Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Hot Diggity Dog: The History of the Hotdog

Author: Adrienne Sylver
Illustrated: Elwood H. Smith
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (May 13, 2010)
Source: School Library
Reading Level: 4.8
Lexile Level:  AD930L
Audience: Ages 7 to 10
Subject Headings:  Frankfurters. History. Cookery (Frankfurters). 
Dewey: 641.3

Annotation: An illustrated history of the ubiquitous fast-food favorite offers insight into the hot dog's multicultural heritage while sharing amusing "foodie" facts.

My Thoughts:
As a child growing up in New York, it seemed as though there were hot dog vendors with their distinctive carts and colorful umbrellas on almost every city corner.  I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one of my favorite childhood foods, a plain hot dog. No ketchup, no onions, no mustard and definitely no sauerkraut!  Just the frank and the bun! It was heaven! 

All the questions I've ever had about the hot dog have been answered by this book.  Hot Diggity Dog: The History of the Hot Dog was one of our Texas Bluebonnet Nominees for this school year.  My 3rd - 5th graders were intrigued by the cover and excited with the information they acquired.  I was tickled to hear them share the facts they instantly memorized and shared with each other.  "Did you know that Los Angeles is the most hot dog hungry city in the U.S.."   This book is a welcome addition to our library and it helps add a little diversity and fun to the "cooking" section where mundane books abound.

2013 Children's Children's Choice Book Awards

Have you voted yet?  It's time to vote your favorite children's book!  Online Voting is available from now until May, 13, 2012.  During our first week back from spring break, I plan to kick off our Children's Choice Book Award Voting, by introducing all the nominees from each category with a few read alouds, book talks, and online book readings.  After giving them about a month to read as many of the nominees as they can for their grade level,  we will have a school wide voting day on May 3, 2013.  Click on the link to get great digital resources, request your free Children's Book Week poster and see this year's nominees.


Here are a couple of book trailers to get you started promoting Children's Book Week to your little readers.