Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist

Fancy Nancy

by Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

Fancy Nancy shares all her fancy tips on being an artist extraordinaire!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art, Fiction, Kids, 1st Grade, Juvenile

32 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Since the publication of Fancy Nancy, Jane O'Connor's closet now boasts so many boas, tiaras, and sparkly ensembles that sometimes friends do not recognize her on the street. She still resides (that's a fancy word for lives) in New York City with her family and their canine companion, Arrow. --from the publisher's website

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fancy Nancy is less than thrilled when vacation arrives but her best friend Bree takes off for a family vacation to New York City. Her mother comforts her with a pack of glitter markers, and our favorite fancy girl decides to turn her backyard clubhouse into an art studio. Over the course of the week she creates pieces in the style of Degas, Monet, Matisse and Pollock. When Bree finally returns, complete with sketches she did in New York, the two girls and their friend Lionel have an art show in their back yard...

The fourth smaller-sized Fancy Nancy picture-book that I have read - the others being Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire! , Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! and Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day - this charming title is partly fictional and partly non-fictional, pairing the story of Nancy's vacation art experiences with information about real artists, and reproductions of their works. Unlike some of the earlier titles in this format, there was no afterword with further information, which was something of a disappointment. Still, the end result was a delight, both from a narrative and an illustrative standpoint. I continue to find this series engaging, with books that are both entertaining and informative. Recommended to all Fancy Nancy fans, and to young would-be artists.

[Ange (Our Epic TBR List) Schmelzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nancy's best friend, Bree, gets to go on vacation to a REAL art museum, she feels terrible. An art museum sounds SO FANCY and it's in New York City of all places! The most glamorous place of all! When Nancy's mom surprises her with brand new glitter markers and her little sister with crayons inspiration strikes! Nancy begins on an artistic journey while waiting for Bree to get back, which ends in a Local Artist Exhibit right in their very own back yard!

Mallory's thoughts: I loved this because I want to be an Artist when I grow up! And, I liked ALL her fancy words. I liked all the places she drew in. She was outside a lot. I was surprised that Mrs. DeVine was fancy just like her! Fancy Nancy is the fanciest girl I've ever seen! I loved all the fish drawings. Oh, and I really like when they splashed paint everywhere! I like Lionel's faces he makes. Lionel's such a goofball! I liked Claude Monet's painting the most. I wish I was fancy like Nancy!

My thoughts: I love Fancy Nancy! My girls just hang on every word in her books and on every drawing to see what she's going to say and wear! This one was extra special with all of the information and exposure to great, classic artists and their works which inspire Nancy and her friends. Today after reading this book with them last night I come upstairs to them producing their own performance in the most wild and hilarious outfits! There wasn't a scarf unused! The best part? When I asked what they were I was told "I was a storm! That's why I'm wearing all this black!" and "I'm a rainbow!" These books bring out the most amazing imaginations in children! What more could you ask for in a book!?

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quasi-non-fiction Fancy Nancy title. This time, it's about art and artists. When Bree goes away to New York City, Nancy is left behind to her own devices. She's feeling a little glum, so her mom brings her a set of glitter markers. Nancy gets to work, making all sorts of art.

Since Bree is away, Nancy spends quite a bit of time with another friend, Lionel. He's a pretty goofy kid, but he's also a really good artist, so he and Nancy spend a lot of time drawing. Then Nancy's dad takes them to an art museum where they get to see some works by the masters.

Throughout the book, kids are introduced to various historical artworks and the artists who created them. Degas, Monet, Matisse, and Pollock are all mentioned, and versions of their pieces are included. I thought Nancy's impressions of a Jackson Pollock painting were pretty astute, and it shows kids that there's more than one way to look at a piece of art.

When they get home, Nancy and Lionel (with the help of JoJo and Frenchy) make a great big Pollock-inspired painting. (That illustration is one of my favourites in the book!) And by the end of the week when Bree returns, Nancy has made enough art that she decides to hold an art show in the backyard for her parents and friends.

