Hazel the Handful
Written by Jamie Michalak • Candlewick Press, 2026
Hazel is the center of her universe, getting all the attention she deserves—until an icky sticky human puppy shows up.
Incoming!
I’m the youngest in my family, so I never knew what it was like to be jealous of a new baby—but Hazel does. It was fun to show her emotions swing from disgust to love for the new addition to her pack.
Click on any image to enlarge it.
Scroll down to see some of the sketches that led to the final art.
Queen of the House • Ink and watercolor
Free Food! • Ink and watercolor
What a Cutie! • Ink and watercolor
Hazel’s Castle • Ink and watercolor
Nobody Loves Me • Ink and watercolor
The Rivals • Ink and watercolor
Face Off • Ink and Watercolor
Privacy Please! • Ink and watercolor
Sharing her Favorite Toy • Ink and watercolor
Random sketches, always fun to compare with final art.
Early test art, in oil paint.
Sketch for Hazel trying to move the stuffed pig.
My first and last sketch for the cover—which almost never happens. Usually it takes several tries to get it right.
Sketch of Hazel snacking on the baby’s leftovers.
Sketch for the grandma, who is always bringing knitted gifts.
Random sketches for Hazel the Handful.
In case my art wasn’t enough to woo you, here’s a promo video from the publisher!