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Parents' Guide to

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Butterflies and grandparents can be fancy too.

Book Jane O'Connor Picture Book 2008
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Fancy Nancy is more than mad when she finds out she has to go her grandparents' 50th anniversary party rather than to her best friend Bree's butterfly birthday celebration. Luckily, a flair for fancy runs in the family, and Nancy learns to live with her disappointment.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

As usual, the bejeweled, beribboned Nancy has spunk, and a plan for making the world fancier. And, as usual, the pages of her story are filled with fancy words as well flowing, expressive, fancy illustrations. Butterflies are a part of the theme here, and the scene in the butterfly garden is particularly exquisite...gorgeous as Nancy calls it.

When Nancy's world conflicts with those around her, particularly her parents, she gets mad, furious in fact, and they handle the whole situation with a gentle, yet firm, understanding that is to be admired. Without losing her flair for a moment, Nancy works through her disappointment and, with her family's loving support, finds "fancy" in unexpected places. This is a terrific series, with something for everyone. New works include Spanish editions, I Can Read Books, and even a dictionary of Fancy Nancy words.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the disappointment Fancy Nancy feels and the way she deals with it. Have you ever planned on something the way she planned on going to Bree's party, and then been let down as she was? Did you think her parents were right in making her go to the grandparents' party instead? What did you think about the way her parents dealt with Nancy's disappointment? What did Nancy learn in the end?

Book Details

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