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Fancy Nancy
Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!
From the dazzling bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, a picture book with a nonfiction twist for the fancy girl who loves the outdoors!
For the fanciest girl around, the outdoors are out of this world. Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, set out to explore the fascinating world of wildflowers, trees, leaves, birds, and, of course, butterflies in their exclusively glamorous Explorers' Club.
With recipes for pinecone bird feeders and extra-fancy lemonade, an official club bird, and an exclusive map of the territory, this popular book shows Fancy Nancy as one explorer extraordinaire!
Take a look at Nancy's very own enlightening discoveries and find out just how fancy the outdoors can be!
For the fanciest girl around, the outdoors are out of this world. Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, set out to explore the fascinating world of wildflowers, trees, leaves, birds, and, of course, butterflies in their exclusively glamorous Explorers' Club.
With recipes for pinecone bird feeders and extra-fancy lemonade, an official club bird, and an exclusive map of the territory, this popular book shows Fancy Nancy as one explorer extraordinaire!
Take a look at Nancy's very own enlightening discoveries and find out just how fancy the outdoors can be!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2009
6 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Jane O'Connor
281 books354 followersSince 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 12, 2019
It's like an activity and scientific book more than a story book. Illustrations are not too appealing, aesthetic, or nostalgic to me.
June 18, 2010
This book gets an extra star from me because fancy Fancy Nancy not only doesn’t feel repulsed or disgusted by insects, and she is not frightened of them at all; she likes studying them and is fascinated by them.
This is a Fancy Nancy book where fancy takes a bit of a backseat and nature (birds, insects, flowers, etc.) and the great outdoors are of more importance.
Nancy and her friend spend the day exploring (the backyards of Nancy’s house, her friend’s house to one side, and another neighbor’s house to the other side.) It’s a rather small territory but there is so much to discover.
Many very useful and interesting science & nature facts are included within the story. The baby robin out of its nest is my very favorite part of the book. There is some humor that I didn’t find that amusing but I think kids will, including in the form of two younger siblings who want to join their older sisters’ explorer club. For fans that like the Fancy Nancy books primarily for the fancy aspect, some may be a bit disappointed by this book, because while there are some fancy things here, mostly the fancy comes in the forms of words and their less fancy synonyms. Kids who like words should appreciate all of the words though, and enjoy the way the story incorporates them.
The illustrations are a lot of fun and the real photographs add quite a bit to the story. I love the illustrated map of the three backyards. There are also a handful of art projects that kids can mimic, and it’s noted when adult supervision is required.
This is one Fancy Nancy book that may be enjoyed even by adults who are not usually fans.
This is a Fancy Nancy book where fancy takes a bit of a backseat and nature (birds, insects, flowers, etc.) and the great outdoors are of more importance.
Nancy and her friend spend the day exploring (the backyards of Nancy’s house, her friend’s house to one side, and another neighbor’s house to the other side.) It’s a rather small territory but there is so much to discover.
Many very useful and interesting science & nature facts are included within the story. The baby robin out of its nest is my very favorite part of the book. There is some humor that I didn’t find that amusing but I think kids will, including in the form of two younger siblings who want to join their older sisters’ explorer club. For fans that like the Fancy Nancy books primarily for the fancy aspect, some may be a bit disappointed by this book, because while there are some fancy things here, mostly the fancy comes in the forms of words and their less fancy synonyms. Kids who like words should appreciate all of the words though, and enjoy the way the story incorporates them.
The illustrations are a lot of fun and the real photographs add quite a bit to the story. I love the illustrated map of the three backyards. There are also a handful of art projects that kids can mimic, and it’s noted when adult supervision is required.
This is one Fancy Nancy book that may be enjoyed even by adults who are not usually fans.
June 3, 2010
I always get such a kick out of each Fancy Nancy book I read and this addition doesn't disappoint! It might just be my favourite one yet!
