaola equally enjoyable. DePaola’s warm, inviting narratives often celebrate tradition, family, and cultural heritage through relatable characters and lively art.
In his beloved book “Strega Nona,” readers meet a kind-hearted Italian grandmother who has a magical pasta pot. When her helper Big Anthony ignores her instructions, the pasta pot creates a funny chaos that fills the village with pasta.
DePaola’s playful humor and colorful imagination are perfect for those who appreciate McDonnell’s charm and whimsy.
Readers who enjoy Patrick McDonnell’s gentle stories and imaginative visuals will likely appreciate David Wiesner’s picture books. Wiesner, a creator of imaginative wordless stories, captures curiosity and wonder in his illustrations.
His book “Tuesday” begins with frogs mysteriously lifting off their lily pads and floating through a neighborhood on flying lily pads.
With very few words, the illustrations carry readers along an unexpected night-time adventure filled with humor, surprise, and delightful absurdity.
For those who like Patrick McDonnell’s playful storytelling and expressive artwork, Wiesner’s “Tuesday” offers a similarly enjoyable and visually rich experience.