Review - Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore!

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Join Fancy Nancy on the perfect fall field trip—to the apple orchard. Fall is an extra-fancy season. Even the trees wear fancy colors! Nancy is determined to find a perfect Gala apple for her dad—it’s his favorite kind, and even the name sounds fancy. But what if the perfect apple is just out of reach?

Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in this festive fall adventure story about a class trip to the apple orchard. Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is one of the weaker Fancy Nancy titles I've read in the I Can Read! series. The story's not that great, and the illustrations (surprisingly) aren't at the level I expect from Ted Enik (who does the illustrations for most of these books in the style of Robin Preiss Glasser).

Nancy's class goes on a field trip to an orchard. Nancy's trip buddy is Lionel. He keeps making jokes (crying wolf, basically) all day, and eventually, when he's in real trouble (after doing something he was told not to), Nancy and Ms. Glass have to come to his rescue.

Now, I know Lionel is spirited, but here he's an outright brat. I really disliked him in this book. His misbehaviour drives the story and Nancy has to save the day. My favourite Fancy Nancy books are those in which the problem Nancy solves is partly (or entirely) of her own making; that's not really the case here. Because Nancy and Lionel are trip buddies, she sticks with him and tells him not to do things, but he doesn't listen. I'm glad that he's at least disciplined for his actions, but... this is really a Lionel story, not a Nancy story.

The illustrations aren't quite up to the standard I've come to expect from Enik. Also, they're usually fairly realistic, but in this book, we've got a rather Disney-esque squirrel smiling and cuddling up to Lionel's shoe, and nobody seems too concerned (or even interested).

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! is definitely not one of my favourites. There's too much focus on Lionel and his bad behaviour, to the point where Nancy herself is almost an afterthought. And while there is (as always) a selection of "fancy" words used throughout, I feel the inclusion of "tasty" is just insulting; if kids don't know what "tasty" means, they're probably not going to be reading I Can Read! books yet, anyway.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day

Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik & Carolyn Bracken
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy is all set to wear something special for Pajama Day at school. But when Bree and Clara show up in matching outfits, Nancy feels left out. Will this Pajama Day be as fun as she thought?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This isn't my favourite Fancy Nancy, though it's not terrible. The illustrations seem a little weaker than in some of the other I Can Read! titles. There's a good selection of "fancy" words, but the plot just doesn't seem very interesting to me.

Nancy decides to forgo being "twins" with Bree on Pajama Day because she wants to wear her fancy new nightgown instead. But when they get to school, it turns out that Bree and Clara have the same pajamas. Nancy feels left out. She can't even hang upside down on the monkey bars because she doesn't want to show her underpants! Later, there's a misunderstanding that almost ends in tears, but it's resolved quickly (very quickly) and everything ends on a high note. It's an okay story, but nothing special.

Recommended mostly to hardcore Fancy Nancy fans. There are better titles in the series.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Too Many Tutus

Fancy Nancy: Too Many Tutus (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Fancy Nancy's closet is bulging (that's a fancy way of saying it won't close). Nancy's mom thinks she should give away some of her tutus—but Nancy knows a fancy girl can never have too many tutus! But when Ms. Glass tells her class they will have a fancy swap-and-shop at school, will Nancy bring in some tutus to trade? And what happens when she finds the tutu of her dreams?

Following in the footsteps of all Fancy Nancy I Can Reads, Fancy Nancy: Too Many Tutus will delight beginning readers—and tiny, tutu-wearing fans will agree: There's no such thing as too many tutus!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book is tutu cute! (Sorry. I couldn't resist.) Not only are the illustrations in this one adorable, but it has a sweet message.

Nancy has too many tutus! So many, in fact, that she can't close her closet door. When the school has a swap-and-shop, her mom convinces her to get rid of some of the tutus she's outgrown or doesn't use anymore. Nancy is hesitant at first, but since each item she brings in for the swap-and-shop earns her a ticket to spend on new stuff, she gets into the spirit and brings in lots of her old things.

