Doug Salati

A little dachshund gets overwhelmed by the sweltering heat, cacophonous noise and oppressive crowds of a city in summer in this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book from author/illustrator Doug Salati. Eventually deciding he has had ENOUGH, he lies down in the middle of the road, until his human realizes the extent of his distress, and scooping him up, takes him on a wonderful visit to the seashore. Here, on a seemingly deserted island beach, he gets to run and play all day, fetching rocks show more and meeting seals, until evening falls and it is time for dog and human to return to their city home...

Astonishingly, given the fact that it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 2023, Hot Dog was only Doug Salati's third book, and the first that he both wrote and illustrated. It feels like the work of a veteran, one with good storytelling instincts and an assured style. I'm not sure I love the artwork here, aesthetically, but I found it immensely expressive, and appreciated the way the artist made the reader feel as if she were right there, sweltering alongside the dachshund. As someone who lived and worked through more than a few summers in New York City, I could enter fully into this hot dog's feelings, both at the overwhelming sensory overload of life in a busy city mid-heatwave, and the relief of getting away to a quiet, cooler spot by the sea. I've had both summer experiences, and Salati captures them beautifully. I'm not sure Salati's human figures spoke to me that strongly, but his canine hero is pure charm! Recommended to picture book readers who feel a little overwhelmed by summer, or who are dreaming of a day at the seashore. show less

This winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal tells its story with a few poetic words and a whole bunch of expressive pictures. The little dachshund of the title and cover beats the heat of a summer day with a trip to the beach, but not before experiencing total sensory overload on a sweltering city street. Toddlers may not make it all the way through the story from start to finish, and that's okay. Pick a section to explore together, and you'll discover mini-stories that stand on their own! show more Transportation enthusiasts will enjoy traveling from city to seaside and back via a series of interesting vehicles. Sensitive readers may relate to the little dog's meltdown. Ocean buffs will want to linger on the dog's beach adventures. It's a great opportunity to practice reading pictures and to experience a story that evokes the five senses. show less

Summer in the big city is hot, and little long-haired dachshund Hot Dog has had enough! His owner takes him to the beach so they can have a little break.

A lovely picture book with minimal words. There are so many children’s books idolizing suburbia that I’m cautious about those that discuss the negatives of living in a city, but at the end of the book Hot Dog is happy to be back at home after his nice day at the beach. Plus, they take the train to the beach! What a treat.

Summary
This beautifully illustrated picture book is about a woman and her dog who need a break from the busy city for a day. Together they travel and to enjoy some fresh air and time at the beach. The story is told through both words and illustrations. It is focused around the dog's emotions. It begins with the pup being overwhelmed in the city to pure joy running along the sand.

Review
I can clearly see why this is a Caldecott Medal winner. The story, although simplistic, shows the power of show more fresh air and nature. Although there are so many amazing opportunities in a city, sometimes you need open sky to center yourself.

This book reminded me of my life in the summertime! Growing up on Cape Cod and now living in CT there is nothing quite like going home. The moment I leave the hustle and bustle of life here and get home with my toes in the sand and see the waves crashing on the shore it is a breath of fresh air. It is a nice break from reality. There is also nothing like a good sleep after a long days travels! show less