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Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel: A Heartwarming Chapter Book About Friendship, Imagination, and a Talking Dog for Kids
In this illustrated chapter book, two girls become best friends and each day with a spinning Wonder Wheel brings a new adventure! Ideal for fans of Dory Fantasmagory and Heidi Heckelbeck !
In this chapter book for young readers, June is thrilled to get a new Mae! Soon the two of them are best friends and are having adventures determined by the Wonder Wheel that they spin each morning. Whether it’s pretending to be a dog for a day or collecting things that are blue, the girls never know what each day will bring. Also, June has a her dog Sammy can talk, but only she can hear him. Will her new best friend believe her if she tells her?
In this chapter book for young readers, June is thrilled to get a new Mae! Soon the two of them are best friends and are having adventures determined by the Wonder Wheel that they spin each morning. Whether it’s pretending to be a dog for a day or collecting things that are blue, the girls never know what each day will bring. Also, June has a her dog Sammy can talk, but only she can hear him. Will her new best friend believe her if she tells her?
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2017
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391 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 7, 2017
I'm always trying to find good, high interest books for my daughter, who is a struggling reader. My daughter is in mid-second grade and reads at a late first grade/early second grade level, and trails far behind most of her peers at her school. My daughter has been interested in chapter books, but we often can't find any easy enough for her where she can read it without being frustrated.
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel says it is for grades 1-3, and I think that is very accurate for most children. My daughter reads at an "I" level, and this book was too difficult for her. However, the interest level was certainly there, and the concepts and tone will definitely appeal to the early elementary school set.
The graphics in the book were good, but the content was a little frenetic for me. June seemed a bit underdeveloped and the plot jumped around a bit, but I thought it was a promising start to a new series. I wasn't sure about the hook of the talking dog that only the MC can hear, but I'm hoping that is explored more throughout the series. I also liked the fact that the author made June's new best friend a POC, giving the book some diversity, which my daughter liked too because it accurately reflects her own friend-group.
I think this book will appeal to many early chapter book readers who are eager for some new stories with fun graphics.
*ARC provided by the publisher*
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel says it is for grades 1-3, and I think that is very accurate for most children. My daughter reads at an "I" level, and this book was too difficult for her. However, the interest level was certainly there, and the concepts and tone will definitely appeal to the early elementary school set.
The graphics in the book were good, but the content was a little frenetic for me. June seemed a bit underdeveloped and the plot jumped around a bit, but I thought it was a promising start to a new series. I wasn't sure about the hook of the talking dog that only the MC can hear, but I'm hoping that is explored more throughout the series. I also liked the fact that the author made June's new best friend a POC, giving the book some diversity, which my daughter liked too because it accurately reflects her own friend-group.
I think this book will appeal to many early chapter book readers who are eager for some new stories with fun graphics.
*ARC provided by the publisher*
July 14, 2017
Cute chapter book about pets and friendship. July's choice for my Granddaughter who's in between first and second grade.She'll like the fact one of the girls on the cover resembles her along with the idea of a dog who can speak(only to her), floor disco dancing , and crazy hair day. I wish now that the kids have reading lexiles, they would be published on the books or reviews so choices for appropriate reading level would be easier! 4 stars
June 9, 2016
A fabulous start to a new chapter book series. Such a fun character and premise.
April 22, 2019
A delightful chapter book series featuring a girl and her dog figuring out life together. In this first book, June's grandma sends her a spinning wheel (like on Wheel of Fortune) along with instructions for how to play with it and items to use as selections. This title focuses on friendship, a topic quite relevant for chapter book readers.
I think it's a strength of this series that the reader isn't told whether June's conversations with her dog are imagined based on June's ability to read dog behavior, a product of June's alter ego talking to herself, or real discussions due to some magical force. Leaving this question open to each reader's interpretation allows children to ponder this and come up with their own explanation, which may differ from all of my options.
I think it's a strength of this series that the reader isn't told whether June's conversations with her dog are imagined based on June's ability to read dog behavior, a product of June's alter ego talking to herself, or real discussions due to some magical force. Leaving this question open to each reader's interpretation allows children to ponder this and come up with their own explanation, which may differ from all of my options.
