Today was a day unlike any other. On this fateful day, January 22 around noon, I discovered Fancy Nancy.
Today's quest involved going to the bookstore and talking with informative employees about what they consider to be the most popular picture books. After getting sidetracked by the Rick Riordan table, the tantalizing Sara Shepard display, and President Obama's contribution to children's literature, Of Thee I Sing, I finally made it to a source of knowledge. Her immediate pick for little girls, age 4-7? Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.
"Fancy Nancy is about a little girl who loves big words and dressing up," she explained.
"Sounds like my kind of girl," I replied.
With one look at sassy Nancy on the cover, decked out in a tiara, pink sunglasses, and high heels with lace socks, I quickly made off to a squishy armchair to indulge.
If my big smile didn't reveal my enjoyment enough, I'm pretty sure my highly public laughter did. Fancy Nancy prefers to spell her name "Nancée," wants to learn French because it sounds elegant, and says words like "plume" and "posh". Nancy does not understand why her family is so plain. Quelle horreur! So she goes into Mission Makeover Mode and teaches her family what she knows best - how to be fancy. Turns out, even Nancy, Queen of Chic herself, can pick up a thing or two from Mom and Dad!
The illustrations are enchanting and incredibly detail-oriented, corresponding beautifully with everything Nancy embodies. What little girl isn't going to fall in love with all the pink and glitter? As someone completely besotted with sparkly jewelry and gorgeous dresses, I identified with Nancy's enthusiasm and panache. And I want to commission her to bedazzle my room.
Great review Rachel. I can picture you sitting there and laughing out loud.
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