Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Fancy Nancy books are stupendous. (That’s a fancy word for “great.”)  Once you have read through Jane O’Connor’s series, what’s next? You might have discovered Pinkalicious or the infamous Eloise already. Fear not, mon chérie, there’s more to discover.

Kevin Henkes has written books in this vein, such as Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse. Chrysanthemum and Sheila Rae the Brave are also not to be forgotten.

Edie’s Ensembles by Ashley Spires is a playful story about dress up with a positive takeaway message. 

Perhaps your little reader would enjoy this homage to the legendary French Chef, Julia, Child by Kyo Maclear. I recommend this title for any age. Get the mademoiselle or monsieur practicing French cuisine too, with Kids Cook French – Les Enfants Cuisinent à la Française by Claudine Pépin. Everybody Bonjours by Leslie Kimmelman is short and sweet, like eating a macaron. Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone may have you pirouetting in no time.

Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beatty is imaginative and the rhyming pattern features clever words. Just like Nancy Clancy, a budding sleuth or aspiring soccer star, Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. 

Interstellar Cinderella is no ordinary Cinderella story. It’s got a strong female protagonist and all the right vocabulary. (Spell:  Nebulae). Another strong girl with persuasiveness to boot is Sophia in One Word from Sophia by Jim Averbeck.

Jennie’s Hat by Ezra Jack Keats is one classic to pass by members of the Fancy Nancy fan club. They might appreciate Jennie’s desire to beautify her accouterments. (That’s a fancy word for “accessories.”)

For the Beginner Readers, Mo Willems’ Diva and Flea is a great choice. Anne Michaels, who you may remember from adult fiction, has outshone herself with The Adventures of Miss Petitfour and her 16 cats. The language is rich and the adventures will tickle you pink. I loved this book and it would be a great read aloud.

Tea for Ruby by Sarah, Duchess of York was actually illustrated by Robin Preiss-Glasser, the same woman who animated Fancy Nancy on the page.

The Charlie & Lola series by Lauren Child portrays siblings in a funny and accurate way. There are definitely some parallels between Nancy and Lola.  Check out the vocabulary building and wordplay in But Excuse Me That is My Book and I will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato.

The richness of language and Fancy Nancy's sassy character are doorways into the charming story lines. Pinkies up and with a little bit of luck, some of these other titles might spark interest.  Have you come across other Fancy Nancy-esque titles?