Hot Dog: Show time by Anh Do

Illus. by Dan McGuiness. Hot Dog 7. Scholastic, 2019. ISBN: 9781742997889. 128pp.
(Age: 6-8) Recommmended. In Hot Dog Book 7, the three main characters, Hot Dog, Kev and Lizzie are once again ready for a new and exciting adventure. Toy Town is holding a Talent Show and the three friends are desperate to win - the prize being a voucher to the best toy shop in town. They spend quite some time deciding on what to do, with most of their trials not being successful. However they decide on a song and set about writing the lyrics and making the costumes, all with lots of fun and humour. The big day arrives and the entertainment is awesome! The three friends are a hit with the crowd and have everyone in the audience singing along. They ultimately come a gracious second to the Daredevil Hamsters and win a huge tray of cupcakes.
After the Talent Show they have to prepare for Emma and Ribbit's wedding in the Big Top at the circus. The day does not go according to plan due to rainy weather and Hot dog, Kev and Lizzie have to pitch in and support the wedding couple with all the help they can - from making bridal outfits, for the circus animals, finding flowers, providing the entertainment and sharing their cupcakes.
The illustrations of Dan McGuiness complement the story perfectly and keep the reader engaged in the simple yet engaging text. The use of different sized fonts draws the reader's attention and maintains interest in the story. The Hot Dog series is perfect for emergent readers as well as those children who struggle with reading as the use of the same characters and familiar words allows these children to successfully read independently. Themes: Humour, Friends, Talent show, Wedding ceremony, Family.
Kathryn Beilby