At the swap-and-shop, she spies the tutu of her dreams. Unfortunately, Grace also spies the same tutu and gets to it first. When Nancy realizes that Grace doesn't have enough tickets to buy the tutu, she starts to take it away. But then she sees how sad this makes Grace, and she actually gives Grace the extra tickets she needs to buy the tutu. She doesn't go home empty-handed, though; she still has enough tickets left to buy two new tutus for herself.

Lots of people will be able to relate to parts of this story. Kids grow up and grow out of their clothes, but sometimes it's hard to let go of favourite items. The swap-and-shop sounds like a great idea (even though, as Nancy says, it's mostly old sweatshirts and jeans; her taste is a little more refined than that). But what I really like about this story is Nancy's kindness toward Grace. She sets aside her own desires to make someone else happy, and that's a laudable thing.

The really cute illustrations in this one are icing on the cake. I bet the illustrator had fun drawing all the different tutus. The picture of Nancy dressing up her dog tickled me so much.

Overall, this is probably one of my favourite Fancy Nancy titles so far. A great message and fun illustrations make it the perfect addition to any Fancy Nancy collection.

Quotable moment:

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

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Super Secret Surprise Party

Fancy Nancy: Super Secret Surprise Party (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2015
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Join Fancy Nancy as she plans a surprise party in New York Times bestselling team Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser's beginning reader Fancy Nancy: Super Secret Surprise Party.

Shh! Fancy Nancy and her classmates are planning a surprise party—that means it's top secret! Together Nancy and her friends prepare the treats and decorate the classroom for the party. Everything has to be kept super secret. Even the cupcakes have a surprise inside! Will you be able to guess who the party is for? Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight as they join Nancy in planning a fabulous surprise in this Fancy Nancy I Can Read Super Secret Surprise Party.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a classic Fancy Nancy story. The kids in Ms. Glass's class are having a surprise party. Everyone is on a committee and has a job to do. Part of Nancy's job is refreshments (she bakes cupcakes). But when "mean girl" Grace overhears the kids talking about the party and learns she's not invited, she threatens to tattle. So Nancy and her friends have to do some quick thinking to solve the problem and swear Grace to secrecy.

The person the party is for isn't much of a mystery (at least, not for adult readers). But it's fun to see the kids all work together to make the party happen. This book actually reminded me a lot of JoJo and Daddy Bake a Cake, which I read last week. In that case, the recipient of the cake was a mystery, too (although, again, it's easy to guess). There are even the repeated gestures about keeping quiet; in this book it was "lock my lips", and in the JoJo book it was "zip my lips". This book actually came first, but it's still kind of neat to see how they mirrored each other.

The illustrations are cute and fun. What else can I say? This is yet another nice story that's perfect for fans of Nancy and her friends.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy at the Museum

Fancy Nancy at the Museum (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2008
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy's class is going on a fancy trip to the museum. A bumpy bus ride leaves Nancy feeling not-so-fancy, but Miss Glass saves the day, leaving Nancy as fancy as ever!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

It's no wonder Nancy loves her teacher. Ms. Glass gives her preferential treatment that we never see her give to any of the other kids!

This book really should be titled Fancy Nancy Barfs on the Bus, because that's really what it's all about. The kids go on a field trip to a museum on a bumpy bus. Bree feels sick so she doesn't want to eat her lunch. Nancy eats both of their lunches, and then proceeds to get sick before they even reach their destination. Because being covered in vomit isn't very "fancy", the teacher lets Nancy wear her tunic and beret. The actual part at the museum is very short. We learn terms like "masterpiece" and "portrait", and a couple of adults stroke Nancy's ego. So... this definitely isn't a favourite.

This appears to be one of the earlier I Can Read! titles, and though it's illustrated by Ted Enik (as are some of my favourite titles in the Fancy Nancy series), it almost looks like it was done by a completely different artist. Maybe Enik hadn't quite found his groove yet. But Nancy at times looks stoned, bloated, and even drunk, a far cry from her usual cute self.

I would've rather seen more emphasis on the museum (it played so little role in the story, despite the title) and less on Nancy's teacher trying to fix her mistake. In other words: less barfing, more art.