Nancy and her best friend Bree have created an Explorer Extraordinaire club and they set out to explore the fascinating world of nature in their own backyards. The reader learns right along with them as they discover new things to study, including leaves, flowers, insects and birds. As the girls research their findings, little facts and pictures about each accompany the text. There's even a recipe for Nancy's extra-fancy lemonade since exploring in the wild makes a person thirsty!
Mini science lessons are scattered throughout, like how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly and the differences between a butterfly and a moth. We also learn about the different kinds of wildflowers when they visit Mrs. DeVine's garden. There are a few craft projects included as well: a Cookie-cutter Bird Feeder using stale bread, a Pine Cone Bird Feeder using peanut butter and pine cones and one for a Lavish Leaf Crown.
There are real pictures of birds in the form of polaroids and a great page dedicated entirely to fun facts about hummingbirds. <3
And of course, the illustrations are just as amazing as ever. So much colour and detail included in each and every drawing. I love the outfits and accessories the girls wear. :)
I absolutely loved this and I imagine this would be a favourite among nature loving kids as well!
Nancy and her best friend Bree have created an Explorer Extraordinaire club and they set out to explore the fascinating world of nature in their own backyards. The reader learns right along with them as they discover new things to study, including leaves, flowers, insects and birds. As the girls research their findings, little facts and pictures about each accompany the text. There's even a recipe for Nancy's extra-fancy lemonade since exploring in the wild makes a person thirsty!
Mini science lessons are scattered throughout, like how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly and the differences between a butterfly and a moth. We also learn about the different kinds of wildflowers when they visit Mrs. DeVine's garden. There are a few craft projects included as well: a Cookie-cutter Bird Feeder using stale bread, a Pine Cone Bird Feeder using peanut butter and pine cones and one for a Lavish Leaf Crown.
There are real pictures of birds in the form of polaroids and a great page dedicated entirely to fun facts about hummingbirds. <3
And of course, the illustrations are just as amazing as ever. So much colour and detail included in each and every drawing. I love the outfits and accessories the girls wear. :)
I absolutely loved this and I imagine this would be a favourite among nature loving kids as well!
March 24, 2011
I am pleasantly surprised by Fancy Nancy. She's not just about all things pinkish, glittery, and girly. She's about being pinkish, glittery, girly, and smart and responsible. And to top it off, she slips the educational in while readers are enjoying the pinkish, glittery, and girly. Bravo.
Nancy and her friend Bree are the only members (for now) of their explorers club. They have a sensible set of rules for safety and respecting nature (no picking leaves off trees because the trees need them for food, stay in the designated exploring area, never catch butterflies because they're fragile, etc.). When they find interesting things in the backyard, they research them (that's a fancy word for reading about what they've found), and readers get to learn right alongside the girls. As in the other Fancy Nancy books, difficult words are explained in simpler terms, making them more accessible for kids. They're really quite clever. Had Nancy been around when my girlie girls were still among the under-9 set, Nancy would've lived in our house, I'm sure.
The only problem I have with the books is not a problem with the books themselves as with those who label them with a reading level. Some of these books are labeled "Level 1" or "Level 2" and they are most definitely written at a higher reading level.
Nancy and her friend Bree are the only members (for now) of their explorers club. They have a sensible set of rules for safety and respecting nature (no picking leaves off trees because the trees need them for food, stay in the designated exploring area, never catch butterflies because they're fragile, etc.). When they find interesting things in the backyard, they research them (that's a fancy word for reading about what they've found), and readers get to learn right alongside the girls. As in the other Fancy Nancy books, difficult words are explained in simpler terms, making them more accessible for kids. They're really quite clever. Had Nancy been around when my girlie girls were still among the under-9 set, Nancy would've lived in our house, I'm sure.
The only problem I have with the books is not a problem with the books themselves as with those who label them with a reading level. Some of these books are labeled "Level 1" or "Level 2" and they are most definitely written at a higher reading level.
April 8, 2019
This is my first experience with these Fancy Nancy books that have a non-fiction twist. I actually quite enjoyed it, and I even learned something I didn't know before!
