Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak, Matt Myers
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231193
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Hazel the pooch is a beloved family dog. Is he a handful? Yes, just like his special girl, Bea who he spends all his time with. Together they go about their daily routine, which Hazel calls, “sensational!” Everything changes when the baby is born. Hazel must compete for attention from his special Bea, and he doesn’t understand the smells coming from the baby’s bottom. Everything has changed: the daily walks, the comments from strangers walking by, and the games they used to play. When Hazel makes a big accident, she hides under her special blanket. Bea and Hazel snuggle and find a game they can all play together. Maybe the baby isn’t so bad after all.

A sweet and humorous book about changes in the family after a baby from the dog’s point of view. Cute illustrations. Kids will love Hazel’s sassy speech bubble comments. Lovely Black family representation. For ages 4-6.

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free LIbrary, Bath