"I got up Saturday morning and, clutching the revered volume tightly to my chest, walked through the puffs of light November snow down to the coffee shop. The little tome seemed to leap to life, knowing it was back to the wellspring of so much of its creator's inspiration.

That was one of the finest 90-minutes I'd spent at Jack's in a long time. (I know, I was rushing it. I plan to savor it more in the weeks to come). I won't go through my favorites and all my reactions, but just know that I am very grateful for the gift you have bestowed on us all.

Also, you have unleashed a most unruly menagerie, one that I doubt you will be able to control... Sorcerer's Apprentice and all that. If, for instance, I don't see the Jackamoose Beer Label by this time next year, I shall be very surprised."

"I was at the San Diego Comic-Con and happened to be speeding past your publisher's booth, and your sample book stopped me cold. I wasn't familiar with your work before, but I'm always on the lookout for animation artists, and your book was just wonderful."

"Your book is going to be a big item on my Christmas gift list for my friends this year."

"My wife and I both love this wildly inventive book and can't wait to show our kids. We are proud of your accomplishments and most of all the courage and wit you summoned in prevailing over illness."

"I was actually an art major in college and so this book really brings together art, which is now a hobby for me, and cancer, which is my job. Perfect!"

"I have never seen much of your work. I am totally excited for you and about your book. I can't wait for Volume 2 to come out, nor can I wait to see your children's book."

"As someone who was fairly good at drawing and painting when he was younger - I'm 35 now - your career makes me lament putting art aside after college, but you may have just inspired me to pick up the sketchbook again."

"I loved what I saw in each and every corner of the personalities you created. Few people have the self respect and confidence to let themselves be so open to the souls of others. Thank you for that."

"I saw your book by chance and I was immediately attracted by it! Just one word...FANTASTIC!"

"Chris...the book is incredible! There, I had to get that outta the way. Something to be proud of for sure! It's put together soooo well...the look, the layout...it's just damn pretty! I can't wait to read through it all, although I did read J.J.'s foreword and WOW...it's seriously one of the best forewords I've read. Really touching."

"Everyone I showed the book to was completely taken with the quality, humor, and depth of the images, not to mention the story behind it all."

"I received the book and have not stopped talking about it. Thank you for sharing such an intimate experience of your life. Your book is not just inspiring on an artistic level, but on a life level as well."

"It's a unique find, filled with whimsical illustrations that made me laugh out loud and an amazing story full of hope and humor. The drawings are so wonderful, sassy and charming that they inspired me to dust off my neglected old sketchpad. I'm ordering one for my classroom and sending one to all my young relatives because I know that they'll adore the animal characters, but I'm also considering donating several to local pediatric wards to put a much-needed smile on the faces of children and families struggling with illness."

"A wonderful book. Possibly the best get-well card you could ever send."

"This is a continuing affirmation of life, reminding us to celebrate each day."

"I know a photographer who resolved to shoot an image a day for a year, and that struck me as an ambitious undertaking. Conceiving and drawing a figure a day is beyond my imagination. Your copy describing the subjects, the process, and the circumstances, and bringing it all back to your battle with cancer was a powerful, entertaining, enlightening, inspiring, personal complement to your wonderful drawing."

"The Daily Zoo is not only a winner but a healer. It inspires us all to crank up our creativity."