Hazel the Handful

Hazel, a tiny brown and gray terrier, feels large and in charge at the start of this generous familial work. Michalak (the Dakota Crumb series), writing from the dog’s perspective, and Myers (The World’s Longest Licorice Rope), working in signature-style illustrations, offer readers a tour of Hazel’s digs, where she’s the center of attention—especially when it comes to “MY GIRL,” child Bea (“Together, me and Bea are sensational”). As the self-assured Hazel relishes her role, readers may note that exuberant watercolor and ink cartoons portray the canine’s family preparing for a new arrival, and when the “stinkity” baby appears, Bea turns out to be as besotted as everyone else. Feeling betrayed and relegated to the sidelines, Hazel inadvertently crashes into some furniture, creating a big mess. But as the sad pooch cowers under the crib where her favorite blanket has been tossed, she overhears her family expressing love and concern, and realizes that there is plenty of room in her family—and in her own heart as well. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Victoria Wells Arms, HG Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.)