I wouldn't recommend this one, except to fans of the series.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Splendid Speller

Fancy Nancy: Splendid Speller (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Where spelling is concerned, Nancy is better than great--she's splendid! But when Ms. Glass's spelling test is harder than Nancy anticipated, the self-professed spelling prodigy faces a tough decision.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the type of Fancy Nancy book I like. While Nancy may think awfully highly of herself at times, she's not unable to learn from a dose of reality and be somewhat humble. This book also shows that she has a conscience.

Nancy thinks she's a pretty good speller and won't have any trouble with their upcoming spelling test. Still, she studies hard and practices spelling lots of things. When it comes time for the test, she can't remember how to spell one word. She thinks she might have it wrong, so she peeks at Bree's paper. But then she feels horribly guilty and leaves her answer the way it was. Sure enough, when she gets her paper back, she's spelled that word wrong... and, even worse, she feels she's a "wicked cheater". Her teacher gently explains that, although she was wrong to peek at Bree's paper, she's not a cheater because she stopped herself from actually changing her answer.

Nancy eventually learns that being splendid friends might be more important than being splendid spellers. Bree had a bit of trouble on the test, too, so it's all good... although, I do wonder what would've happened if Bree had scored higher than Nancy.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: Fancy Day in Room 1-A

Fancy Nancy: Fancy Day in Room 1-A (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

After a gloomy, gray week stuck inside at school, Nancy comes up with a great idea to cheer up her friends. Ms. Glass's classroom will celebrate a new holiday--Fancy Day! Everyone gets into the swing of things, practicing their manners and preparing for the party. But on the day of the celebration, Ms. Glass runs in late... looking quite plain. Can Nancy and her classmates doll up Ms. Glass and keep the party as elegant as expected?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

If this keeps up, Nancy's going to turn into a narcissist.

This is probably the weakest title I've read so far out of all the Fancy Nancy books. The premise is silly, and the boys' enthusiasm for the fancy party just doesn't make any sense given how they react to the idea of showing off their silly outfits in Fancy Nancy: It's Backward Day! (That book implies that fashion shows are too girly for the boys to be interested. But here, the boys are all excited about dressing up and using good manners! It's not consistent.)

There are three things that really bothered me about this book. First, it was implied that basic good manners are "fancy"... and therefore optional. That's not something I want to see in a children's book! Second, when Ms. Glass arrives late for the fancy party after a dental emergency, she's looking decidedly un-fancy. So what happens? The kids help make her fancy, of course... and I wouldn't have had a problem with that, but for the way it was worded:

Everyone helps dress up Ms. Glass.
It is like playing with a giant doll.

Yes. Let's teach children to objectify their teachers. Women are nothing but dolls to be dressed up, after all.

Third, the idea for the fancy party was Nancy's, and she knows it:

That evening,
I tell my family about Fancy Day.
"It was my proposal.
That means it was all my idea!"

At the end of the book, Ms. Glass has everyone thank Nancy for her idea. I don't know why this teacher is catering to this one child so much, but she's going to create a narcissistic little monster if she's not careful.

I did not like this one. (I seem to like these books more when they're about issues other than clothes or being fancy. Unfortunately, this title is pretty much all about those things.)

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: It's Backward Day!

Fancy Nancy: It's Backward Day! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Why is everything topsy-turvy today? It's Backward Day at Fancy Nancy's school!

Everyone is dressed for the occasion. When Ms. Glass can't think of any more backward ideas for the class, Nancy comes up with the perfect way to celebrate the day.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Many of the I Can Read! titles about Nancy and her friends feature some kind of dilemma that Nancy must solve. This book is no different. However, the dilemma isn't really much of a dilemma, and I'm disappointed that the book resorts to gender stereotypes to solve it.

