Hazel's Amazing Mother

I am a 3rd grade teacher and I've been using this book with my students for a few years now. It is a great story for students to make connections with. Unfortunately they all have either seen or experienced bullying. The instinct that mothers have in sensing their children are in danger when they are nowhere near, is also evident in this story. It has a great ending and kids will love it!

I adore this book - Wells' usual humor and art full of colorful details is part of that. I've thought of it as great for moms - single moms too, BTW - Hazel's mom just knows when she needs help and rescues her from bad times. But I realize as I review this book that the text raises scary topics too - Hazel goes off by herself to the bakery [what age is Hazel and where does SHE live! that happens in another Wells' fav of mine, Bunny Cakes - they're badgers, maybe badgers are more trusting than human moms!] Then more scary stuff - Hazel gets lost and kids in the park are mean to her. It might be reassuring to all readers, parents and kids, that Hazel's mom miraculously heals all, but I guess this is best to read when you want to talk about something scary that has happened or is worrying your child - because if she/he wasn't already scared of kids being mean, this book would do it! The message of a strong, protective mom applies best when there are difficult people with whom your child needs help, because this only works out idyllically for Hazel and her mom, not with the kids made to fix Hazel's doll Eleanor. I counsel parents-to-be who are worried their child will someday be teased [because they're adopted or conceived with donor sperm, the topic of my book!] and this might help someone laughingly reflect on the power of love to make things all work out right - with the help of a ladyfinger or two!

My three-year-old daughter was immediately drawn into this wonderful story of a Mom who comes to the rescue. I still have days when I wish my mom could rescue me, so I enjoyed this tale, too. And the artwork is pure delight!

Hazel's Amazing Mother is a wonderful book, full of excitement and adventure. Hazel is her mother's biggest fan -- and for good reason! Her mother comes to the rescue in a very unusual way! Read it with someone you love