KING HUGO’S HUGE EGO is one of the funniest children’s books of the year, a hilarious rhyming tale about a “mini-monarch” whose kingly ego nearly causes his head to explode.

We’re the fast-food nation, grabbing what we can at the drive-through and eating in the car. Even many sit-down restaurants count on getting us in and out in a mere 60 minutes. A leisurely dinner in a comfortable relaxing setting with good company is worth savoring. And that’s just what we did at Rockland’s aptly named Main Street restaurant, In Good Company, where chef/owner Melody Wolfhertz delivers a unique and flavorful dining experience to her hometown friends, fans and visitors.

It was always the fragile balance of opposing forces that made Diane Keaton’s face so remarkable — those tilted melancholy eyes above that frequent and infectious smile. She seemed in a perpetual state of emotional contradiction, which is one of the things that made her such a perfect match, at least on film, for Woody Allen, who as history’s most hopeful pessimist is a master juggler himself.

Bangor is an impressive and vibrant city, with a gorgeous riverfront, many good restaurants and lots to do. This year we expanded beyond our traditional “go-to” eatery — Sea Dog Brewing Co. — to try other restaurants, including Geaghan’s Pub. And when we travel in Maine, we always look for lodging from Bangor’s Lafayette family. They offer a range of accommodations featuring great service, plenty of amenities and real comfort.