In June of 1939, the United States played host to two very special guests. British monarchs King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were coming to America. As it was the first visit ever by reigning British royalty, it was a chance for America to build a stronger relationship with the British, especially in those challenging times. On the domestic side, many people didn't have jobs, housing, or food. Internationally, Adolf Hitler, Germany's leader, was threatening the countries around him and war loomed on the horizon. But First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saw the visit as an opportunity for America to set aside its cares for a while and extend a warm welcome and hand of friendship to the royal guests. As part of the festivities, Eleanor hosts an all-American picnic that includes hot dogs, a menu item that shocks some people. Gr 2–4—This picture book recounts England's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's 1939 visit to America. Eleanor Roosevelt is depicted as an active, tireless, and caring First Lady who can handle stately White House dinners proficiently enough, even though she prefers simpler fare. While specific source notes aren't provided, Kimmelman references the letters available at the research library at Hyde Park, where the Roosevelts hosted the picnic honoring the royal guests. Snippets of the letters highlight the first couple's down-to-earth qualities and Eleanor's deft handling of the criticism she received for daring to serve hot dogs to the royals. From Queen Elizabeth's dainty and tentative expression while eating her dog with a fork and knife to Eleanor's wide smile and FDR's pointed chin, the exaggerated features of the caricature illustrations amplify the humor and warmth generated from a meeting that would prove to sustain the leaders through the dark times of World War II.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library Eleanor Roosevelt was known for lots of things, but her love of hot dogs probably isn’t one of them. This book remedies that by taking a little-known incident from history and turning it into a delightful picture book. When King George and Queen Elizabeth decided to visit the U.S.—the first time a British monarch had set foot on U.S. shores—Mrs. Roosevelt decided that, among other entertainments, a picnic in Hyde Park was in order. But when she said that she wanted to serve that quintessential American food, hot dogs, her menu choice became a subject of national discussion. In just 40 pages, Kimmelman does a pithy job of presenting both this amusing incident and also what was happening in both the country and a world on the brink of war. An author’s note gives more information, but there is no sourcing of quotes. The caricature-style art presents a cast larger than life, and while it will evoke smiles, it is toned down in more somber moments. A historical footnote that readers will enjoy. Grades 1-3. --Ilene Cooper For young readers interested in history, culinary arts, and biographies, adding Hot Dog! Eleanor Roosevelt Throws a Picnic to their reading menu would be a treat. Teachers will also find the book an engaging inclusion to lessons on the historical time period, women in history in general, and Eleanor Roosevelt in particular. --Celebrate Picture Books Leslie Kimmelman is the author of many books for children, including the recent Everybody Bonjours; Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! (a CELI finalist, Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and NCSS/CBC book); and The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah (a Sydney Taylor Notable Book), as well as a number of titles currently in production. Leslie has been a children’s book editor for more than twenty-five years, and is currently working as a part-time editor at Sesame Workshop. She has also written for a variety of parenting magazines, children’s magazines, and Web sites, and has penned numerous books for licensed properties (Nickelodeon, Disney, Sesame Street, and so on) under the name Jodie Shepherd. Leslie grew up outside Philadelphia, graduated from Middlebury College with a BA in history, and now lives near New York City with her family. A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Victor Juhasz began illustrating in 1974 while still a student and has been working nonstop ever since. His humorous illustrations and caricatures have been commissioned by major magazines, newspapers, advertising agencies, and book publishers both national and international, and his clients include Time, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and GQ. Victor lives with his family in Averill Park, New York.