The French Fry King

K-Gr 1—In this picture book, Roger, a long sausage dog, learns that life is more fulfilling when you share your adventures with others. He finds chasing mail carriers and barking at cars boring-he prefers to think big, meaningful thoughts: "If humans were dogs, would they build doghouse skyscrapers?" When an elderly woman drops potatoes at his feet in the park, he dreams up a delicious idea to sell French fries out of a mobile trailer. He becomes famous as the French Fry King when he shares his exceptional recipes around the world, serving the fries with salsa in Cuba and dipped in chocolate in Kenya. Even though he's hailed as a hero when he returns home, he still finds life boring until he meets Charlotte the Corn Cob Queen, another famous culinary pup, and in telling her his stories he forgets to be bored. Rogé's expressive paintings include people who clearly enjoy the pup's fries and are full of details that young readers will love recognizing: iPods, cell phones, and Batman. A few French labels are peppered throughout, keeping the cultural characteristics of the original. The translated text flows smoothly and works well as a read-aloud. Young listeners will be delighted as Roger finally finds not only success, but also romance.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY