EducatingParents.org rating: Approved

Fancy Nancy is very funny and fun fancying up her classmates' lives; and I'm doing my best to be a 36-year-old dad here and not a 21-year-old boy who can't keep his mind out of the gutter, and not acknowledge that the teacher (who is of course a drawing) is, well ... hot. (Hangs head.) ( )

In this book, Nancy has lots of tutus and her closet won't shut. She doesn't want to give any tutus away but her mom insists. At school if you bring clothes in you can trade for other children's clothes. Nancy sees a tutu she wants but her friend wants it to. They argue over the tutu but Nancy's friend doesn't have enough points. Nancy then gives her enough points and makes her friend happy. Nancy ends up with two tutus and her closet can shut.

The theme of this book is to always be kind and share. This is a very important concept, especially for children who need to learn how to share and not be selfish. This book is also great for children who are learning how to read and the illustrations create a very convincing image of the plot.

Fancy Nancy books are a great tool for children to learn "fancy" words. It gives children words to use, in the right context. For example, Nancy uses the word spectacles instead of glasses.
Lots of fun! ( )

Little Kid Reaction: "Wow, that's sad ... but good, too." I thought the book would be too young for our daughter, but she looked beyond the easy words to the story.

Big Kid Reaction: I am really glad I found this book. It focuses less on the issue of slavery and more on Johnny McCline's life and character. As an adult, and having read other accounts, it seems a little Pollyanna-ish, but I liked it for its focus on personal responsibility and perseverance.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.