I can also appreciate a good story where the animal characters talk to one another, but this one did not appeal to me. Webster not only talks to his new acquaintances at a plush, country "no-kill" kennel, but he also talks to beavers and an owl. Still, that's fine when well executed, but these animals also break out of their cages every night to watch movies with each other, and they seem to know human things that they probably would never have been exposed to. It's almost as if author Ellen Emerson White was forcing facts and details and information into the story for the sake of a punch line (at times) and for the sake of continuity (in other times). Additionally, events and adventures arise for this stray, "bad" dog that are just a little too convenient.
Read this one for yourself, and see if this Tale of an Outlaw is worthy of the Mark Twain Award.
From the author's website: A cynical shelter dog learns to let down his guard and form a new animal family in this heartwarming and humorous friendship story for middle grade readers, or anyone who loves rescue dogs! |