Hazel Green

Hazel Green #1

by Odo Hirsch

Each year, on Frogg Day, a parade fills the streets and children are not allowed to take part, but it hasn't always been that way and it certainly doesn't seem fair to Hazel Green. So she decides to rally the children of the Moody Building to build a float for the parade. But things go awry when she is accused of stealing a recipe from her favorite baker and giving it to his rival. At the same time, the children ban her from participating in the parade because she tried to convince them that their float would topple. But with the help of her friend Yakov, a.k.a. "The Yak," Hazel proves her innocence and leads the children to glory on Frogg Day. From Odo Hirsch, an internationally best-selling author, and in the spirit of Harriet the Spy and Anastasia Krupnik, comes this spunky, unforgettable, irresistible character: Hazel Green. "Sometimes you really are terrible, Hazel." Good, thought Hazel Green. Everyone should be terrible sometimes.

Genres: Childrens, Adventure, Humor, Fiction, Australia, Young Adult, Middle Grade

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Odo Hirsch was born and grew up in Melbourne, where he trained to be a doctor. He now lives in London and writes excellent books that are published not only in Australia but also in the US, UK, Netherlands, Korea, Germany, and Italy.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/odo-hirsch

Reviews

[Paula Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a homeschooling mother and this is one of my family's favourite series of all times. While the kids are kept entertained by the unpredictable goings-on, there's a great dose of healthy, adult-style humour to keep parents turning pages too.

There are two plot threads converging together in this first book.

For the first time in several years, children want to march in a special, huge parade celebrating the birth of a local legend. They are anxious to build the biggest, most impressive float to convince Mr Winkel, the antagonistic organiser, that they deserve their spot. It's a massive, built-to-scale replica of the Moodey Building, where they all live and the famous celebrity was born.

During their hard work, somebody walks past, glances at the plans and predicts that the tower will surely topple during the parade. It's Yakov Plonsk, the strange, new foreign boy who keeps himself aloof from the other kids, as they tease him and call him the Yak. Only Hazel Green has a niggling feeling that they shouldn't dismiss the Yak's predictions, as she knows he has a brilliant mathematical mind. But if she demands to know what he means, will she even understand his explanation, let alone have a chance of convincing the other kids that they need to avert a potential catastrophe?

Hazel has also been accused by her favourite baker, Mr Volio, of betraying him by leaking information about a new, delicious cake, to the rival bakery. It seems only the Yak will be able to help her prove her innocence and catch the real traitor. But she has to tread carefully with him and give him a good reason to believe that she genuinely wants to be his friend. He has had plenty of reasons to be sceptical in the past. The range of wonderful cakes and pastries Mr Volio makes always made us hungry enough to want to stock up on danishes and eclairs while reading the story.

This really set us up to want to get hold of the other books to find our what the impulsive Hazel and reflective Yakov have to solve next.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book that offers a unique perspective on apartment dwellings and life for kids living in urban areas(admittedly very romanticized), go for this one. It is aimed at children, but I'd go so far as to say that this book is like Harry Potter- the characters, story and messages that Hirsch delivers in Hazel Green are so beautifully simple and yet, complex, that all ages can read and enjoy it.

When I was 12 I bought this book at a secondhand bookstall, as I'd read a couple of books in Odo Hirsch's Bartlett series, and since then it's become one of my most favourite books of all time. I've reread it countless times, without the messages that the story holds or the characters becoming any less endearing.

It's a very cutesy story, but the parts where Hazel makes snarky comments about Robert, Mr Winkle and Leon are so savage, and I love it.

The edition I own looks very different to the one displayed here.
This one is mine(hope the image thingy works)
I hope that the original editions aren't out of print! Andrew McLean's cover captures the story so beautifully. Hahaha there should be a goodillustrations website for all us book cover/illustration fanatics!

Anyway, if you've read any of the other authors at the Allen&Unwin crew e.g. Elizabeth Honey!!!!!, and connected with the honest, simple yet detailed Australian way of writing, then there's a high chance of you liking this book. The setting of story is quite vague, but I do know that Odo was born in Oz(represent!) So ya! go forth, and raid the children's section at your local bookstore/library/whatever. If you're a parent with a kid, go get this book for them. If you're a kid, even better.
Happy reading!

[Tassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel Green was a little experience for me. Hazel's friends, peers, elders, and even the people who weren't mentioned as much, such as Mr Nevver, just the way that they were explained was fantastic! It felt as though I was Hazel, thinking her thoughts, coming up with the ideas, and speaking to her friends. Now that I come to think about it, I'm not that different from Hazel herself!

The little details, the history of the characters, places, the towns, had me turning the pages, constantly! I also quite enjoyed the descriptions of the characters, as they were brief, but seemed thorough enough. It was also quite amusing to read some of the funny past with Hazel and the character being described!

