Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy

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.)