Webster the Smiling Dog

Webster the Smiling Dog
by Traci Deck
Illustrated by Maria Dagh
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Sally Meadows
$19.95 ISBN 9781778690594

Webster lives in a pet store where he and his siblings wait for their forever homes. First, his sister is adopted, then his brother. Other dogs, including two playful beagle puppies and two endearing cairn terriers come and go. Despite his sunny disposition, Webster is still at the shop five months after his arrival. Will Webster ever get the family he longs for?

I couldn’t help smiling when I picked up my copy of Webster the Smiling Dog. With its bright yellow cover adorned with the face of an adorable, fluffy white pup, the book is visually appealing and will draw children (and those who read to them) to it, whether they long for a furry friend or are reminded of their own pet’s origin story. I appreciated how author Traci Deck highlighted the different kinds of adoptive families (ones with kids, couples, and singles) eager to welcome a new pet into their life. I can see this book being a favourite in classrooms and in the home, with a story kids will want to read over and over again.

The book is illustrated with simple, soft pastel-coloured drawings perfectly in tune with little Webster’s various emotions as he awaits his happy ending. Webster’s smiling face at the conclusion of the story is worth the wait.

Webster the Smiling Dog is a delightful children’s story about patience, optimism, and perseverance in the face of disappointment and discouragement. The story reminds children that every moment of sadness they might feel in any given situation is fleeting if they never give up hope that in time all will be well.

Traci Deck lives on an acreage outside of Saskatoon and is a former radio writer and on-air personality. She currently works as a creative director in marketing and advertising. This, her first book, is based on the true story of her much-loved pup, Webster. You can follow Traci’s journey as an author and see photos of the “real” Webster at https://instagram.com/websterthesmilingdog.

Illustrator Maria Dagh is an artist and former art director. She lives in Saskatoon. You can learn more about Maria and her work at studiomillustration.com.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.