Finding Calm with "Hot Dog": A Home Adventure to the Beach
As a busy mom juggling countless daily tasks, there are those evenings when bedtime feels like an Olympic event. Between wrangling little ones and managing our chaotic routine, we often find ourselves needing a moment to breathe. It was one of those nights when I stumbled upon Hot Dog, the delightful picture book by Doug Salati that recently won the 2023 Caldecott Medal. We snuggled up in bed, and the warmth of this story became the perfect backdrop for winding down together.
Hot Dog captures the essence of a hot summer day in the city, where our charming protagonist—a overwhelmed pup—flees the chaos for the calming embrace of the beach. Faced with sizzling sidewalks and noisy sirens, this adorable dog takes matters into his own paws: he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, causing quite a stir! His owner scoops him up and sets off on an adventure to find the refreshing beach air. This journey led to wonderful conversations with my kids about their favorite outdoor spots and the magic of discovering new places.
From the moment we opened the book, my young ones were captivated. Salati’s fluid, expressive illustrations took us along with Hot Dog, immersing us in colorful scenes that felt alive. My daughter pointed out the little details—like the tiny fish swimming past and the fluffy clouds—sparking her imagination as we flipped through the pages. The simplicity of the text was like poetry flowing with each turn, making it an absolute delight to read aloud.
After reading, my son exclaimed, “Can we go to the beach, Mom?” as we discussed how like Hot Dog, we sometimes need to shake off the stresses of daily life. It turned into a fun discussion about our own summer adventures, something that made the story resonate personally with both of them. And I must say, there’s a particularly funny illustration where Hot Dog is chasing after a seagull—seeing the sheer joy on their faces during this part was priceless!
What I cherished most was how Hot Dog became a new family favorite, encouraging not only connection with each other but also igniting our mutual love for exploration. I’ll always remember my kids’ laughter and excitement when Hot Dog finally reaches the beach, his spirit mirroring our own joy during those long-awaited days in the sun.
I wholeheartedly recommend Hot Dog for children aged 2-6, especially if they love animals or have experienced the busyness of city life. It’s a book that effortlessly weaves a narrative of finding peace amidst chaos, making it suitable for any family in need of a comforting bedtime read. In our home, it’s more than just a story—it’s a gentle reminder to seek out those moments of calm and joy, making it a treasured part of our reading routine.
So, if you find yourself in search of that soothing story to share with your little ones, Hot Dog might just find its way to your shelves. It’s a simple yet profound journey that, just like our everyday adventures, fills our hearts with warmth and laughter.
Savor the magic of Hot Dog, the delightful 2023 Caldecott Medal winner! >>
