THE GIFT OF NOTHING

Fresh from the comic-strip panels of Mutts, Mooch the cat doesn’t know what to get his best friend Earl the dog on a certain “special day.” Earl has everything: dish, chewy toy and a bed. Then inspiration strikes. “Nothing” is the perfect gift for someone with everything . . . but where to find it? Mooch has heard his people say there’s “nothing” on TV—but something’s always on. He hears there’s “nothing” at the stores—but there’s plenty of everything. After a moment of Kitty Zen, Mooch wraps up a big empty box and presents it to Earl. “ ‘There’s nothing here,’ said Earl. / ‘Yesh!’ said Mooch. ‘Nothing . . . / but me and you.’ ” And the two of them enjoy nothing—and everything—together. A perfect meditation on gift giving and friendship, this is a great present for the Type-A hoarder in your life. It will do double duty as a conversation starter for older kids at storytime. (Picture book. 5+)