Children’s Book Review: Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly
March 19, 2008 — Tricia AresJane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly. HarperCollins. 32 p. Ages 4-7. ISBN: 9780061235887 (ISBN10: 0061235881) $16.99
Do butterflies speak French? “Maybe” says Fancy Nancy, the endearing character created by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling team behind the 2007 Quill Award nominated Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. Bonjour, Butterfly is the latest in the Fancy Nancy franchise, and a picture book triumph!
Fancy Nancy and her friend Bree LOVE butterflies. One might even call them exquisite (a fancy word for beautiful), especially if you’re a young girl with a penchant for glamour. With Bree’s birthday right around the corner, what better way to celebrate their love of butterflies than with a Butterfly Birthday Bash, complete with a butterfly birthday cake! But when her mom tells her she can’t go because of her grandparent’s very dull wedding anniversary, Fancy Nancy isn’t mad—she’s furious! Fear not, life sparkles with more surprises than an iridescent butterfly wing, and soon Fancy Nancy is having a fabulous time.
I absolutely adore this picture book. The artwork is lavish and the use of language is divine, making it a feast for the eyes and the ears.
Glasser’s technical ability is stunning as her detailed illustrations enrich the stories theme and adds depth to an already charming story. In one scene Fancy Nancy models her fancy butterfly costume for her younger sister. In the background three pictures (evidently drawn by Fancy Nancy herself) hang on the wall. The descriptive caption in the first picture reads “PLAIN Caterpillar,” the second reads “EVEN PLAINER cocoon,” and finally, the third reads “FANCY Butterfly.” In the foreground, Fancy Nancy stretches up on her tippy toes, a blanket puddled around her feet. Her little sister sits on the floor completely wrapped in another blanket, watching Fancy Nancy with an expression of obvious admiration. This adorable image suggests that Fancy Nancy is just starting to emerge from the cocoon that still swaddles her younger sister, adding a subtext to O’Connor’s narration.
O’Connor clearly understands the relationship children have with language. The author makes no attempt to talk down to her young readers. The story is liberally sprinkled with a plethora of fancy words, often defined by Fancy Nancy herself. Children love elaborate words and enjoy using them correctly. (I recall my kindergarten fascination with the word ‘obstinate’; a word that expressed so much more than just being ‘stubborn.’)
Along with the challenging vocabulary, O’Connor’s writing captures the ups and downs of pre-school emotion in all of its delightful detail and drama. Fancy Nancy is a character parents will recognize and small children can relate to. The theme of finding joy despite disappointment is one that will resonate with both reader and listener, and provides a platform for further discussion.
I highly recommend Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly. It’s a delightful combination of rich art and literary expression.
