Review - Fancy Nancy: My Fanciest Things

Fancy Nancy: My Fanciest Things (Fancy Nancy)
by Krista Tucker
illustrated by Grace Lee
Date: 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Ooh la la! Nancy loves all of the fancy things in her room—like the fabulous tutu she wore at her dance recital, her exquisite tea set, and the magnifique vanity table that once belonged to her grandmother. But Nancy will soon discover that there’s something extra special that Nancy’s fanciest things all have in common…

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy: My Fanciest Things is a brand-new picture book with gorgeous watercolor art by Grace Lee and a heartwarming original story, based on the animated show and inspired by the classic picture book series.

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy starring six-year-old Nancy, a girl who is fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire. The show is based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

You know, I didn't think I was going to like this one. I'd read another Fancy Nancy title based on the TV show, so I was prepared for more Disney-fied Nancy... and in this case, I thought I'd just be getting a list of material things without much substance.

Surprisingly, though, this book is actually pretty good. Though it doesn't have much of a story, it still manages to capture some of the essence of the character. Nancy uses fancy words (which are explained in the text), and does everything in the fanciest way possible. Here, she tells the reader about all of her favourite fancy possessions. While this could have been a pretty shallow premise for a book, it actually doesn't turn out that way, since every object and activity reminds her of someone she loves (which is a pretty sweet message, and a nice way of looking at material possessions).

I also like the artwork in this. Unlike some of the other books based on the Disney show, this one doesn't look like the pictures are just digital stills. Instead, the characters are rendered in lovely watercolours. It's a different look from the original Fancy Nancy books, but I actually kind of like it.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. While it wouldn't be the first book I would recommend to Fancy Nancy newbies, I would definitely recommend it to fans of the character. It's a different way to see her (and her family and friends), and that's kind of interesting.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5