Michalak, Jamie. Hazel the Handful. Matt Myers, Illus. Candlewick, 04/2025. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3119-9. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.
Hazel is a small terrier who loves their human Bea, but is unhappy when a new baby joins the family. Told from Hazel’s point of view, this funny story of sibling rivalry uses relatable examples including the baby taking Hazel’s fourteenth favorite toy, or passersby now fawning over the baby instead of Hazel. The energetic, colorful cartoon artwork, created with watercolor and ink, depicts the family as Black although that is not mentioned in the text. There are other picture books about a dog having to adjust to a new human baby in the house, but this does a good job of telling a familiar story.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool