South

Although there are no words in this book, the pictures speak volumes. In "South", McDonnell embraces the simplicity of friendship between a cat and a little bird. My eyes were teary when finished, a smile on my face. Yesh, this book is enjoyable for both children and adults alike.

The illustrations are beautiful, and the meaning is wonderful. It is about helping others, which is a lesson I think a lot of us would benefit from. You definitely need to get this book. I read this book with my three year old, and he loved it, too.

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.

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!

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.