fun new series for reluctant readers: Galactic Hot Dogs

I’m grateful that I have three readers in this house, but that’s not to say that we don’t go through quiet reading periods.

Times when the kids take a break from reading.

Times when they can’t seem to find the right book.

Times when life is nutty, and everyone is too busy to breathe, let alone read.

I think that’s pretty normal.

So our Galactic Hot Dogs books arrived at the absolute perfect time. Everyone’s exhausted in busy, busy May, and we needed something light and engaging to read.

The Galactic Hot Dogs books, by Max Brallier, Rachel Maguire, and Nichole Kelley, are perfect.

I think they’re a super summertime read, and I’m thrilled we were asked to take a look at them.

This is fun series for reluctant readers–or any reader!–in the middle grade age range, and the great thing is that there are a bunch of extension activities for fans.

I even have a giveaway for you, so you can grab these two books for your own crew. So excited.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Fun Summer Series for Reluctant Readers — Galactic Hot Dogs: 

Let me be clear: these books are not specifically ‘summer’ books. But I think that if your 8-14 year old is looking for something to read this summer, these would totally work.

Here’s the premise of the stories:

The stories essentially follow the little human, Cosmoe, and his alien buddy, Humphree. Cosmoe and Humphree own a food truck from which they sell crazy hot dog recipes. They befriend Princess Dagger (who was once evil but who turns nice), and soon the group and a bunch of other crazy, alien characters travels through space on adventure after adventure.

These are super-silly books filled with space-inspired made up words and a good sprinkling of potty humor.

However, I will say that there are power words–words worth knowing–included as well. Gastronomic, mischievous, plummet, valiant, buccaneers. fusion, stupendous, mutant, and more.

They’re graphic novels, which means that there are a ton of illustrations throughout.  And just know that graphic novels are super for some readers but can be distracting for others.

All of this coupled with the fact that ‘weiner’ is in the title and at least every chapter makes this series a total favorite for this age range.

Here’s the background:

Galactic Hot Dogs initially launched as a weekly webisode way back in 2012 on Funbrain, and since then, millions of kids have been hooked. From there, the smart writers turned the idea into a book, Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway, last May. This May, a second book was released, Galactic Hot Dogs: The Wiener Strikes Back. And so far? Readers love it!

Want to know some staggering stats?

• Over 7.8 million visitors to the Galactic Hot Dogs website within Funbrain.com
• Over 400,000 have read Galactic Hot Dogs books on the Galactic Hot Dogs site
• Over 30 million Galactic Hot Dogs page views in the last year on Poptropica.com

Pretty crazy, right?

Want to learn a bit more about the Galactic Hot Dogs and StoryArc Media?  

StoryArc Media is where everything started. (Look closely–you’ll see a famous and familiar author face in this video!)

Owen’s insight: the wiser than wise 10 year old:

Owen, my 10-year old, totally volunteered to help me out with this post. He answered a few questions for me and made a pretty sweet slide show.

Me: Owen, what kind of reader would love the Galactic Hot Dog books?

Owen: Maybe kids who like comic books and have a sense of humor.

Me: What age group should read these?

Owen: Maybe ages 8-10. It could a quick read for kids 11+.

Me: Complete this sentence: Readers who like (these kinds of books) would like Galactic Hot Dog books.

Owen: I think if they like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Geronimo Stilton, Big Nate, My Life as a . . . series, they’ll like these.

Me: Why will parents like these books?

Owen: I think because it’s a good, appropriate book for kids.

Thanks, Owen!

Now take a look at Owen’s Galactic Hot Dogs Character Slide Show: 

Seriously, he’s the coolest kid ever. Just whipped that up so that I could add it to this post. Love. Him.

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GIVEAWAY:

WIN a copy of Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway and Galactic Hot Dogs: The Wiener Strikes Back along with a 6-month membership to Poptropica!

Do you want to win a copy of Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe’s Wiener Getaway and Galactic Hot Dogs: The Wiener Strikes Back along with a 6-month membership to Poptropica?? !? ??!  Yes, yes you do.

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Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to throw your name in the hat:

This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at midnight ET and is open to folks here in the US only. Winner will be chosen by ‘Rafflecopter’ and will be notified on or around 06/15/16.  Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.  All  Official Sweepstakes Rules apply.

fyi: This post was written as part of a sponsored partnership, but as always, my opinions are all my own, influenced only by my personal experience as a parent and educator–and, of course, my three little readers. 

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. This small percentage of money helps offset the costs of hosting this blog, which helps me keep this content free for you. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.