The concept of Backward Day at Nancy's school is fun. They greet their teacher with "good-bye", wear their outfits backwards, say the alphabet backwards, make special nametags with their names written backwards, have a backwards race... well, you get the idea. Lionel really gets into the whole thing, managing to keep the whole opposite thing going with everything he says. (I'm not sure if this would be confusing to some kids or not. But I thought it was kind of cute.) Eventually, though, the teacher runs out of backwards ideas. So Nancy comes up with one: a backwards fashion show. The boys all hate the idea, but the teacher goes along with it anyway, allowing the girls to prance around the room while the boys look utterly bored. I don't know what's backwards about a fashion show, anyway; all it really did was encourage Nancy's somewhat superficial tendencies at the expense of half the class.

So, while I was enjoying this one for around the first 75%, the last part really brought my enjoyment to a screeching halt. I'm guessing there are probably some little boys who like these books, and they're not going to find much to relate to in titles like this one. (The kids in Nancy's class were all wearing goofy backwards clothes. I don't see why the idea of showing them off was so abhorrent in the first place, unless the author was trying to make some sort of gender-polarized statement.)

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Poison Ivy Expert

Fancy Nancy: Poison Ivy Expert (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2008
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

When Nancy picks flowers for Ms. Glass's surprise party, she is overjoyed--until she discovers an unpleasant surprise of her own! How could Nancy, practically a poison ivy expert, come down with something so unfancy?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Nancy picks some flowers for her teacher's birthday. She thinks she's being careful not to touch any poison ivy, but she comes into contact with some anyway and develops an itchy red rash. She has to stay home from school and even--gasp!--miss Picture Day on Thursday. But being laid up for a little while gives Nancy the chance to learn all about poison ivy and become a true expert so the same thing doesn't happen again in the future. And, thanks to a home remedy from her neighbour, she recovers quickly.

I thought it was kind of cute that Nancy doesn't know it all (she can sometimes think she does). I wasn't sure about the jewelweed remedy that the neighbour gives that seems to magically clear up the itch. I thought it sounded made up. But when I looked it up, I found that it's actually a natural remedy for poison ivy! (Who knew you could learn something from a seemingly frivolous children's picture book?)

Nancy is as fancy as ever, even managing to stay accessorized when she's itchy in bed. I also like the inclusion of the drawings from real second-graders in Nancy's journal.

This is another nice Fancy Nancy story that is likely to teach readers a few things they didn't already know.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles!

Fancy Nancy: Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Fancy Nancy and her class are going to see The Big Bubble Show!

Nancy and Bree can't wait to go. But when Bree gets sick and has to miss the show, Nancy decides to put on a bubble show of her own. Will Nancy and her classmates be able to put on the best bubble show ever?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I hate to say it, but this Fancy Nancy book kind of phoned it in. The story wasn't very strong, and there was just something missing from the illustrations (it may have been the fact that Nancy's oft-embellished hair was plain throughout the book). Also, what was up with Dad? Unless I missed the title called Fancy Nancy: Nancy's New Mom in which her father transitions... Why is he drawn to look like a woman in this book? (I know some people have complained about him looking like he has the head of a toddler on an adult body. But this took the weirdness to a whole other level. Now he looks like a little girl!)

The basic story is that Nancy's class goes to see this bubble show, but Bree is sick so she can't go. So Nancy gets the idea for her class to put on their own bubble show when Bree gets back to school. Bree shouldn't even have been back, in my opinion; she still had a sore throat, so she may have passed strep to all her friends. Nice.

This is probably the weakest Fancy Nancy I've read yet in the I Can Read! series. I didn't really like it.

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

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: The Show Must Go On

Fancy Nancy: The Show Must Go On (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy and her partner for the talent show are very different. They don't have any of the same talents. How will they ever come up with an act?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

There's going to be a talent show at Nancy's school, and she and her friend Bree have it all figured out. They're going to be partners, and they've already planned out their act and costumes. But then Ms. Glass tells everyone that she'll be assigning partners, and Nancy gets paired with Lionel. They don't seem to have any talents in common. Lionel doesn't sing or dance; his talents extend to wiggling his ears and balancing a spoon on his nose. Unfortunately, Nancy doesn't share his talents. They schedule a playdate so they can get to know each other better and maybe come up with something they can do together. When Nancy sees what's in Lionel's room, she gets a great idea...

