Hot Dog!: The History of America's Favorite Sausage

Explore the sizzling history of America’s favorite ballpark snack! Join Frank De Wienerdog, your outrageously funny guide, in HOT DOG!—a laugh-out-loud nonfiction adventure that tracks the hot dog’s journey from the streets of New York to grills nationwide. This vibrant picture book is perfect for "young foodies," curious readers ages 6-9, and anyone who loves a side of humor with their history.


A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection

"This pun-derful tribute to the tube steak is sure to make salivary glands sit up and beg. A 'wiener' for young foodies."—Kirkus Reviews


A Visual and Educational Feast

Get ready for a "frank" look at food culture! Did you know Americans devour a staggering 20 billion hot dogs every year? That’s enough to stretch to the moon and back! Author Christine Van Zandt masterfully blends humor and history, while Steven Salerno’s bold, playful illustrations bring the zany spirit of this tale to life on every page.



This 40-page, full-color nonfiction book includes:

-Wacky Hot Dog Math: Mind-blowing stats and figures that make learning fun.

-Interactive Backmatter: A recipe for "snake dogs" and a sizzling timeline of hot dog milestones.

-Social Studies Connections: An engaging way to introduce food history and American culture in the classroom or at home.


Why Readers (and Parents) Will Relish This Book:

-Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection: Recognized for its high quality and appeal to young readers.

-Perfect for Reluctant Readers: The fast-paced, pun-filled narrative and visual excitement keep children engaged from start to finish.

-Great for Read-Alouds: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for library story hours or family reading time.

-More than a story: A cross-curricular read that combines math, history, and culinary fun.


This history is on a roll! Whether you’re looking for a gift for a budding chef or a fun addition to a social studies unit, HOT DOG! is the perfect recipe for educational fun.