Webster: Tale of an Outlaw

by Ellen Emerson White

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?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Fantasy, Juvenile

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

This talented writer attended Tufts University (and published her first book, Friends for Life, while a senior there) and currently lives in New York City. Ms. White grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Many of her novels feature characters who reside in or around Boston and are fans of the Boston Red Sox (as is Ms. White). In addition to novels, Ms. White has published several biographies. She also writes under the pseudonym Zack Emerson (taking the name Zack from the name of her shepherd dog) and under the pseudonym Nicholas Edwards (Santa Paws series).

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! The beginning felt a little less assured than I'm used to from White's writing, but maybe that was my own prejudice speaking, since I'm used to her YA writing.

But, overall, it was touching and made me feel things. ANIMALS ARE SO GREAT. Except when my cats ignore me.

Oh, and be prepared for suspension of disbelief here. But it's cooool. I could see kids being super into everything that happens.

I was waiting for the Bad Hat to get adopted by an author in the end! Maybe there will be a sequel!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about shelter animals, with a message about being kind to your pets that's thinly masked by the narrative point of view of a dog who's been abandoned too many times to believe in happy endings.

It's a quick, enjoyable enough read, and I probably would've liked it when I was younger and trailed along the library stacks, looking for the dog sticker on the spines of books so I'd know which ones to take home. There's nothing that really makes it stand out from the crowd, though. Despite some early poignant moments, and a few promising storylines (the dog being separated from his mother and siblings, accidentally becoming a local hero, bonding with a scruffy but brave little kid being bullied on the playground, secretly longing to find someone who loves him because of who he is), the conclusion arrives rather abruptly, leaving the book feeling unfinished.

I suppose the moral(?) is that family is what you make of it, and finding the traditional owner-who-loves-you happy ending isn't something everyone achieves. I think it's meant to be uplifting, but it's a little depressing, actually, because the family Webster chooses is a set of dogs and cats who are all hoping to leave as soon as they catch the eye of a loving human family. It's a bit of a tenuous existence to cling to, and I thought there were a lot of missed opportunities in the storytelling.

[Leather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book whose heroes are dogs and cats, with their qualities, their faults, their differences, their personalities. It's always funny, sometimes hilarious, always tender, sometimes moving. A book of pure fantasy, brilliant and full ... of humanity.
A book for tender hearts like myself and for all animal lovers, from 7 to 97 years old.
Did I wrote "a book" ? No, not a book, a masterpiece !

[Nataley Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not me avoiding my TBR by reading middle grade dog books hehe

[Margaret]

When the need arises dogs true hearts take over. Webster: Tale of an Outlaw (Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, November 3, 2015) written by Ellen Emerson White chronicles the journey of a dog without a home. We are watchers and listeners of the cats, dogs and humans in his life. We are changed by what we come to understand.

My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels for a twice abandoned shelter dog with a tough exterior, aspiring to be an outlaw but unwittingly becomes a hero. Humorous and heartwarming - if only we could really know what our beloved canines are thinking and saying. Cover pup looks a lot like my Chloe.

[Leena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story and I loved the premise! I liked that no matter how hard the Bad Hat tried to live up to his name he always ended up doing something good.

However, as some others have said before, I find it a bit sad that while Webster/the Bad Hat finally found his family within the animal rescue, the other animals ultimately want to be adopted. In my mind, Webster/the Bad Hat will probably just stay at the rescue forever like Florence. While Florence seems to accept her position as a permanent fixture at the rescue, I’m not sure Webster/the Bad Hat will be able to do the same.

Overall, I enjoyed this cute little read and I’m glad it be ought awareness to shelter animals.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this story, but I really enjoyed it. Webster reminds me of some of our students who have dealt with trauma and see themselves as the Bad Hat.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Webster thinks he wants to be an outlaw. He even renames himself Bad Hat. But when his exploits of heroics go viral; it turns out that this dog on the run might be more of an cowboy.
Fans of dog stories (-the sad endings) will like this one.

[Hélène Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and fun read, if a little rushed in the end, there wasn't a real closure, it felt like the last chapter has been forgotten.
Still a book I warmly recommend to all animals' lovers!

[Gregoire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une histoire d'animaux (chiens et chats) dans un refuge plutôt familial Une leçon peut-être contre la maltraitance et pour la tolérance
Racontée par Webster Bad Hat, le chien, l'histoire est sympathique et bon enfant A réserver à mon avis à la jeunesse

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Webster aka Beast aka Bad Hat has had it with humans and shelters. They just bring heartache and pain. When he is dropped off at his fourth shelter he is determined to remain aloof and escape no matter how friendly the people and animals or how good the food. Webster wants to be an outlaw or maybe a tv star. He is bad to the bone and not afraid to let you know it. So even though the other animals at the Green Meadows Rescue Group welcome him into their family and try to show him how good they have it, Bad Hat still wants to escape. His chance comes when a storm knocks out part of his kennel. On his own, Bat Hat finds life a bit difficult. Finding food is hard so he somehow finds himself back at the shelter every night for some kibble and tv watching. It turns out he isn't bad to the bone either as he performs one heroic rescue after another.

I am generally not a fan of animal protagonist books. They just aren't my thing, but this one wasn't bad. Webster/Bad Hat is completely charming as are the other animals. I especially enjoyed the cats (but then I am a cat person). The story makes you appreciate rescue groups and all the hard work they do to save homeless animals. It also made me want to adopt another pet (no I have too many already!). I think this book will definitely find fans among young readers who like animal books.

[Liz Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story: Webster (formerly called Beast, now known to his friends as Bad Hat) has had it with humans. They love you, then they leave you--most likely at a nasty animal shelter. Or even worse, they're mean and then they leave you. When Webster ends up at Green Meadows Rescue Home, he's determined not to make friends, not to like the great food, not to trust the humans. Instead, he's got a plan: run away and have adventures. Who knew that all those adventures would just keep cycling him right back to Green Meadows? Any maybe even turn him into a hero?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (cruelty to animals is discussed, nothing graphic) PG; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: This is a charming read. Webster is a fun, funny character. Animal lovers and kids who like a sassy narrator will both eat this one up! The discussion of cruelty to animals, while not graphic, will help readers think about the topic. Give this one to kids grades 4-7.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many parts that broke my heart, and many more than made me smile and laugh. Wonderful book and hope to read it again some day.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great juvenile fiction novel about a dog on his own, longing for a place to belong. The story begins with the dog being taken to an animal rescue farm after having been abandoned by his family who were cruel to him. He's dubbed Webster by the people at Green Meadows Farm, but since his goal is to be an outlaw or a cowboy, he doesn't find it a good fit.

All the dogs and cats at the Farm are good conversationalists, and their talk after lights go out is hilarious, especially when they're discussing TV programs and movies they watch - Downton Abbey, E.T., Shane and It's a Wonderful Life are favorites.

When a storm knocks down a portion of fence, Webster makes his break. Although he intends to go adventuring and enjoy his independence, he keeps running into situations where he steps up to fill the role of hero and rescuer. He's trying to give off a vibe of being bad to the bone, but what a good, good dog he is.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a friend that believes any time a book has an animal as the prominent figure on the cover, the animal will die in the story. Was a bit hesitant to have this one be my last book of 2015 because I didn't want to ring in the new yr crying.

Read it completely in less than an hour since Webster's (aka Bad Hat) escapades in the wild kept my interest...as an adult, they seemed a bit over-the-top, but I can see my students really enjoying all the heroic antics.

My favorite character is Florence. Possibly a sequel in store where more of Webster's "colleagues" find forever homes?

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is appropriate for all ages. If you love dogs and cats, you will love reading how many of us think their minds actually function. Anyone who is committed to the animal rescue community must read this book. It's a happy book and you will feel good as you read. The author is a friend and she has put her heart into this story. I loved the characters and the story.

[Anna Sobczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance,this book looked iffy. I thought it would be some stupid book where everyone skips and sings stupid songs.....But I was surprised at how funny and relatable The Bad Hat was.To me,he was more realistic and likable than most human book characters.Overall,a wonderful,exiting read filled with twists and turns.

[Rachel Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A preliminary nominee for the 2071-2018 Mark Twain Readers Award.

This book is adorable. It is about a shelter dog, Webster also known as The Bad Hat, that wants to be seen as an outlaw, but can't seem to make it happen. It features animals that talk to each other, one of my bookish pet peeves, but I didn't hate it. It's sweet.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will definitely appeal to young middle grade readers. Every animal in the book has such a strong personality, especially the other shelter animals. The story does have a very strong animal rights/social justice message that can be slightly heavy handed but it is delivered through Webster's entertaining adventures.

[Eileen Cashin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book about the life of a shelter animal and how they think and react. I am so glad I was the first person to read this from my library and now I can recommend this book to many of my patrons both young and not so young.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

In one day Webster accomplishes more feats than Lassie did in a season. I kept thinking who or what will Webster save next. All that was missing was Timmy at the bottom of a well. Corny, but I believe some kids will enjoy this book but not all.

[M.J. Fifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book. My heart was absolutely breaking at parts—especially at the beginning. I truly hope the Bad Hat (makes sense if you've read the book) has many more adventures to come!

[Laura Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Funny and sweet, this will appeal greatly to animal lovers. It is predictable and a little bit saccharine, but nevertheless quite entertaining.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids will love this book - after all, what kid doesn't want a pet dog or cat? And adults that read it to their kids will find it laugh out loud funny; there is a lot of adult humor here.

[Tru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juvenile book. It was a nice story about a rescue dog and his life.

[Catherine OBrien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sucker for animal stories. This one is fun. Great for 4 - 6th graders

[Genie Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about an abused dog who becomes a community hero. This dog is everything you dream your own dog could be. The cat in the story is great too.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY strong 3.5 stars. A sweet and humorous story of a dog who has given up on humans. I really want my kids to pick this up and read.

4th-5th grade

[Ellie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book ever!!! You should read it if you like dogs!