Hangry

A pert, Godzilla-esque monster arrives in the big city, determined to experience a hot dog that its City Food Guide says is tops, but the joint proves to be closed for vacation. The monster, consumed by the titular mix of hunger and anger, balloons in size until it reaches full movie-monster mode, then wreaks havoc in the streets. First responders offer trucks full of broccoli and cabbage, which at least take the edge off the beast’s appetite. But what it really, really wants is a hot dog—with extra onions. Is that too much to ask? A graphic novelist making his picture book debut, Brockington (the CatStronauts series) uses panel-style framing to string readers along in the best way—four horizontal close-ups follow the dressing of a hot dog—and includes some fun visual asides (as the monster emerges from the subway, it passes Pizza Rat, a now-classic New York City internet meme). He also captures that quintessential big city sense of self-possession: when the monster approaches a hot dog cart, the vendor doesn’t blink an eye. “Could I have extra onions?” the monster asks, beseechingly. “You got it, bud,” the guy replies. Ages 4–8. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. [em](June) [/em]