There is a little bit of a story. Nancy and her friend Bree start an explorers' club. They let their younger siblings join, too, and they set about exploring three backyards (Nancy's, Bree's, and Mrs. DeVine's). There are facts about bugs and flowers and birds, and even a few photographs that Nancy and Bree supposedly took while on their exploring expedition.
But the younger siblings are really young, and when they break a rule by picking some flowers from Mrs. DeVine's garden (gasp!) Nancy and Bree kick them out of the club. But the little ones keep exploring, and eventually they find something pretty important, leading to a resolution of the conflict.
This book shows that Nancy isn't just about being fancy; in fact, that isn't really the focus here. What's important is what the girls are finding in their backyards. The photographs are a nice touch, although I would warn parents that there is a photo of a spider that kids with arachnophobia might find a bit disturbing.
I picked up a few of these Fancy Nancy fiction/non-fiction titles from the library. If they're as good as this one, I can't wait to read the rest!
There is a little bit of a story. Nancy and her friend Bree start an explorers' club. They let their younger siblings join, too, and they set about exploring three backyards (Nancy's, Bree's, and Mrs. DeVine's). There are facts about bugs and flowers and birds, and even a few photographs that Nancy and Bree supposedly took while on their exploring expedition.
But the younger siblings are really young, and when they break a rule by picking some flowers from Mrs. DeVine's garden (gasp!) Nancy and Bree kick them out of the club. But the little ones keep exploring, and eventually they find something pretty important, leading to a resolution of the conflict.
This book shows that Nancy isn't just about being fancy; in fact, that isn't really the focus here. What's important is what the girls are finding in their backyards. The photographs are a nice touch, although I would warn parents that there is a photo of a spider that kids with arachnophobia might find a bit disturbing.
I picked up a few of these Fancy Nancy fiction/non-fiction titles from the library. If they're as good as this one, I can't wait to read the rest!
July 14, 2009
This is a wonderful tale that combines the spirited extravagance of Fancy Nancy with science and sensible rules for observing nature. She delights in seeing insects, birds, leaves and flowers and it is a great way to inspire curiosity in children (probably mostly girls) who read this book. It's a fun book to read aloud!
We really enjoy the books in the Fancy Nancy series and we will certainly look for more at our local library.
We really enjoy the books in the Fancy Nancy series and we will certainly look for more at our local library.
May 11, 2009
Really loved this newest addition to the Fancy Nancy series! This book gives children a close look at the fascinating world that exists in their backyards. It explores plants, trees, flowers, insects, bugs, birds, etc. while also teaching children "safety" tips for enjoying nature all with typical Fancy Nancy "flair"! My daughter and I loved it!
February 11, 2020
This book was very entertaining and informative to kids!
December 4, 2018
Fancy Nancy and her best friend Bree return in this small picture-book, which is part fiction and part non-fiction. The fictional framing device involves the Explorer Extraordinaire club that the girls have formed, in order to observe and study the natural world around them, from insects (including butterflies!) to birds. Naturally, their younger siblings also want to join, and the process whereby that eventually happens forms the crux of the fictional narrative. The bulk of the text, however, is informative, giving lots of details about the insects and birds the girls are studying. Photographs are intermingled with the watercolor artwork, adding to the feeling that this is a half-and-half book...
Having read and enjoyed all of the full-sized Fancy Nancy picture-books, which are exclusively fictional (although very informative, as it concerns vocabulary), I was curious to pick up Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!, the first of a number of smaller-sized picture-books that use Nancy and her friends to explore non-fiction topics. All in all, I found this a pleasant and educational book, one which introduces quite a bit of natural history, while also telling an entertaining fictional tale featuring that popular figure, Fancy Nancy. The artwork by Robin Preiss Glasser was as appealing as ever, with the added bonus of photographs. Recommended to Fancy Nancy fans, and to anyone looking for "girly" books that also take a positive approach to things like insects and the outdoors.
