Mine, Mine, Mine Said the Porcupine by Alex English, Emma Levey 
Tells the story of a porcupine who learns to share. Why a porcupine? Only because it rhymes with “mine” as far as I can tell. What kid is going to say, “Shall we play with this?” There are much better early readers and books about sharing.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.
Pocket Bios: Princess Diana by Al Berenger A book from The Pocket Bios series. I am not sure kids still care about Princess Diana, and if they do, there are much better biographies. I am not a fan of the illustrations which make Diana appear slightly demented. The information is written at a much higher level than one would expect from the book’s format. The information is mostly factual, if a bit subjective.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.
25 Fun Things to Do for Your Neighbors by Eva Sassin, Paul Mason 
Some ideas to get readers thinking about others in their community Most ideas are traditional neighborly acts, such as wash a neighbor’s car, walk a dog, organize a block party, and clean up trash. Others are more creative, such as compare childhoods, offer library visits, and oil someone’s bike chain. Ideas 21-25 are grouped on one page, which is a shame because I thought they were some of the most productive ideas. Over all, fun ideas to get kids thinking about doing for others, and one of the most important of all – smile!
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.
Hack Your Backyard: Discover a World of Outside Fun with Science Buddies (R) by Niki Ahrens 
Science experiments to do in your backyard, such as make your own compass, learn to tell the temperature from crickets, count the stars, and different color pigments that make up plants. Simple instructions and clear photos. QR codes lead to supplemental content. This book was created in partnership with Science Buddies, an organization focused on fostering STEM discovery through hands-on explorations.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.
The Miraculous by Jess Redman Twelve-year old Wunder Ellis became a “miraclologist” when he was five years old. He documents the miracles he sees in the world in his journal. When his infant sister passes away, Wunder stops looking for miracles. With the help of his friend Faye and a strange old woman in town, Wunder will believe in miracles again. This fantasy story about loss and grief will strike a chord with some middle grade readers. However, the theme comes across in a heavy-handed manner and the pacing is slow at times. (Grades 4-6)
Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME
This Is MY Fort! (Monkey & Cake, #2) by Drew Daywalt, Olivier Tallec Monkey and Cake love building forts. Cake decides to build a fort only for Cakes, no Monkeys allowed. After much begging and pleading, Monkey devises his own genius plan for a fort — a fort only for Monkeys.
This is the second in the Monkey and Cake series brought to us by the author of The Day the Crayons Quit. Wonderfully clever and simply executed, this book will appeal to many early readers. The bold text is easy to follow, not too difficult for new readers, and the story is fun. The illustrations are simple, clear, and help convey the emotions Monkey and Cake are feeling. This book is best for Pre-K-2, and it would be a great read aloud — especially if you build a fort afterwards!
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME
Goldilocks, Go Home! by Marta Sevilla, Martha Freeman Goldilocks is in search of her real parents (her actual parents are too boring and not royalty). She ends up in the house of the three bears, and with the threat of the big bad wolf in the woods, she stays for about a week, much to Bobby (formerly known as Baby) Bear’s chagrin.
This witty combination of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and countless more fairy tales will entertain many young readers. Several of the fairy tale references are subtle and may be lost on kids, but if used as a one-on-one read aloud, the adult will certainly get them and chuckle. Each chapter is told from the perspective of either Bobby or Goldilocks, and the one not in charge of the chapter has many sidebar comments and interludes. While some find this distracting, those who enjoy things like Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc.won’t mind and will likely find the humor in this book appealing. Best for 3rd and 4th graders, this could be a good choice for reluctant readers, as a story read aloud to younger readers, or just as a quick, fun read.
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME
Santa's Puppy by Catherine Hapka Santa’s puppy, Peppermint Bark, has alwasy wanted to ride with Santa on Christmas. This year, he stows away on the sleigh, and he ends up left behind at Chris and Holly’s house in the Christmasy town of Poinsettia. Because they’re so filled with Christmas cheer, Chris, Holly, and their friend, Ivy, can hear Peppermint Bark speak (as well as the jingle bells that come with his wagging tail), and they conspire to help Peppermint Bark get back to the North Pole by the end of Christmas Day.
The cheesy Christmas references are almost too much in this book.
This lighthearted, fun Christmas story will delight young readers. It’s simple, easy to follow, and kids will enjoy all the holiday references. This book would be best for 2-4 graders and would be a great book for a family read aloud or just as a fun holiday read.
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME
Little Lunch: Loads of Laughs by Danny Katz, Mitch Vane 
This book consists of short stories that take place during ‘little lunch’ at a school in Australia — it seems to be a hybrid between recess and snack time. This is the second installment of this series based on an Australian TV show. The first story in this book was sweet, but the second two fell flat for me. All stories have a good life lesson, and some children may relate to the situations presented (not wanting to eat your snack, being ostracized by classmates, etc.), but the quality of writing and illustrations just don’t match what’s out there right now. This book is best for 2-3 graders and could be used as a group read aloud. An additional purchase for libraries looking to expand their early chaper book section.
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME
The Dragon Thief (Dragons in a Bag, #2) by Zetta Elliott Kavita has stolen a dragon from her brother’s friend, Jaxon. Jaxon’s only job was to return three dragons to the realm of magic, and Kavita has ruined everything. Kavita tries to keep the dragon a secret, but it keeps growing. Enlisting the help of Aunty, the two work to outsmart Blue from the magical realm to help get the dragon home.
This book is the sequel to Dragons in a Bag, but it’s fine as a stand alone book. The writing and story are great, and lovers of fun fantasy will enjoy this tale. The book features a diverse cast of characters and a strong female lead. The story is easy to follow and an entertaining read, but things seemed to wrap up unexpectedly quickly and easily. This book is best for 3-5th graders and could be used as a classroom read aloud. A good purchase for libraries where young fantasy is very popular.
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME