MAE AND JUNE AND THE WONDER WHEEL by Charise Mericle Harper. Illus. by Ashley Spires.  New York: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt, 2017. 120p.  ISBN 978-0-544-630635 hc. $15.99    Grades 1-3    J FIC

The first installment in this new chapter book series introduces readers to June and her family, which includes Sammy, a talking dog that only June can hear, older sister Isabella, and her supportive parents.  June's criteria for good friends is that they be "Fun! Friendly! Full of Adventure!"  Not everyone fits into that job description, until Mae and her family move in across the street.  Mae and June try to cultivate a friendship, amid challenges at school and with family, but end up ready to be best friends for a long time to come.  The large print, short chapters, and Spires' cartoon-like illustrations throughout the book make pleasant reading for early elementary students. Harper also wrote the JUST GRACE series for a similar audience of young readers.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI