“Hot Dog” by Doug Salati,
Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2022, 32 pages, K-3.
Childhood can be a time of joy and hope. The world is new and exciting. This leads children to having vivid imaginations and being capable of visualizing the improbable.
Authors frequently use animals in their works to tell a story. Children easily identify with the animals and experience life through the adventures of the pets. Doug Salati writes such a story. In this hilarious picture book, we see the adventures and misadventures of a canine named Hot Dog. In scene after comical scene, readers will experience the joys and frustrations of the stalwart pet. The book, “Hot Dog,” has all the earmarks of a classic.
Hot Dog looks eagerly outside his window. Soon it will be time for his owner to take him for a walk. However, when they leave the apartment building, the summer heat strikes and oppresses them. His owner ties his leash to her hand and drags the bedraggled dog down the scorching hot street. She goes into a number of stores and is oblivious to the sufferings of Hot Dog.
Finally, he has had it and lays down in the middle of the street, causing a traffic jam. Belatedly recognizing her mistake, the lady decides that they must leave the sweltering city and go to the seashore.
She picks up Hot Dog and takes him on a train out of the city. He perks up. At last, air conditioning. Hot Dog gets excited as the countryside zooms by and ahead is the ocean. It is so big and beautiful that Hot Dog can’t wait to run along the ocean shore.
A series of misadventures and funny incidents happen as Hot Dog meets different objects and animals on the beach. His owner sits on the beach in a contented position of refreshment. However, Hot Dog, ears flapping next to his head runs along the beach chasing the waves. He meets some unexpected things.
At last, the ocean water and sandy beach bring Hot Dog the peace and happiness lost in the burning hot streets of the city. However, all good things come to an end and he and his owner must return to the city. How do they feel when they get home?
Did the day at the beach refresh them? Was Hot Dog able to forget the burning streets of the city? What joys did he discover at the beach? Why did the trip to the beach make him so happy? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and read “Hot Dog” by Doug Salati.
This delightful picture book does not attempt to be a work of philosophy. We see Hot Dog encountering his world and responding to it. The drawings are funny and endearing. This is a book that young readers will want to reread for the simple joy of it. If you want to enjoy a delightful reading experience with a younger member of your family, this is the title for you. Then again, you may just want to read it yourself for the pleasure of the book. A great read. Enjoy!