Having read and enjoyed all of the full-sized Fancy Nancy picture-books, which are exclusively fictional (although very informative, as it concerns vocabulary), I was curious to pick up Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!, the first of a number of smaller-sized picture-books that use Nancy and her friends to explore non-fiction topics. All in all, I found this a pleasant and educational book, one which introduces quite a bit of natural history, while also telling an entertaining fictional tale featuring that popular figure, Fancy Nancy. The artwork by Robin Preiss Glasser was as appealing as ever, with the added bonus of photographs. Recommended to Fancy Nancy fans, and to anyone looking for "girly" books that also take a positive approach to things like insects and the outdoors.
June 5, 2023
Like Fancy Nancy, perhaps, I'm embarking on an adventure. Mine does not involve making anyone or anything "glamorous" but, rather, reviewing my first book of the Fancy Nancy series. At my local library, a huge number of these books was available for checkout.
Well, I'm game to open up my world of adventure. Let's play!
I LIKE THIS
Early on, readers are given an illustrated list of essential supplies for exploring nature scientifically. These are referred to as essential and not essential, never as glamorous fashion accessories, Barbie-style.
Whew! I'm relieved.
PLUS, THIS BOOK TEACHES ABOUT SCIENCE
Here's a sweet sample:
We do some research now.
That means we read about what we've seen.
Bree's book says we saw an orb-spider.
Here is the photo Bree took of it.
IN CONCLUSION
I enjoyed this book more than I feared. I also respect the text by clever Jane O'Connor, supplemented by whimsical, super-pretty illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.
FIVE STARS and hooray!
Well, I'm game to open up my world of adventure. Let's play!
I LIKE THIS
Early on, readers are given an illustrated list of essential supplies for exploring nature scientifically. These are referred to as essential and not essential, never as glamorous fashion accessories, Barbie-style.
Whew! I'm relieved.
PLUS, THIS BOOK TEACHES ABOUT SCIENCE
Here's a sweet sample:
We do some research now.
That means we read about what we've seen.
Bree's book says we saw an orb-spider.
Here is the photo Bree took of it.
IN CONCLUSION
I enjoyed this book more than I feared. I also respect the text by clever Jane O'Connor, supplemented by whimsical, super-pretty illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.
FIVE STARS and hooray!
May 9, 2017
I loved this book! It was quite long for a bedtime book, but I LOVED the information in it. My daughter learned SO much from this book about nature (trees, birds, insects, etc). I feel like I could read this to my daughter several times until she comprehends ALL the information contained in this book.
This would be a great book to read with your kids before you head out on a camping trip. I wished I had read this with my daughter before we went camping a month ago; you could even create crafts and scavenger hunts related to info found in this book. I will remember this book going forward. It's fantastic. It might be too much higher level info for my 2.5 year old, but it's something we can keep learning from in to her early elementary years.
Highly recommend, especially for fans of Fancy Nancy.
This would be a great book to read with your kids before you head out on a camping trip. I wished I had read this with my daughter before we went camping a month ago; you could even create crafts and scavenger hunts related to info found in this book. I will remember this book going forward. It's fantastic. It might be too much higher level info for my 2.5 year old, but it's something we can keep learning from in to her early elementary years.
Highly recommend, especially for fans of Fancy Nancy.
November 14, 2017
FANCY NANCY!! I have never read a Fancy Nancy book before there were after my childhood time, I like the title because my name is Nancy. The book is about Nancy and Bree going exploring and their going to collect leaves, watch birds, and inspect insects. Throughout she goes over the rules, like no touching: just looking, crying is not allowed. Nancy's sister and Freddy want to go exploring with them but Nancy did not know if they are mature enough. They really want to join the club! The pages are very busy and a lot was going on but enjoyed the overall story. This would be good to have in the class when you read for fun!!
Want to read
September 11, 2022Fancy Nancy, in this book Fancy Nancy and her best friend go out for an adventure. They take themself exploring the great outdoors and see what they can find.
I can most definietly see myself using this book in a classroom setting. I think this book would be a great inrroduction to the outdoors, and all it has to offer.