November 26, 2018
We got this as a recommendation from our library. I read it in one night to 4 of my 5 kids. They thought it was great, and I thought it was great. It's no masterpiece by any means, but thanks to this book I want to go make myself a Wonder Wheel and see just where life may take us.
If a book has the power to put me to action, it deserves 5 stars.
If a book has the power to put me to action, it deserves 5 stars.
February 7, 2017
First sentence: Sammy is my best friend. He has four legs, really soft ears, and a tail that can wag slow, medium, and super-fast.
Premise/plot: June is looking for a new friend. She's looking for someone who is fun, friendly, and full of adventure. Sammy, her dog, will help her be a judge of who's got potential in the friend department. Sammy is a talking dog. (Does he really talk? Well, that's up to readers, I suppose. June is a believer that they speak the same language.) There's a new girl moving in next door that maybe just maybe has all three f's. Her name is Mae. In this one there's no such thing as instant best friends. Everyone in their class wants Mae's attention. And Mae isn't in a hurry to pick anyone to be her number one best friend. What makes this school-friendship adventure fun is the introduction of the Wonder Wheel. The Wonder Wheel is a present from June's grandmother...
My thoughts: This one is very cute. It has things like On-the-Ground-Disco-Dancing. The text is fun, lively, and quick. I would definitely be interested in reading more Mae and June books if this is a new early chapter book series.
Premise/plot: June is looking for a new friend. She's looking for someone who is fun, friendly, and full of adventure. Sammy, her dog, will help her be a judge of who's got potential in the friend department. Sammy is a talking dog. (Does he really talk? Well, that's up to readers, I suppose. June is a believer that they speak the same language.) There's a new girl moving in next door that maybe just maybe has all three f's. Her name is Mae. In this one there's no such thing as instant best friends. Everyone in their class wants Mae's attention. And Mae isn't in a hurry to pick anyone to be her number one best friend. What makes this school-friendship adventure fun is the introduction of the Wonder Wheel. The Wonder Wheel is a present from June's grandmother...
My thoughts: This one is very cute. It has things like On-the-Ground-Disco-Dancing. The text is fun, lively, and quick. I would definitely be interested in reading more Mae and June books if this is a new early chapter book series.
July 3, 2020
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel by Cherise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Ashley Spires. 120 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017. $16.
Language: G; Mature content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL -- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL -- AVERAGE
June receives a mystery package from her grandmother, and is surprised to find a wheel inside, along with instructions to spin the wheel each day and follow the chosen prompt. It helps June get to know many of the other students in her class, but can it help her make friends with the new girl?
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel is a cute story about friendship, jealousy, and developing new social skills. The trope of wanting to make friends with the new girl is pretty common, but the wheel adds a little extra fun. While cute, the talking dog felt extraneous in a story that was otherwise pretty well-grounded in reality.
Reviewer: Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G; Mature content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL -- ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL -- AVERAGE
June receives a mystery package from her grandmother, and is surprised to find a wheel inside, along with instructions to spin the wheel each day and follow the chosen prompt. It helps June get to know many of the other students in her class, but can it help her make friends with the new girl?
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel is a cute story about friendship, jealousy, and developing new social skills. The trope of wanting to make friends with the new girl is pretty common, but the wheel adds a little extra fun. While cute, the talking dog felt extraneous in a story that was otherwise pretty well-grounded in reality.
Reviewer: Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 1, 2017
This is one of those books I wish I'd written - especially the base of the story being a creative Grammy sending a really cool gift to encourage her granddaughter to be similarly creative! Having a friend to share the activities with is super gravy!
The idea of 3 friends named April, Mae and June might seem a bit corny, but the way the author introduced them into the story, it works!
The idea of 3 friends named April, Mae and June might seem a bit corny, but the way the author introduced them into the story, it works!
