HAZEL THE HANDFUL
By: Jamie Michalak
Illustrated by: Matt Myers
Published: April 1, 2025
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Hazel loves being the center of attention. Whether Hazel and her girl, Bea, are playing together in the house or going for walks in the stroller, Hazel loves all the attention she gets from Bea and the people they meet on the walk. Hazel can spend all day with Bea, between her naps, of course. At the end of the day, she loves being tucked into bed with Bea, only to do it all again the next day.
One day, everything changes for Hazel, and she is no longer the center of everyone’s attention. There is a new baby in the house. Bea gives all her attention to the baby. The baby gets to ride in the stroller while Hazel walks on a leash, and everyone oohs and ahhs over the baby, not Hazel. Bea even lets the baby play with Hazel’s toys. When a family photo is about to be taken, Hazel runs to join the photo, and it gets chaotic.
Families adjusting to a new baby will find this story realistic and quite humorous. There is always an adjustment for everyone when a new baby joins the family. Reading this book will allow a family to talk about making sure their dog still feels loved while also enjoying all the special moments with the new baby.
The illustrations are cute, and I love the cover title image of Hazel, the little Yorkie running away with the letter “D” in Handful. Most importantly, this story shares the message that even with a new baby and a dog, you can be one big happy family. The author wrote this story after pet-sitting a tiny dog with a big personality.
Check out the book trailer for HAZEL THE HANDFUL:
Jamie Michalak is the author of the Dakota Crumb books, illustrated by Kelly Murphy; the Frank and Bean books, illustrated by Bob Kolar; the Joe and Sparky series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz; and many other acclaimed titles for young readers. She lives in Rhode Island. Check out her website, HERE.
Matt Myers is the illustrator of the Infamous Ratsos chapter book series by Kara LaReau, Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, and E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm (with a Little Help from a Hen) by Judy Sierra, as well as many other books for young readers. Matt Myers lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out his website, HERE.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of HAZEL THE HANDFUL
Let your dog share the big news with these bandanas!
Other posts you might like:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, baby, dogs, fiction, pregnancy, siblings