This book seems to have a little more story to it than some of the other titles with the non-fiction slant. The narrative is laid out using the days of the week (perhaps counting down the days until Bree returns). Overall, it's a strong installment in the Fancy Nancy series and will likely appeal to budding artists.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the first Fancy Nancy book I've read though I certainly helped a lot of summer reading kids find them last year. The vocabulary in this book would be great in a writing lesson on stretching student word use.

I would like to argue with Nancy that doodles do count as art. Fancy Nancy mentions different artists and some of their pictures and styles are reflected in the book.

My favorite quote in this book is "Artists are allowed to break rules!" I appreciated that Nancy also has bad art days. Creativity can be hard and elusive. I know this from writing.

The elementary school I attended once had a mass student created replica of the Jackson Pollock painting shown in Aspiring Artist. I would love to fling paint around like these kids do outside on the grass.

[Amber M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Awards: None
Grade Level: 3-4

I could use Fancy Nancy Aspiring Artist in my classroom to help build the students vocabulary and introduce them to some famous painters. Fancy Nancy uses different words in the book that you normally do not hear on a day-to-day bases. For a follow up activity I will have a list of some of the words that were used in the book and there synonyms. I will have the students complete a synonym booklet. The students will fold a piece of construction paper in half and then choose 2 words from the list that I have provided. I will have them write 2 different sentences with the words they have choose and draw a picture under each sentence.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We really enjoy the Fancy Nancy series of books. The humorous and vocabulary-building narrative and classic Robin Preiss Glasser illustrations are just as entertaining as ever and we liked the art theme. Our youngest really liked the ballet scene, too. Our girls were inspired to create their own art exhibit - they certainly have enough artwork to show off! I like that it's a gentle introduction to some classic artwork.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read most of the Fancy Nancy books, and I just adore them (adore is fancy for love love love!) (Ok if you read the books, the author defines all the big, fancy words for the reader like I just did.) Really cute and well crafted stories, I can really relate to Nancy sometimes (but don't tell anyone bc I'm a self-pronounced tomboy!)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fancy Nancy is a breath of fresh air in the stultifying world of little girls' picture books. The author revels in her lace, ruffles, and bows-loving heroine's femininity without insulting her (or her readers') intelligence. Nancy faces the many crisises of childhood with pluck and good cheer, allowing the adults in her life to teach and guide her into a better understanding of how to face her fears and troubles - be they a disruptive little sister, an unusual babysitter, or a boring spring break spent at home without her best friend. My favorite part? Instead of talking down to her readers, she teaches them legitimate "fancy" vocabulary! Love it!
Oh, and did I mention the illustrations? Detailed, fun, and pitch-perfect.
Hide those "Pinkalicious" books and check out "Nancy" for your 4 to 8 year old instead!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kiddo is not usually drawn to the books in the “sparkly” section of the library, but I convinced him to try something new and get a Fancy Nancy book because I told him she likes to use big fancy words. He picked this one because he likes art too. It was fun to see the kids try out different art styles based on famous paintings, and I could see my kid getting some ideas. Nancy might be a little entitled with over-indulgent parents, but it was fun and I’m glad kiddo finally agreed to a sparkly book. (Though I did skip over the text where she says her doodles and sister’s scribbles aren’t “real art”).

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this delightful book, Nancy has to amuse herself during spring vacation. Her best friend Bree is out of town.

She builds an art clubhouse and gets to work making artistic masterpieces.

Each day she does something different. Her art is done with her own unique flair of course.

The book mentions the famous artists Degas, Monet, Matisse, and Pollock.


A nice book for a budding artistic child to read.

[Kari Riles-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the Fancy Nancy books, especially this one, because I am also an Aspiring Artist. I learned about four new artists: Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock. Each artist has different styles from what was explained in the book. Inspiration struck Nancy with each artists individual work of art into her drawings. Hopefully I can reference their styles, the way Nancy did, into my art one day.