January 6, 2018
This one grew on me the more I read it. It’s a very gentle introduction to not so great things like sassy older siblings, mean girls at school (who are 3 dimensional!), and making new friends. At the same time it’s very sweet and light and fluffy and I hope the girls’ plan at the end cones to fruition. :)
February 5, 2017
I like June. She is full of energy and loves life. The wonder wheel sent by her grandmother is a great idea.. Readers may just take that idea and create their own wheels. June's friendship problems are realistic and relatable for children. This is a great story for first and second graders.
March 14, 2024
This book had my attention at the talking dog and Sammy that is the name of my Granddog. Mae is a normal little girl who is shy around new people and just likes to have fun. When Grandma Penny sends her the Wonder Wheel its like it came at the right time when it was needed. June is the new girl in the neighborhood and at school. Mae wants her to be her friend but she must have the 3 Fs fun, friendly and full of adventure. June becomes friends with another girl in class and Mae is thinking she will not want to be her friend now. Wonder Wheel to the rescue and not only is her problem solved but it also brings her and her teenage sister Isabella closer I really think that any young girl will relate to this book. The illustrations were on point also and fun especially the ones with Mae and Sammy. I really hope this author continues with these characters.
November 20, 2017
This is a children's chapter book where June and Mae are new neighbors. After becoming best friends they turn to the Wonder Wheel to determine what their adventures will be each day. Each spin brings fun times for both girls. Perhaps they need to find something blue that day or do a good deed. In addition to this June can hear her dog, Sammy talk. Should she tell Mae?
This book is suggested for grades 2-4 but I believe as a read aloud book children younger than this can enjoy it also. This high energy book will sweep kids away with ease. This is a fun, friendly book that I believe most children will enjoy.
I was given this book by NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for my honest review.
This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
At Barnes and Noble HERE!
This book is suggested for grades 2-4 but I believe as a read aloud book children younger than this can enjoy it also. This high energy book will sweep kids away with ease. This is a fun, friendly book that I believe most children will enjoy.
I was given this book by NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for my honest review.
This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
At Barnes and Noble HERE!
August 22, 2017
This seems geared for 1st/2nd graders but possibly too long/ wordy for most kids in those grade levels. I also felt that the characters were underdeveloped and when the book ended I essentially felt nothing. Just a blah book for me.
September 1, 2017
June, who can talk with her dog Sammy, sees a new girl next door and wonders how to become her friend. Meanwhile, she and Sammy are having fun with a present Grandma has sent in the mail that challenges them to new adventures each day.
February 23, 2017
Oh my lawd this book is adorable. I will be buying it for my niece asap. I want my own Wonder Wheel!
June 14, 2017
EM enjoyed it.
June 29, 2017
I love the theme of friendship and the nuggets about wonder. I wrestle with this being an early reader or middle grade. The picture support is less, font size is not too small, continuous plot.
July 13, 2017
June is so loveable. This story is full of wonder, and I can see kids begging their parents for their own wonder wheel. I would highly recommend to young readers.
September 9, 2017
Cute story of friendship. Definitely written in a way that children will relate to and fall in love with June.
September 24, 2017
Cute beginning chapter book unfortunately marred by the extended and unnecessary use of "spirit animal."
October 2, 2017
There are some kids out there who would really like this and we do have it in our library collection. Great for grades 2-3 reader. It just didn't appeal to me.
October 9, 2017
This is a sweet book. It's not a favorite, but it is upbeat and positive. It just didn't have tons of development, but then again it is for very young kids.
October 14, 2017
The wonder wheel is a super cute idea! I want a Grandma Penny to make me one!
January 4, 2018
Great for fans of Ivy and Bean!
October 28, 2018
I would like a wonder wheel. It would be a terrific project to create in the classroom. What fun. I hope there are more books about these friends.
February 8, 2019
They are very adventurous
June 17, 2019
Lots of fun with these engaging and adorable characters and playful illustrations. A very enjoyable read for your young reader looking for humorous chapter books... and there's a talking dog!!
July 4, 2019
June made friends with a girl named:Mae!
October 20, 2019
June! ❤️
April 12, 2020
Good story about friendship
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews