Party time! by Anh Do

Hot Dog! Scholastic, 2017. ISBN 9781760279011
(Age: 6-10) Recommended. Anh Do, well known for the book The happiest refugee, has been successful with the Weirdo book series for children. These books have appeal because they're funny with easy to read text and many illustrations. The Hotdog! books follow the same format.
Hotdog is a sausage dog and his two friends are Kev the cat who loves dress-up costumes and Lizzie the lizard. In this second book, it is Kev's birthday and Hotdog and Lizzie are planning a surprise party that includes all the favourites such as sprinkles, popcorn, jelly and a pinata.
Part of the surprise includes buying Kev a much wanted 'Roaring Dino Bike'. Fortunately they are able to purchase the last available bike but this annoys both Rooster and Donkey who also wanted to acquire it. Hotdog and Lizzie need to try to outwit Rooster and Donkey and make sure they can't take Kev's bike.
These books have great appeal with primary school aged children. The book has the look of a novel and features an attractive, bright cover.
Dan McGuiness's drawings are used extensively throughout the book. Dan has created graphic novels such as his Pilot and Huxley books and his illustrations work well with Anh's text. One colour is used throughout the book, in this instance yellow.
Anh's books are so popular at my primary school that I have had to buy several copies of the same text. They are entertaining and allow students to succeed at reading. Newly independent readers are attracted to both the Hotdog and Weirdo series. I would recommend these books for 6 to 10 year olds.
Jane Moore