[Shaalini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read Fancy Nancy:Aspiring Artist by Jane O Connor. It's about a girl Nancy who shares all of her fancy tips being as a extraodinare artist. I enjoyed these type of books because it's a interesting story book to read with friends and family. Although I recommend the book to an a eight year old children those who also like to read interesting books.
By:Shaalini
Gogineni

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for a Storytime, and it worked out wonderfully. I would recommend it for older kids (3-5). There are mentions of several famous artist if you are recreating a specific style (Matisse, Monet, Jackson Pollack). Despite being wordy, the book kept the kid's attention, especially with some ~fancy~ theatrics.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and I loved it and I loved it. my name is hope. hope Lily Wirtheim.🇦🇫🇦🇼🇦🇪🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇴🇦🇼🇦🇺🇦🇶🇦🇼🇦🇪🇦🇺🇦🇪🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇶🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇶🇦🇺🇦🇶🇦🇺🇦🇶🇦🇺🇨🇦🇨🇦. hope loved it and she likes to spend some of her free time making the same type of art.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the big words. I love how Nancy knows who she is and loves who she is. I love all the great paintings children are introduced to in this book. I love how it shows Nancy having a hard time creating what she wanted and we see the resolution of that.

[Jessica Mogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family loves Fancy Nancy. Such a fun series.

[Kashe Jester · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book. I like this series.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hav really liked it. I did too.

[C.W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also like to do art 🖼 🥰✍️📖

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun way to encourage creativity in kids!

Recommended for 3 and up.

[Kaylee Harkness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the real world art comparisons and the links to art history and things our kids can actually try and experience!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not our first read through of this one and my kids love Fancy Nancy. Another solid addition. One of my kids gets super excited that they talked about Henri Matisse in school.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy learns about various types of paintings.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is kind of an intro to art appreciation.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to both my granddaughters. They loved it. So beautifully illustrated and the writing is quite fancy.

[Norshakila Makmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

i like the art ideas nancy has in this book because my girl loves art.

[Len Christenberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of the statements that doodles and scribbles are not "real art", especially for a kids book.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE these books! Teaches all sorts of new vocabulary! This book revolves around art. You could use this as a template for activities to do during the week when you have art time. This would be lots of fun and very interactive for the students!

[Heba Badr-El-Din · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fancy Nancy is about a girl named Nancy, who need to find a new hobby while her friend is away. This is where she decides she want to be an artist. She spends the rest of spring break creating and finding new ways of getting inspiration. She pulls inspiration from dance classes, the flowers in the garden, movies and even from an at museum that her father takes her to. She gets the idea to make a big piece of art, like a tapestry. When her friend come home the the children get together to make this art piece. When it finished they have a show case to display all her work and how much happiness it brought her. This book is very inspiring, because she follows her dream of becoming an artist. No matter how blocked she got, she would find new inspirations and her parents were always supportive. The support that Nancy got from her parents remind me of when I was younger and how they would always tell me to pursue my dreams. I would defiantly recommend this book because not only was the story and picture entertaining. But this book uses come complicated words that would be great for an exercise to learn the words and their meaning. Fancy Nancy also introduces a famous artists and some of the art work that she became inspired by, it would be great to make a fun class art project that is related to one of these artists.

[Kassie Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: pre-k
Genre: realistic- fiction
Award(s): none

The vocabulary in this book would be great in a writing lesson on stretching student word use. I would teach the students the synonyms for the big silly words that Nancy use. I would have about a three day follow-up activity. One activity would be to have the students choose a word and from the synonym list that we created and they would trace the dots (spelling out the word). I would also have them go home and they would have to use the word correctly three times. There would be a check list sheet for the parents to check make sure they are using the word right and they would have to indicate how the word was used. Another way of using the book is introducing the many different artist Fancy Nancy talks about in the book. I would have the students draw their own creation of art like Nancy did (for example the flowers she draw in the garden). For our last project I would have the students come together and create a moral. I would divide the paper into equal spaces for each person in the class. I would have each student create a design on his or her designated spot. We would than hang up the image concluding our "Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artisit".