Naughty Nancy Goes to School

The British artist's new wordless book records, in his shimmering watercolors, the latest capers of that misbehaving Victorian mouse, Nancy. As in Goodall's previous small delights, half-pages hide secrets for readers to discover when Nancy's mother takes the imp to school. The teacher can't turn her back for fear NN will perpetrate mischief. At recess, Nancy clobbers a brawny lad; she climbs to the schoolhouse roof, leaps off and knocks the teacher down. An outing at the beach gives the child more chances to be stroppy but she redeems herself, finally. Rescuing a tot from drowning, Nancy beams and blushes as she accepts, before cheering crowds, a splendid trophy for heroism, presented by a royal personage. (All ages)