Caldecott Medal: Hot Dog by Doug Salati

Hot Dog by Doug Salati. Knopf, 2022. 40 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 0-4

Recommended for: ages 3-8

Dogs are everywhere these days: in shopping carts, in strollers, sitting next to owners at cafés, and, of course, at the end of leashes on streets. Like other dogs, the long-haired dachshund in Hot Dog follows his owner around on her errands, but a summer day in New York City is just plain HOT. Finally, the dog decides it’s too hot. He sits. In the middle of a busy street. Every pet owner will identify with both the dog and owner: we’ve seen those “puppy dog eyes” as well as the stubborn “I’m not moving one more step” pose. The owner remedies the situation in a way that every child reader will embrace, ditching the to do list and heading for the shore. A lovely day follows, full of delight, movement, refreshing wind and waves, and a beautiful sunset. 

Hot Dog celebrates small pleasures, the joy of the natural world, and the bond between pet and owner. Salati’s illustrations capture both the sultry, sticky city notes and the free, flowing, fresh beach vibes. A bonus for this Caldecott winner: this book is childlike and young children will delight in it as much as their parents.

Overall Rating: 4.5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4.25
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.5

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