Hazel and Twig : The Birthday Fortune

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 12, 2018

Review

Hazel and Twig are adorable little mice that live with their family in an enchanted, lovely woodland setting. Twig is about to turn one and a party is planned. Hazel and Twig have Korean grandparents, Halmoni and Haraboji, and they also have Grandma and Grampa Thistle. A lovely Korean tradition takes place at a first birthday called a Doljabi, a fortune-telling ceremony. The invitations are delivered by a mail snail. The birthday baby chooses an item from many and this is meant to predict the child's future. Twig chooses something completely unexpected and all wonder what it might mean. The illustrations are soft and whimsical; one wishes to somehow inhabit this snug forest. This book would be especially appreciated by children of adoption and children of mixed culture. It is definitely one to consider adding to your picture book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good