Hazel grew up on farms in southern Alberta, where her mother read to the children every day and her father recited poetry. As a young girl, she loved books and secretly dreamed of becoming a writer. In high school, she sent stories to publishers without telling anyone. After a few years at the University of Calgary, she worked in Banff while continuing to write and gradually became published. It wasn't until she and her husband moved to Canmore to raise their family, however, that she discovered the wonderful world of kids books and realized that the hard work of writing could be combined with a good deal of fun along the way!

Today Hazel is the author of over forty picture books and children's novels that show up in many corners of the world. Her favourite things to write about include animals, humor, families, historical fiction from the west and the kind of fantasy that could happen just next door. Her favourite food is Jersey Milk Chocolate Bars. Her favourite place to be (other than in front of her computer writing) is outside looking at the mountains.

Hazel's three kids are now grown and have moved away but they still show up at home – and in her stories – from time to time.

Please scroll down to see books for older students.

Picture Books, Grades K – 2
Together. Toronto: Annick, 2009
Mattland. Toronto: Annick, 2008
The List. Toronto: Annick, 2007
A Second is a Hiccup. Toronto: Scholastic, 2004.
Beneath the Bridge. Toronto: Annick, 2004.
The Sidewalk Rescue. Toronto: Annick, 2004.
I'd Know You Anywhere.Toronto: Annick, 2002.
One Dark Night. New York: Viking Press, 2001.
The Wide World of Suzie Mallard. Memphis: Ducks Unlimited, 2001.
Two So Small. Toronto: Annick, 2000.
One Duck. Toronto: Annick, 1999.
It's Raining, Yancy and Bear. Toronto: Annick, 1998.
Yancy and Bear. Toronto: Annick, 1996.
Tess. Toronto Annick, 1995.
Believing Sophie. Morton Grave, Ill: Albert Whitman and Co.,1995.
The Catfish Palace. Toronto: Annick, 1993.
And You Can Be the Cat. Toronto: Annick, 1992.
Katie's Babbling Brother. Toronto: Annick, 1991.
Nicholas at the Library. Toronto: Annick, 1990.
Norman's Snowball. Toronto: Annick, 1989.
Ben's Snow Song. Toronto: Annick, 1987.
Leanna Builds a Genie Trap. Toronto: Annick, 1986.

First Novels, Grades 1 – 3

Robyn's Monster Play. Halifax: Formac 2008.
Robyn's Party-in-the-Park. Halifax:Formac 2005
Skate, Robyn, Skate. Halifax: Formac, 2004.
Robyn Makes the News. Halifax: Formac, 2003.
Robyn's Art Attack. Halifax: Formac, 2002.
Robyn's Best Idea. Halifax: Formac 2001.
Robyn Looks for Bears. Halifax: Formac Publishing, 2000.
Robyn's Want Ad. Halifax: Formac Books, 1998.
Shoot for the Moon, Robyn. Halifax: Formac Books, 1997.

Middle Reader Novels, Grades 3 – 6

TJ and the Quiz Kids. Victoria: Orca, 2006.
TJ and the Sports Fanatic. Victoria: Orca, 2006.
Sarah and the Magic Science Project. Toronto: Annick, 2005
T.J. and the Rockets. Victoria: Orca, 2004.
T.J. and The Haunted House. Victoria: Orca, 2003.
T.J. and The Cats. Victoria: Orca, 2002.
The Three and Many Wishes of Jason Reid. Toronto: Annick, 2000.
The Prince of Tarn. Illustrated by Ruth Ohi. Willowdale, ON: Annick, 1997.
Within a Painted Past. Toronto: Annick, 1994.
The Best of Arlie Zack. Toronto: Annick, 1993.
A Cat of Artimus Pride. Toronto: Annick, 1991.
Casey Weber The Great. Toronto: Annick, 1988.

Young Adult Novel, Grades 7-9

After. Smith, Bonappetite and Sons, Montreal: 2008.

Contact author for study materials for the “TJ” Series

Hazel's presentations are suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 6. She will present to a maximum of 120 people at a time.

Presentations for ECS - Grade 6
A lively author visit will pass along enthusiasm for reading and writing to students of all ages. Topics will include becoming an author, getting ideas, creating characters, great endings, rewriting, unusual research and working with an illustrator. There will be greater discussion opportunities for older students, chants, finger plays and story involvement for younger age groups. Fun for all... including Hazel herself!

Presentation / Workshop for Teachers and Librarians
Images, Ideas and Imagination - a wide ranging and insightful exploration into the creation of Hazel's picture books and novels. Exercises to help teachers encourage students in their own writing will be included if that workship format is chosen.

Writing for Children Workshop
For adults interested in writing children's books, a discussion of picture books and children's novels with information regarding rewriting, working with an illustrator, presentation of manuscripts, marketing and helpful organizations.


Other talks and workshops available on request.

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award