Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Fancy Nancy is back! And when her family decides to get a dog, she's certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon—a small, delicate, fluffy dog—is the ultimate accessory. But her family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous!

With Fancy Nancy's trademark humor and warmth, Nancy discovers that real fanciness does not depend simply on appearance but more on a genuine joie de vivre, which is a fancy phrase for having lots of fun.

Publishers Weekly

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. (Apr.)

Children's Literature

Fancy Nancy is back and she is ecstatic—her family is going to get a real dog. Of course, Nancy wants a fancy dog, setting her sights on a papillon like her neighbor's pampered pooch. Nancy's unfancy family has other ideas. Dad says that papillons are small dogs that stay indoors and mom says that they are too delicate. Then they discover that the neighbor needs a puppy sitter. Nancy to the rescue. The tiny papillon is no fun at all. It will not jump into the plastic swimming pool; it will not play fetch; and it gets sick all over Nancy's elegant dress after a jarring ride in a wagon. Nancy is devastated with disappointment until her parents take her to an animal shelter and she discovers Frenchy. Frenchy is playful, smart, and cuddly. She is the perfect dog for Nancy's family. The detailed pastel illustrations extend the story showing Nancy's passion for all things posh. Nancy's whimsical outfits and her use of high faulutin' words are a delight. A fun read aloud.

Robin L. GibsonCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. - School Library Journal

PreS-K
Nancy, 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.

Kirkus Reviews

Fancy Nancy Clancy, the charming child who likes beads, baubles and big words, returns for another fanciful adventure that will please her adoring audience. As in the first entry in the series, Nancy dresses to the nines, uses sophisticated vocabulary and tries valiantly to elevate her family's tastes from practical to fantastic. In this sequel, the Clancy family is planning to buy a puppy, and Nancy wants a French papillon like Jewel, the pampered pooch owned by their next-door neighbor. When Nancy and her family arrange to dogsit for Jewel, they realize that such a tiny, delicate breed doesn't fit their lifestyle after all. They visit a shelter and adopt a larger, more playful dog named Frenchy, who can play games and do tricks and still be dressed up in doggie accessories. Glasser's appealing ink-and-watercolor illustrations again add considerable charm to Nancy's precocious personality, from her dog bone-bedecked headband and poodle skirt right down to her lacy, heart-embroidered socks. Nancy seems destined for more explorations of things frou-frou and frilly-perhaps a shopping trip to Paris with Frenchy? (Picture book. 3-7)

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