At night, my eyes were glued to the book, my lamp was always on and I would read till one in the morning! You just can't put this book down! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!

[Mae Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting childhood story that still holds its charm for me. How could you not love Mr Volio of great generosity and pasteries, Mrs Gluck's talent for floristry and her insights into Hazel's life, and above all the wonderful Yak with his perchant for mathematics, logic, and order?

[Australian_book_worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was written by Odo Hirsch in 1999. The main character is Hazel Green who want to march on Frogg day but Mr Winkle won’t let them march. She also gets free pastries from Mr Volio.
It never boring at all. There is always something interesting happening. We liked it when Hazel goes to talk to the Yak. He’s a mathematician and I didn’t know there were such things! It really surprised me when Hazel and Mr Winkle had an argument. There are lots of characters and personalities in the book and it’s about learning how to get along with others. Some of us thought that it was a touch long and got a bit boring.
We recommend this book to people aged 6 to 15. Both boys and girls will enjoy this book even though the main character is a girl. We’ve given it 5 stars, even though a few people in the class have given it less.
Grade 2 Double Unit at Lauderdale Primary 2017

[Infamous Sphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute classic, although I'm always racking my brains trying to figure out exactly *what* country Hazel lives in, and what time the books are set. It's so beautifully specific (a turn of the century apartment building with shops and places of business around the base, free-roaming children who can get around by themselves, no technology) but also so..Anywhere. Anywhere with apartment buildings and infrastructure older than 150 years, that is. As someone who grew up in a suburban city designed for cars, where the only apartments were uninspiring and boxy public housing, where the furthest you could usually walk unaccompanied was to your school or local shops, it always seemed exotic to me.
As an adult, rereading this was an absolute joy. I don't think Hazel Green is something you can grow out of.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite series when I was in primary school. I thought Hazel was so cool and I always wanted to eat all the pastries that she ate at Mr Volio's bakery. In fact when I ate my first eclair a few years ago, I thought back to this series.

(Although I was frantically using search terms like "eclair children book green" on Google as I had forgotten the author's name and the protagonist's but had a gut feeling it contained "green").

Such a sweet little novel. Hazel reminded me a little of Eloise (Kay Thompson's series)

[Anna Krjatian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this courageous, strong, kind and inquisitive character. I can see how so many of my childhood favourite characters like Hazel Green have influenced me as a child, teenager and adult. Hazel Green is a warrior for justice and truth and she finds a way to get to the bottom of things. All the while, she is kind and has a quiet strength that helps her power through. A wonderful exemplar for girls all over the world!

[Alison Wootten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun gentle read for the new year, plus a new author. Lovely children's book about friendships, trust, loneliness and the ability to break down barriers through communication .... listening and trying to understand others who are different and being kind.

[CandleNekra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hazel is a spoiled brat. And Im not a real fan of them. Maybe I would have liked it if I was younger. The writing felt forced and rushed. I had a hard time reading when the author constantly tried to rhyme. None of the characters really drew me and the story felt very lacking.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extra star for the fondest of childhood memories. Onya Hazel!

[Laura Gardner · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was a kids book and there was nothing in it for anyone but kids.

[Nicole Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet childhood throwback!

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel Green by Odo Hirsch – Realistic fiction, 3rd-5th grade – this was a book that I read and regretted not reading it aloud with my son. I’ll be encouraging him to borrow it this year from the library once we’re through numerous other read alouds. I loved getting lost in that classic old-time feel that still stays current and doesn’t feel aged. I am sure some would say this is a historical fiction book but I’d like to innocently reflect on the fact that NO technology whatsoever mixes in with a book were children speak up for themselves, with the lead of a spunky Hazel Green, and show the adults that they can work together and have fun at the same time. I also loved how naturally integrated a boy is into this book who is absolutely brilliant, obsessed with math. I felt like he was a character that could have been classified with some special education term but it wasn’t necessary and his skills were helpful and fascinating for pushing the plot along. I felt like this book would be beautifully connected with a picture book I’ve loved for years, Madlenka by Peter Sis. I loved that living in an apartment with many different shop keepers on the main floor for a little girl to chat with… Madlenka and Hazel Green would be close friends. I was told about this book by my lovely former assistant and she described it with a PYP profile classification: Hazel Green is that kind of kid who is a: reflective, kind, caring, curious, knowledgeable, thinker, principled, risk-taker, balanced, and a communicator as well, she’s a character that has that perfect mix of every profile you hope to enjoy in a fiction book. Highly recommended. I think this would be a fantastic read aloud for a class- there are so many discussions that students would have- accusations, cheating, fairness, the attitude of an elderly gentleman to the children, and many more… This book only was released in 2000 and there’s actually a series of the books that I’m looking forward to reading when I have some time!

