Hazel The Handful, written by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Matt Myers. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Now Bea takes pictures of me and 
the baby. They are not sensational. 

At bedtime, I curl up by Bea's side. 

"Good night, Hazel." she whispers. 
Does Bea still love me?"

It's not easy for everyone in the household to adjust to the arrival of a new member. In this case, it is Hazel, a tiny dog whose run of the house is evident as she takes readers on a grand tour. As she points out her many comforts, the back drop shows what is happening with her owners while our visit takes place: a very pregnant woman is painting walls blue, a man struggles to assemble a crib, a baby buggy is described as 'my ride', and a toy box is full to the brim. 

The after-school arrival of Hazel's 'girl' Bea is a source of great excitement. Mom is quick to describe Bea as a 'handful'; Bea is not the only one! Hazel goes on to describe a pretty terrific day spent with Bea and family. The two are inseparable. By 8:30 p.m. they are both tucked in bed and ready to enjoy a refreshing sleep. Lately, things have changed. A new baby puts a wrench in the relationships Hazel has enjoyed with every member of the family. There are now unfamiliar noises, abominable smells, and constant attention given to that baby. In the house and on walks outside, Hazel takes a back seat when it comes to most every single thing that happens. T

The baby is soon part of everything they do. Trouble follows. While trying to insert herself as a member of the family during a photoshoot, Hazel creates chaos. Feeling guilty, she hides herself under her blanket in the baby's room. It isn't long until she hears the worry in Bea's voice when she cannot be found. Realizing that she is loved and missed, Hazel reappears to great joy. Even the baby begins to take note of her presence. Maybe, there is a solution to acceptance of this new reality. Hazel is willing to try. 

A fun story that is likely familiar to many readers. Change can be challenging. Working through the feelings takes time. Matt Myers' watercolor and ink illustrations add a further dimension by providing the 'rest of the story' in colorful backdrops to the text. His use of white space and always-changing perspectives create emotional impact for all family members and let readers in on the full story. It's a fine read aloud and is a perfect gift for any family in the midst of such change.