This is a typical Fancy Nancy story with our heroine solving a problem. I've encountered Lionel in other books, but I wonder if this was his first appearance; there seems to be a bit more of an introduction to his character here. I like how Nancy works to solve her problem, rather than just complain about it. They do end up coming up with a good act, and Nancy makes herself another friend.

As usual, the illustrations are cute. The sequence of pictures showing Nancy and Lionel playing together is especially fun. There are also neat little touches foreshadowing Nancy and Lionel's eventual act for the talent show.

This is another nice Fancy Nancy for your collection!

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: Just My Luck!

Fancy Nancy: Just My Luck! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Learn all about luck with Fancy Nancy in New York Times bestselling team Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser's beginning reader Fancy Nancy: Just My Luck! This Level One I Can Read book is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. When Nancy discovers there's a whole list of what's lucky and what's not, her mind starts spinning. There are so many things to keep track of! Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in Nancy's attempts to sort out what she really believes.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book seems to be more about superstition than about luck, but it still has an important message. After Grace (her nemesis from Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl) tells her all about different things that can bring bad luck, Nancy exhausts herself trying to avoid anything that might be unlucky. She remembers just in time not to open her umbrella in the house, she narrowly avoids spilling salt, and she has to take a flying leap on the sidewalk to avoid stepping on a crack. She even gives the wrong answer in school so she won't have to say "thirteen"! By the end of the day, she's exhausted, and her teacher can tell that something is wrong. She tries to tell Nancy that the superstitions have no real power over her. Nancy isn't so sure. She wants to believe her teacher, but... On the way home, Nancy is forced to confront one of the superstitions, and she realizes that luck isn't always bad. What she thought was a terrible thing turns out to be a good thing!

I think I resonated with this one a little more than some of the others because I have severe OCD. Performing rituals to keep bad things from happening is exhausting. Superstitions and their accompanying rituals are a way to make us feel like we have some sort of control over our lives, but they're not always healthy... especially when they cause a lot of stress or adversely affect different areas of our lives (as is shown in this book). I like that Nancy eventually realizes that the superstitions don't hold any power, and that she's able to finally relax and see the other side of the coin (no pun intended) when it comes to luck.

This would be a great book for kids who have just been exposed to the idea of superstitions and luck and are perhaps stressing a little over the concept. It shows, in a gentle and accessible way, that superstitions only hold as much power as we give them.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: Time for Puppy School

Fancy Nancy: Time for Puppy School (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2017
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Ooh la la--school starts soon! Fancy Nancy can't wait to go back, but she'll miss Frenchy very much. Nancy's loved playing with her favorite puppy all summer, but sometimes Frenchy can be a bit naughty. When she gets into trouble one too many times, the Clancys decide that it's time for Frenchy to go to school, too--puppy school! But will Frenchy change her doggy ways?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Frenchy, the Clancy family's poodle, is the best dog ever... except when she's being naughty. As Nancy prepares for the upcoming school year, she gets a new backpack and decorates it (so that it's fancy, of course). Meanwhile, Frenchy is being a bad dog: trying to jump on the table, begging for food, and barking nonstop. The bad behaviour culminates in her un-fancying Nancy's new backpack... and it's off to puppy school for her.

I don't know. The story seemed a little weak to me, and the illustrations even looked a bit different in places. This is one of the newer Fancy Nancy titles from the I Can Read! series, so I don't know if the author and illustrator are just running out of steam. (I might've liked it more if I hadn't already read a bunch of these. It's not a bad book; it's just not quite as good as some of the others in the series.) Many of the Fancy Nancy books involve her cleverly solving a problem, but in this case, the dog was the problem, and after a week at puppy school, she was magically (and rather unrealistically, I thought) cured of all her bad habits.

Overall, this isn't near the top of my list of favourite Fancy Nancy books. But it's still pretty high up there, in terms of children's picture books in general. Dog lovers and Fancy Nancy fans will probably enjoy this one.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: The 100th Day of School

Fancy Nancy: The 100th Day of School (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Fancy Nancy celebrates the 100th Day of School in her own inimitable way, in this sweet and thoughtful story.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Is the 100th day of school a big deal? I don't know. I don't ever recall celebrating that in elementary school. In any case, Nancy's school does make a big deal out of this day, and all the kids are bringing in 100 of something. Nancy doesn't know what to bring. She doesn't have enough hair accessories or bracelets, and her parents' suggestions of socks and macaroni are boring. But when JoJo's goldfish dies, Nancy gets an imaginative idea that helps with her school dilemma as well as makes her sister feel better and honours Goldy's short life.

This is one of the sweeter Fancy Nancy stories, showing Nancy being a good big sister to little JoJo. Not only does she comfort the little girl after the death of her fish, she also includes her in the project to help memorialize the pet.

Although I still don't get what the big deal is about the 100th day, I do like the rest of the story. The illustrations are good, as usual. This is another nice I Can Read! title for your Fancy Nancy collection.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: Hair Dos and Hair Don'ts

Fancy Nancy: Hair Dos and Hair Don'ts (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Picture Day is just about the most important day of the year, and Nancy has her outfit all figured out. That leaves only one thing—picking a hairstyle! Nancy considers the options. Pigtails? A bun? Long and loose? Then Nancy gets a brain wave, and she reaches for the scissors....

(synopsis from Goodreads)

It's Picture Day! Nancy wants to find the perfect hairstyle for her curly red tresses so she looks extra fancy. She just so happens to be reading a book about Amelia Earheart at the time, and she thinks that a bob might be just the way to go. So she takes a little off the top and a little off the sides and a little off the front. But the haircut doesn't go according to plan, and Nancy declares that she couldn't possibly go to school. (Her mother quickly puts an end to that notion!)

I thought the story was cute, but readers should be aware of something that could be viewed as cultural appropriation. Before Nancy decides to cut her hair, she wants her hair braided in cornrows. In this case, I doubt she has any inkling of the implications of doing that as a white girl; she's just a six-year-old who wants her hair to be like her friend Bree's (Bree is black). I'm not sure how one would even explain this issue to a child that age, and I'm not even certain how much of a problem it is; Nancy's not about to Instagram her hair and claim she came up with the style. In any case, her dad turns out to be a terrible braider, so the cornrows don't happen.

I also had a little bit of an issue with one of the fancy words. I wouldn't say "complicated" is the "opposite of easy". That's "difficult". I think I'd probably define it as the "opposite of simple". (If books are going to be defining words for kids, I'd like those definitions to be fairly accurate.)

Overall, though, this is a cute story, and one that I'm sure has played out all over. Overzealous kids + scissors = a problem. But Nancy's teacher has a surprise that helps take a bit of the sting out of that bad haircut, and Nancy ends the book with the hope that she has fast-growing hair... which is really about all she can do. Patience, Nancy. It'll grow back.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy: My Family History

Fancy Nancy: My Family History (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy wants to do an interesting school report on her ancestor. (That's fancy for a family member who lived long ago.) But will she remember to stick to the plain truth?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Being interested in genealogy myself, I was looking forward to reading this book. I could really relate to Nancy and her wish for more interesting ancestors. After hearing about her friends' great-grandparents and their exciting lives, Nancy wishes that her own ancestors weren't so ordinary. So she starts to embellish her report. She plans to present it, too, until she finds out that her grandfather (from whom she got the information) is going to be coming to her class to watch. Then she has to confess to her mother that she "exaggerated" (her mother basically tells her that, no, she lied)... and a rewrite of the report is in order, complete with a story about lying found in her own family tree.

While I liked the story itself, I was driven to distraction by the definition of the word "ancestors". Technically, an ancestor is anyone who came before you in your direct line: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. But this book implies that only great-grandparents and beyond are ancestors, which leads to Nancy stating that all of her ancestors are dead! The next few pages have her going home to her parents (ancestors) and talking to her grandfather (also an ancestor), so that could potentially be confusing for kids.

Aside from that one terrible word definition, I liked this one. The pictures are cute, and I especially liked seeing Nancy's grandfather. (They wear similar slippers around the house!) The ending with Nancy realizing that she has something in common with her ancestors, who aren't so boring after all, is nice. This is another strong addition to the Fancy Nancy series... although I would address the issue with the word "ancestors" with kids so they're able to understand and use the word correctly.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl

Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy will have to do some fancy footwork to resolve her predicament in this latest Fancy Nancy story for beginning readers. Much to her dismay, Nancy has been chosen for the relay team in this year's Field Day at school. Despite her many natural talents, Nancy isn't much of a runner. She's afraid of letting her team down--especially after finding out that an unkind (that's another word for mean) girl in her class is on the team too. With a little help from her dad, Nancy tries her best, stands up for herself, and makes a new friend.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This story is about Nancy having to deal with a "mean girl"... although Grace seems more competitive than really mean. While what she says and how she says it isn't exactly nice, she's not wrong. Nancy is a terrible runner, and they probably will lose the relay race.

Nancy figures that the best way to get out of further humiliation is to fake an injury. But that plan goes sideways when she keeps limping on the wrong foot and her dad notices. So she confesses to him why she doesn't want to run in the race, and they talk for a long time. When it's time for Nancy to confront Grace, she basically tells the girl that while she may be a good runner, she's not a very good sport. This gives Grace something to think about, and leads to a conclusion that I thought was a little unrealistic. Still, this is a book for young children, and a more realistic depiction of the kind of bullying many kids are subjected to today would probably be a little out of place in this series.

The illustrations are lovely, as usual (I really do prefer Ted Enik's take on Robin Preiss Glasser's original style), and the fancy words--including "dread", "prefer", and "speechless"--are defined clearly.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes

Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Yummy, cupcakes are scrumptious (that's fancy for tasty!). Nancy is thrilled to be making cupcakes for the bake sale! But will she remember to follow all of Mom's directions?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This Fancy Nancy book has listening as a theme. It starts at school when Nancy is too busy daydreaming about cupcakes to listen to her teacher. (To her credit, she apologizes after class.) At home, Nancy and her mom bake cupcakes for the school bake sale. When they're done, she takes some over to her neighbour. Her mom tells her to make sure not to put the cupcakes where Frenchy (the dog) can reach them. But Nancy's listening skills are a bit lacking, and you can guess what happens next. (The family ends up having to bake another batch, which is probably for the best. The first batch had JoJo sticking her fingers in the batter, and Frenchy sniffing at the preparations with her paws on the counter. I don't know how bake sales are even legal! Where's the health department when you need them?)

This book has some fun fancy words, like "delectable", "exhausted", and "velvet"... all of which are potentially important for fancy little kids. I liked the emphasis on being a good listener in this one, and the pictures are cute, as always.

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

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Too-Loose Tooth

Fancy Nancy and the Too-Loose Tooth (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy absolutely must have her first tooth fall out at school. That way she will be sure to receive the special tooth-holder necklace from the school nurse. But when Nancy's tooth starts wiggling at home, she is worried she might lose it before class. How can Nancy make sure her loose tooth falls out at school?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Fancy Nancy and her friends are at an age where teeth are falling out like crazy. When Nancy's friend Lionel loses a tooth at school, the school nurse gives him a little plastic tooth necklace to keep his tooth in. Of course, when Nancy sees it, she desperately wants one of her own... but you only get the tooth necklace if your tooth falls out at school. So Nancy does everything she can to keep her loose tooth in place when she's at home. She eats soft foods. She doesn't talk. She tries taping it in place. She sleeps with her mouth open.

But the next day, she loses her tooth on the way to school. She gets the coveted necklace, but the victory feels hollow. She isn't sure she deserves it because her tooth didn't technically fall out at school. I like how Nancy's dilemma with her conscience is shown, and how the problem is eventually resolved.

The pictures are cute, as usual. (There aren't nearly enough deely boppers depicted in children's literature.) This is one of those stories that pretty much everybody over the age of six will be able to relate to, even if their school didn't hand out cool tooth necklaces!

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