Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy
Written by: Jane O’Connor
Illustrated by: Robin Preiss Glasser
Recommended for ages: 4-7
Harper Collins $21.50; $19.99

Nancy is a young girl who dreams of being fancy despite being part of a rather plain family. She feels that life is simply more fun if you are fancy. She insists that she can play soccer better if she is wearing her lace-trimmed socks, she prefers to write with a pen that has a plume instead of a drab old ballpoint and of course her favourite colour is fuschia (a fancy word for purple). Nancy encourages her parents and younger sister to become fancy with her by accessorizing their current wardrobe. Feeling so elegant in her updated attire, Nancy’s Mom suggests the family go to dinner at their favourite restaurant. Nancy is sure that people will think they are movie stars… When it is time for the parfaits (that’s a fancy word for ice cream), Nancy trips and spills the tray all over the floor and immediately wants to go home. She’s not feeling so fancy anymore. When her Mom and Dad tuck her in to bed, she tells them in plain language that she loves them because there is no fancy way for saying that!

In the second Fancy Nancy story, the young protagonist is ecstatic (that’s a fancy word for happy). Her family has decided to get a dog. Of course, Nancy thinks they should adopt a papillon, just like Mrs. Devine’s. In order to convince her parents of this, she suggests they puppysit Jewel, the papillon. They will soon see that a tiny little canine will suit her family just fine. Or will it?

The adorable illustrations are truly fancy showing great detail in which youngsters will delight. The jacket cover is even adorned with sparkles that will catch the eye of the youngest Nancys out there. No doubt we all have (or know) a Nancy in our life who prefers her tutu to a pair of jeans. This storybook will be a favourite for them.