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 become 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 caricaturestyle
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.