What do a cartoonist and a spiritual teacher have in common? In this case, a remarkable little book.

Patrick McDonnell, artist, animal advocate and creator of the syndicated award-winning comic-strip “Mutts,” as well as the author of numerous children's books (“The Gift of Nothing,” “Just Like Heaven,” “Hug Time”), in collaboration with Eckhart Tolle, the internationally-renowned author of “The Power of Now,” “Stillness Speaks” and “A New Earth,” has created a gem in book form, entitled “Guardians of Being,” published by New World Library.

Formatted in the style of a children's picture book and incorporating succinct Zen-like statements by Tolle and whimsical drawings populated with the characters from “Mutts,” “Guardians of Being” posits the notion that nature — and animals in particular — have much to teach us about how to live.

Tolle advises us that “Because dogs and cats still live in the original state of connectedness with Being, they can help us regain it.” His two remarks: “It's so wonderful to watch an animal, because an animal has no opinion about itself,” and “Oh, that was the dog's teaching. I'm just translating it into words,” contain an underlying playfulness, while McDonnell's masterful and delightfully savvy cartoons complement and enhance the accessibility of Tolle's message.

“Guardians of Being” can be read in its entirety in the time it takes to wait in line at the grocery store, but something in the spare text and engaging artwork draws the reader back through the pages for a second look and then another, to savor like a cup of aromatic coffee, with each sip imparting a fresh nuance of delight.

Visit your Summit County Library for a copy of “Guardians of Being,” as well as other titles by McDonnell and Tolle.