Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy

Starred review from March 19, 2007
Fancy Nancy fans will loudly cheer her return and will be happy to discover that she has not lost a lick of her joie de vivre—or her glitter and glam. "I am ecstatic. (That's a fancy word for happy)," she announces, explaining that her family is getting a puppy, "a real one," she adds, as Glasser creates a comical scene of Nancy drafting her sister into the role of pretend-pooch (drawing on a noise with indelible marker). Nancy initially hopes for a dog like Jewel, the papillon that belongs to her elegant neighbor. But Nancy's practical parents think this breed is too small and delicate, and instead suggest hardier dogs; "I shake my head. Too big. Too brown. Too plain. Sometimes it's hard being the only fancy person in the family." Yet when she dog-sits for Jewel, she discovers that the prim and proper pooch does not enjoy romping or fetching like Nancy's friends' dogs. She realizes that Jewel's breed is not the perfect kind for her family. Her parents' idea to visit an animal shelter, however, brings about the perfect solution. Nancy spies spirited and smart Frenchy ("a La Salle spaniel," according to her father), who turns out to be just what the family needs. Glasser's fittingly fancy flourishes and abundant humor once again capture this young heroine's exuberant personality and delightfully exaggerated facial expressions. Author and artist make a sparkling encore performance. Ages 4-7.

January 1, 2008
PreS-KNancy, the spirited preschooler with a distinctive sense of style, wants a pet. The posh puppy she has her eye on is a papillon, just like the one that belongs to her neighbor, Mrs. DeVine. Her parents try unsuccessfully to persuade her to consider a sturdier breed. Then she puppysits for the pooch and discovers that this delicate little creature isn't very well suited for a family pet. Fortunately, a trip to the local animal shelter proves just the thing, where Nancy finds the aptly named Frenchy, a lovable, medium-sized, curly-haired dog. Glasser's bright, energetic illustrations perfectly convey the child's lively personality and panache. Nancy's expressive gestures and poses will be readily understood by children and recognized by sympathetic adults. The entertaining story and exuberant illustrations combine for a book with loads of child appeal."Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH"

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