Illustrations – Dan McGuiness
As someone who’s technically an adult I can tell you I love this series. I can only imagine how much fun they’d be to read as a kid. This series focuses on the friendship between Hotdog, Kevin and Lizzie. Hotdog is our main character and he’s looong. Kevin the rotund cat is a champion eater and sleeper. Lizzie the lizard enjoys reading and making others laugh but is terrified of heights.
In Circus Time! Lizzie goes off to join the circus to fulfill her dream of being a clown. Through unforeseen circumstances she has to face her fear of heights when she is asked to fill in as a trapeze artist! The support and encouragement of her friends and her bravery as she prepares to face her greatest fear is a great example for readers, teaching them valuable lessons in how to be a good friend.
As always I loved the humour in the story and illustrations. While the illustrations are primarily grayscale, each book also has splashes of colour. In this book it’s a couple of shades of purple so it deserves some brownie points for that alone. There are also purple words and phrases throughout the story.
My favourite minor character was the helpful duck who wears a vest and bow tie, and says clichéd but somehow still funny things like “egg-xactly”. I also loved the twist on the lion tamer, who is a lion that tames wild poodles.
I’ll be continuing to look out for new Hot Dog! titles at my local library and look forward to the next adventure in the lives of these friends.
Once Upon a Blurb
Lizzies joining the circus! Her sister Emma is a high-flying trapeze star, but Lizzies terrified of heights! She’s going to be a clown, the funniest around!
Hotdog and Kev can’t wait to see the show. Hopefully everything goes to plan!
Schizanthus Nerd 