Hazel and Herbert

by Alexandra Thompson

When a young fox rescues a baby blue bird, her life is upended by the sudden new addition.

Hazel discovers an egg while out for a walk in the woods, and much to her surprise—Tip! Tip! Tap!—out pops a baby bird. She names him Herbert, and from then on, he sticks to her like jam on toast.

But Hazel likes her routine, and Herbert’s always underfoot. No matter what she’s doing, Hazel simply can’t get a moment’s peace. What’s a fox to do?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

Alexandra Thompson is an illustrator and author creating work for picture books, children’s apparel, and magazines. She is the creator of A Family for Louie and the illustrator for Ben & Emma's Big Hit by California Governor Gavin Newsom and I am a Masterpiece! by actress and Down syndrome advocate Mia Armstrong. When she’s not in the studio, she can be found exploring the great state of Maine, where she lives with her family.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable picture book has a life lesson for both young readers and any adult who may read the story with a young reader. The life lesson calls attention to the fact that sometimes adding a new addition to your life might be at first chaotic, but if the new addition goes away, one will find that you really do need this new addition to your life to make your life more complete.

Hazel is a little fox that discovered an egg one day when she was walking in the woods. A baby bird hatched and Hazel gave him a name. The little bird followed Hazel everywhere from then on and Hazel sometimes found this to be very annoying. Hazel became so annoyed by the constant presence of the little bird that she screamed one day for Herbert to go away. Herbert felt sad about this and ran away. Hazel was very upset and looked everywhere. A surprise ending made Hazel realize that she really did need Herbert in her life.

The delightful illustrations are a very engaging part of the picture book. The illustrations are colorful and filled with details to help tell the story.

Hazel and Herbert is recommended for ages 4-8. It was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin/Random House. It has an ISBN of 978-1-9848-1324-4.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel finds an egg while she is out exploring and thinks about the various ways she could cook it for breakfast. To her surprise, it hatches just as she and her dad are going to prepare it. The baby bird is adorable; she names him Herbert. They do everything together much to Hazel's annoyance. Readers will laugh at some of the illustrations showing this. As can be predicted, Hazel yells at Herbert one day after another accident. Herbert leaves in the night, and Hazel is distressed to find him gone. She and her dad locate him and she apologizes. I appreciate how the two learn boundaries and how to be better friends while sharing their space. A sweet and gentle story that offers a look at an unusual friendship that both have to make work.

[Danielle Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Herbert is a heartwarming picture book about friendship and acceptance that gently shows how two very different characters learn to appreciate one another. Through simple, engaging storytelling and expressive illustrations, the book highlight's themes of kindness, empathy, and embracing others’ differences. Perfect for young readers and Storytime, this book encourages conversations about cooperation, understanding, and what it means to be a good friend.

[Susan H]

What a sweet, heartfelt book! The story is adorable and with 2 kids, I really appreciate the message. The illustration are so beautiful and I spent time going back and just looking at the pictures after I had read the story to my kids. The length is perfect as well. Overall we loved this 2nd book from Alexandra and can't wait to see what else this author will create!

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel discovers an egg while out for a walk in the woods, and much to her surprise--Tip! Tip! Tap!--out pops a baby bird. She names him Herbert, and from then on, he sticks to her like jam on toast. But Hazel likes her routine, and Herbert’s always underfoot. No matter what she’s doing, Hazel simply can’t get a moment’s peace. What’s a fox to do?"--

[Desa Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story about a fox who finds a friend in a bird. A normal friendship has highs and lows. Opposites attract but don’t always get along. When Hazel gets angry and yells at Herbert, she finds she misses having her friend around and asks for forgiveness. No rhyming text but short messages on every page.

[that.bookishbrunette tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book. It is a sweet, heartfelt story about friendship and understanding differences. Hazel and Herbert has a gentle message and charming illustrations that make it a really enjoyable, meaningful read.

[Suzanne Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute! Beautifully illustrated with a great story that my kids loved. It had a positive message about a friendship dynamic. Can’t wait to get my copy!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book about friendship by a Maine author.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is very sweet and cozy. A little long for story time, but would work for a more quiet setting.