I would dedicate a lesson plan to the outdoors and potentially take the kids outsdie to explore all that fancy nancy explored
I can most definietly see myself using this book in a classroom setting. I think this book would be a great inrroduction to the outdoors, and all it has to offer.
I would dedicate a lesson plan to the outdoors and potentially take the kids outsdie to explore all that fancy nancy explored
January 3, 2024
I've read Fancy Nancy:Explorer Extraordinare by Jane O Connor. It's about a girl Nancy and her beast friend Bree together they set out to explore on wildflowers birds trees and butterflies. 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
By:Shaalini Gogineni
January 20, 2019
Some good stuff, lots of garbage.
Good stuff – Nice science facts, girls are explorers (albeit colorful ones who care about the way they dress). Good fact per page ratio.
Garbage - Assumes kids are too dumb to infer the meaning of vocabulary, promotes being mean to younger siblings and a blind allegiance to the cult of progress.
Good stuff – Nice science facts, girls are explorers (albeit colorful ones who care about the way they dress). Good fact per page ratio.
Garbage - Assumes kids are too dumb to infer the meaning of vocabulary, promotes being mean to younger siblings and a blind allegiance to the cult of progress.
June 11, 2019
This book is not your typical Fancy Nancy books. Yes there is adventure, and yes there are new vocabulary to learn, but this is also a nonfiction book. It has beginning information on things someone might find exploring. It even makes sure to tell you that all the information in this book are real. It was a wonderful read and a great addition to the series.
May 28, 2024
This might be the most interesting Fancy Nancy book we've read! The little facts about nature are very cool and are explained in a way that kids can absorb them.
The best quote: “My Mom says that it's good luck if a ladybug lands on you, but the members of the club aren't certain that's scientifically accurate.” 😆
The best quote: “My Mom says that it's good luck if a ladybug lands on you, but the members of the club aren't certain that's scientifically accurate.” 😆
January 18, 2018
Great book about the Explorers Club vivacious Fancy Nancy formed with her BFF Bree and their younger siblings. A little drama and of course fun fashion and accessories but also some facts about birds and insects and butterflies. The Preschooler and her Mama both enjoyed this one.
April 3, 2023
I love: Fancy Nancy's adventurous spirit and her invitation to readers to learn new vocabulary words; the focus on gardens and backyard play; the mixture of illustrations and real photographs of wildlife.
I did not like: that ants were drawn with 4 segments. This confused the pants off of me.
I did not like: that ants were drawn with 4 segments. This confused the pants off of me.
February 13, 2024
This book is a good read for children becuase it gives them an idea to see what is in their backyard. Also teaches them about different insects, birds, trees, flowers, butterflies and so much more. These books are good for students to read becuase they learn so mucb on their own.
August 23, 2025
Explorer Extraordinaire! is very cute; all about creating adventures in your backyard, and of course in the hyperfeminine Fancy Nancy way. There are even some nature facts thrown in, so you could call it educational!
June 23, 2017
Miss 2 loves the Fancy Nancy books. I like the vocabulary building and Nancy is fabulous. I like that this one takes a change from boas & sparkles to explore the outdoors.
September 29, 2017
9/28/2017 Read with Naomi & Julia.
October 4, 2017
Cute, but somewhat less interesting/likeable than the other Fancy Nancy books we have read so far...
June 25, 2018
This was so adorable. The illustrations are so so cute and the text is fun, even for an adult. Loved it!
September 20, 2018
Children would love, fun story with lots of educational vocab and learning for children.
September 9, 2019
Love! So much colorfulness, fun, fabulous story as always....
October 16, 2019
A living science book. It’s cute and fun, and shows kids to be kind to their little siblings.
February 11, 2021
Science, lab notebook, maps, gardening
October 9, 2021
Lots of positive stuff here about being outside and seeing what's around you in nature.
Flo became an ornithologist for a few days off the back of this...
Flo became an ornithologist for a few days off the back of this...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews