School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Two appealing easy readers. In Hotdog, a dachshund who is "a very good eater" competes to earn a spot in a television commercial for Doggy Yums, even though his favorite food is ice cream. After a series of mishaps at the studio, the pup is chosen to represent a new product, Doggy Yums ice cream. The simple illustrations painted in softly colored acrylics enliven this delightful story. Hot Day is divided into four interrelated stories that flow seamlessly together. As the Pig family swelters in the heat, Amanda and her father cool off with the garden hose; Oliver and his friends shun Amanda and Lollipop until they get thirsty; the girls set up a lemonade stand; and, finally, the entire family gathers outside to stargaze and listen to stories while waiting for a breeze. These amusing vignettes are accompanied by watercolor-and-pencil illustrations that charmingly portray a loving family and happy home. Both of these age-appropriate selections, written in clear, simple sentences, will be popular with young readers.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
After Mr. and Mrs. Beans adopt a dachshund from an animal shelter, they find that a dog food commercial is being cast and think that little Hotdog would be just right for it. Hotdog worms his way into the casting director's heart, and despite the thin story, he'll charm readers, too. The acrylic art gives all the auditioning dogs plenty of personality. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
PreS-Gr. 2. Hotdog is a dachshund that Mr and Mrs. Beans picked up at the shelter. When they notice that Doggie Yums dog food is looking for a new spokesdog, they naturally think of him. He's up against some strong competition, but Hotdog has one thing going for him: he's a very good eater. During the audition, however, instead of eating the Doggie Yums, Hotdog goes for some spilled ice cream. He causes so much hilarity that he wins the job--until he proves allergic to Yums. Suddenly, a new Doggie Yums ice cream is invented, just so Hot Dog can have a job. The story has other abrupt turns, but what makes this offering from the Dial Easy-to-Read series engaging is the combination of a lovable hero, appealing artwork (especially the inviting jacket art), and a simple word structure that draws readers into a real story that's easy to master. For larger easy-reader collections. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005 Booklist
