Her first books were reworkings of fairy tales and classic stories. In 1971, Hazen began to address childhood problems, feelings and family dynamics. She uses humor to keep heavy topics light without negating the message. As many critics have noted, Hazen's work consistently displays a concern with language and using words to convey meaning as simply and clearly as possible. Such messages touch children with their immediacy or fancifulness.
Words are friends, and writing gives second chances.