Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly
Fancy Nancy Series
What’s inside...
Fancy Nancy is as glamorous as ever in this picture book by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. Nancy is upset when she finds out she can't attend her best friend Bree's Butterfly Birthday party due to her grandparents' fiftieth anniversary party on the same day. Despite her disappointment and her prepared azure butterfly costume, Nancy learns the importance of family and overcomes her frustration. This tale highlights the power of family and overcoming disappointment, making it a perfect read for fans of the Eloise and Olivia books. Additionally, Fancy Nancy is now a hit TV series on Disney Junior, bringing her fabulous adventures to the screen.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nancy Clancy
Bree
Mrs. Clancy
Discussion points
Why do you think Nancy was so excited about the butterfly birthday party?
How did Nancy feel when she found out she couldn't go to the party, and why?
What are some ways Nancy tried to make her grandparents' anniversary special?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned, like Nancy’s situation? What did you do?
What does this story teach us about handling disappointment and making the best of a situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating to Nancy’s experiences. Ask them how they might feel in similar situations and why.
Discuss the importance of family and how Nancy handled her conflicting feelings about the anniversary party and her best friend’s birthday.
Highlight Nancy’s creativity in making the anniversary special and encourage your child to think of ways they can celebrate and appreciate their family members.
Use the book’s vivid illustrations to engage younger children, asking them to describe what they see and how the colors and expressions help tell the story.
Reinforce the message of resilience and finding joy in unexpected circumstances by sharing personal family stories that align with this theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of understanding and managing disappointment
Explanation: Nancy faces disappointment when her parents tell her she can’t attend her friend's birthday party. She learns to handle her emotions and understand her parents’ perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate their feelings of disappointment in similar situations, understanding that sometimes other responsibilities or events might prevent them from participating in something they desire.
Example Lesson: Valuing and respecting friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nancy's excitement for her friend's birthday and her efforts to make up for missing it highlight the importance she places on friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cherish their friends and consider their feelings, promoting strong, respectful relationships from a young age.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression through personal style
Explanation: Nancy’s love for elaborate outfits and accessories showcases her unique personality and creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express themselves in their own unique ways, whether through clothing, art, or other forms of self-expression.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: When faced with the dilemma of missing the party, Nancy comes up with a thoughtful solution to show her friend she cares.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in solving their problems and finding alternative ways to reach their goals or show their affection.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By the end of the story, Nancy learns to see the situation from her parents' perspective and forgives them for making her miss the party.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of seeing things from others’ points of view, improving their empathy and emotional intelligence.