[Mella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of the series introduces Hazel Green and the residents of the Moody building and the bright and colourful community they make up. From Mr Volio, the baker, to Mrs Gluck, the florist, to Mr McCulloch, the barber, to the variety of kids that inhabit the building, there's never a dull moment and always someone to lend a hand. Hazel Green is a unique and singular character. Full of imagination and creativity, she can be stubborn, bold and sometimes ridiculous but is always willing to speak up and confront whatever is standing in her way.

In this book that's Mr Winkel - the president of the organising committee for the Frogg Day parade march. Children used to march on Frogg Day but ever since Mr Winkel's been in charge - no child has. Hazel is outraged and determined to make sure every child in the Moody building will be allowed to participate. But they run into some issues when Hazel is informed their parade float is in danger of falling and Hazel is banned for trying to explain.

I love Hazel. She's hilarious. I love that even if she says something ridiculous that makes no sense to her either, she'll continue with conviction. She has such a unique outlook on life and it's funny to see the way she solves her problems. And I adore her friendship with the Yak. They have such different perspectives but I like that they try to meet each other halfway. Even if Yak has no idea what and why he's doing it.

I like that Hazel's friendships aren't just limited to other children though. The friendships with Mrs Gluck and Mr Volio add another dimension to the text. I like that the adults give Hazel a sounding board for talking through her problems and provide her with friendship, support and advice.

I read this numerous times as a kid, but I would say, even reading as an adult, this book holds up to time and age and is an interesting, amusing read. 5 stars.

[Rachel Inbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel Green is a curious, charismatic, strong-willed girl, who is friendly with many of the adults in her neighborhood. The descriptions of the various professionals (the baker, the flower woman) are fabulous, taking you into their worlds, making you practically taste the pastries and smell the flowers. It is clear that the characters in the book all love what they do - even the mathematician. The story itself is not particularly strong, in my opinion, because although there is a plot, the plot is not that important - and what is more important is the people and their relationships.

I enjoyed the writing in this book and would recommend it to be read aloud to children around age 8 and up, or read alone by children who are a little older.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel Greene lives in the Moody Building. The same building that Victor Frogg, local town mayor and eventual Prime Minister, is born and raised in. Every year there is a Frogg Parade to celebrate Victor Frogg. Hazel learns that a long time ago one of the most important parts of the parade was the float and children from the Moody Building. For some reason children are no longer allowed to participate.

Hazel, being full of spunk, submits an application for a float and is approved, much to Mr. Winkler's chagrin. With the help of her friends a float is built and the children rejoin the parade.

A great family read aloud.

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining light read for children from Odo Hirsch. There's a problem to be solved and a name to be cleared. There's a certain amount of whimsy to the world he creates, with some nice touches.

I especially like Hazel as a character. She has to be a problem-solver *and* work out how to interact with a wide variety of people of varying temperaments with courage and conviction.

Ending tied up a little less than I thought, but I understand there are other books in this series.

Suitable for age 8 and up.

[Jyoti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel Green was a really excellent light read. There were parts of the book which had a lot of description, but some of it was unnecessary and the story could get a little slow. The characters are really well developed, and the book has funny scenes that can suck you in. It was so fun to get to know the little town and all the people in the Moodey building. This is an innocent book that I would recommend to anybody who is in the mood for something descriptive and funny!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma got this book from the library. I'd never heard of the author. He's an Australian doctor! Hazel Green is a spunky ten-year-old who lives in an interesting city neighborhood. She's good friends with the baker in particular. Nice, low-key read. (A good alternative to Junie B., who gets on my nerves. A bit reminiscent of Harriet the Spy.)

[Leafyseadragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was - pure awesomeness, amazingness and a host of adjectives. Clever, hilarious, fantastic writing. There's something in it that just draws you in - I don't know how the author does it.

LOVED, LOVED this. Odo Hirsch is truly a superb writer.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming book, lent to me by a student but I could take it or leave it. I liked hazel and it was interesting to read about a child who lives in a city but I didn't get totally pulled into the book. It was pleasant but I felt no need to keep reading.

[Jessica McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this many years ago, and I have one clear memory of it: The description of a pastry. It made me taste, smell and crave that pastry. Every time I eat something with pastry I remember the description. It's a strange thing to get out of a book, but it was a pretty good description :)

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a determined young lady that would appeal to 8-12 year olds. Nothing gets in the way of Hazel as she brings a plan to fruition, overcomes obstacles and deals with both adults and her peers.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought this was charming.

[http://julieberry.blogspot.com/2006/0...]

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel can tell the truth and remain true to herself...and we all learn this is the way to happiness.

[Meadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit it, I am only reading it because it has my kid's name in the title.

[Bessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet

[Christena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all these books hundreds of times over growing up. These were books that i just read when i was bored. To me, a classic!