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Through Webster’s Eyes
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River follows an adventurous beagle who gets lost and finds his forever home as a therapy dog. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story came from the time that I spent with Webster at one of the places I love, the Rappahannock River, and the animals that live on it or in it. I thought it was important to tell their story through Webster’s eyes as he looked at them in wonder the first time he saw them – or maybe that was just surprise when the crab pinched him on the nose!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Romney Vasquez?
Romney Vasquez is the best in the business and made the process very simple. He asked me what was being written on each page and what I wanted for artwork but we didn’t know each other and I had never written any kind of book before. Once he read thru a draft, he provided his own ideas and produced some sketch art to send me. When I saw the sketches for the first book, I couldn’t believe them because Romney had captured Webster’s essence so perfectly—especially the joy and smiles he brought to everyone. With this being our second book, we knew what worked, and I don’t remember making any changes because, to me, it’s the illustrations that make the books such a success.
When is the next book in the series coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I’m not sure when or if there will be another book. I was inspired by Webster to write the first one and thought it was important to tell his story. The series allows me to make donations to various charities in his name so he will always be remembered. Although my wife and I did adopt a very mischievous beagle, Billy, who is an Envigo (4,000 beagles were rescued from unsafe conditions at a breeding facility in Virginia, the company, Envigo, behind it has agreed to pay a record $35 million in fines) rescue beagle and has already had quite a few adventures himself…
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Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a heartwarming tale of a beagle named Webster who, after getting lost, finds his forever home and becomes a cherished therapy dog. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Rappahannock River, Webster’s adventures with various river critters are beautifully depicted, teaching young readers about resilience, friendship, and the wonders of nature.
Author Frank Payne’s writing is engaging and educational. The narrative flows smoothly, making it easy for young readers to follow Webster’s journey. Payne has a knack for blending adventure with learning, as seen in the fascinating “Did You Know?” sections scattered throughout the book. These tidbits about ospreys, blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish are not just informative, they are a fun way for children to learn about the world around them, enhancing the storytelling by providing context to Webster’s experiences.
One of my favorite parts of this children’s book is when Webster ventures down the pier in spring to check on the ospreys. This section beautifully captures the cycle of life and the rhythm of nature, reinforcing the book’s theme of continuity and homecoming. The playful tone and the light-hearted humor, like when Webster gets pinched by a crab, add a delightful touch to the story.
The illustrations by Romney Vasquez are a perfect complement to Payne’s story. They are vibrant and full of life, bringing Webster and his adventures to life in a way that is sure to captivate young readers. The depiction of the river and its inhabitants is particularly well done, with each page offering something new to discover. The illustrations support the story and provide additional layers of meaning and engagement, making the reading experience more enjoyable.
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a charming and educational picture book I highly recommend. It’s perfect for children who love animals and nature and for parents looking for a story that combines adventure with learning. The book’s heartwarming message about finding one’s place in the world and the joy of new discoveries makes it a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D4VZBS67
LITERARY TITAN 