Editorial Content for Webster: Tale of an Outlaw
Reviewer (text)
When Webster is dropped off at yet another animal shelter, he has made up his mind that he does not want to be adopted again. The first family who took him in returned him because he was getting too big. The second family abused and neglected him. They named him Beast, but the folks at the Green Meadows Rescue Group Shelter renamed him Webster. Since he doesn’t like that name, and considers himself to be bad, the other animals at the shelter call him Bad Hat.
Webster made up his mind not to trust humans ever again, and no way is he going to let his defenses down. It doesn’t matter if the food they give him at the shelter is really delicious, and it doesn’t matter if he gets to sleep on a really soft bed. And it certainly doesn’t matter if the people who run the shelter are very loving. Nope --- he won’t be taken in by any of that nonsense. He’s determined to take off on his own at the first chance he gets.
One night after a tree falls on Webster’s cage, crushing the metal, he decides to make a run for it and leave the shelter. He’s looking for a life where he doesn’t have to be around humans (unless he’s terrorizing them), where he can be free to have exciting adventures and where he can be big and bad. Problem is, one of the other dogs from the shelter follows him.
Webster is certainly a loveable dog, and you have to sympathize and empathize with him.
Author Ellen Emerson White tells a compelling tale. Webster is certainly a loveable dog, and you have to sympathize and empathize with him. White also did a great job of giving the other animals in the shelter interesting character traits, like a German Shepherd that is not too bright.
However, I did have a few issues with the book. Although the author weaves a good story with other dogs following Webster when he “escapes,” I was almost disappointed that other dogs were tagging along. I thought the adventures would be Webster’s alone, showing the reader how much trouble he would get into and then how and why he’d want to return to the shelter.
I also felt that the chapters were awfully long for this age group. Lastly, I had trouble getting into the story. Although things picked up later, I thought WEBSTER started out a bit dry.
All in all, though, I enjoyed WEBSTER, and if you have a weak spot for animals --- especially dogs --- you will too.
Teaser
Webster is too cool to be scared. So what if no one will adopt him? He’s had it with people anyway. He’s going to be a loner. Not going to get too comfortable in this new shelter, even if the home-baked treats are good. Not going to get used to the nice soft bed. Not going to make friends, no matter how much he kind of likes Jack the Terrier and even Florence the bossy cat. And the first chance he gets, he’s hitting the road and living life on the range, just like one of the stoic cowboys he’s decided to model himself after. But sometimes the best-laid plans (even those of a dog’s) have a way of backfiring. Will a tough pup like Webster find a home and family after all?
Promo
Webster is too cool to be scared. So what if no one will adopt him? He’s had it with people anyway. He’s going to be a loner. Not going to get too comfortable in this new shelter, even if the home-baked treats are good. Not going to get used to the nice soft bed. Not going to make friends, no matter how much he kind of likes Jack the Terrier and even Florence the bossy cat. And the first chance he gets, he’s hitting the road and living life on the range, just like one of the stoic cowboys he’s decided to model himself after. But sometimes the best-laid plans (even those of a dog’s) have a way of backfiring. Will a tough pup like Webster find a home and family after all?
About the Book
A cynical shelter dog learns to let down his guard and form a new animal family in this heartwarming and humorous friendship story from the author of SANTA PAWS.
Webster is too cool to be scared. Or alarmed. Or even a tiny bit nervous. So what if no one will adopt him? He’s had it with people anyway. He’s going to be a loner. Not going to get too comfortable in this new shelter, even if the home-baked treats are good. Not going to get used to the nice soft bed. Not going to make friends, no matter how much he kind of likes Jack the Terrier and even Florence the bossy cat. Nope, he doesn’t need friends. Acquaintances are just fine. And the first chance he gets, he’s hitting the road and living life on the range, just like one of the stoic cowboys he’s decided to model himself after.
But sometimes the best-laid plans (even those of a dog’s) have a way of backfiring. Will a tough pup like Webster find a home and family after all?
