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.)

Family dynamics change when a new baby enters the picture in this story narrated by a jealous pooch. Hazel, a miniature breed, is clearly the center of her universe. That she is a handful is also obvious from the bite-size pieces missing from the remote control and the couch. But she's beloved by her family, especially young Bea, who's also a handful. Hazel offers a hilarious dog's-eye view of her day: "First, I go on my business trip" (behind a fire hydrant). When the family goes on walks (with Hazel peering out of a stroller), passersby exclaim over Hazel, "What a cutie patootie!" An irritated Hazel chafes at the label: "I'm a Very Important Business Dog." Michalak's text is accompanied by witty, exuberant watercolor-and-ink illustrations; an especially clever spread sees the protagonist on her side, snoring, with one leg in the air ("I take maybe twenty-four naps" a day, Hazel informs us). Girl and dog clearly love each other and aren't afraid to show it…until the baby arrives. The daily routines continue, but the focus shifts. Now when Mom, Dad, and Bea go on walks, the infant lies in the stroller instead of Hazel. Admiring passersby coo at the new "cutie patootie." The annoyed pup embraces the nickname she once denounced: "Is it not clear? I am the patootie!" But Michalak and Myers bring the narrative to a happy ending as Hazel is reminded that though things may have changed, she still belongs. Hazel's family is Black. A fun-filled, high-energy romp with a satisfying outcome.(Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.