Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day

Fancy Nancy

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

From the dazzling bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, a picture book with a do-it-yourself twist for the fancy girl who wants to pamper mom on her special day!

What better way to fancy Mom up for her birthday than to treat her to a super-deluxe beauty day created by Fancy Nancy herself? It's a pampering paradise, and right in the backyard.

With relaxing music, fragrant lotions, colorful nail polish, and foamy mousse, Nancy gives her mom a total makeover. She even treats her to sumptuous refreshments and special entertainment. But when the pampering suddenly goes too far, has Nancy ruined her mom's big day?

Complete with tips and recipes for creating a super-deluxe beauty day of your own, Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day will inspire budding beauty experts to open up shop and join in the deluxe fanciness!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Kids, Realistic Fiction, Humor, France

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 2010

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

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun Fancy Nancy title for kids who enjoy playing beautician. Nancy decides to give her mom a spa day. Mom's a really good sport, given that the "spa" is located in Nancy's backyard tent and the assistants are a toddler and a dog. She even puts up with the "relaxing" music from Nancy's recorder!

There are plenty of little things here for kids to try. There's a recipe for a face mask (which could be eaten, if you got really hungry), a recipe for yogurt parfait (in case you're really, really hungry), and instructions on how to make a relaxing foot soak. Nancy even tells readers, step by step, how to apply nail polish.

The story in this one is pretty cute. Nancy's mom needs to get dolled up for her birthday, so Nancy--in addition to giving her the full spa treatment--does her hair. She uses a ton of mousse and tiny braids to add volume... with somewhat predictable results. In tears, Nancy enlists the help of Mrs. DeVine, who manages to salvage Mom's hair for her big night out.

The pictures in this one are pretty funny. We see Mom humouring her kids, even when they make a mess of things. JoJo is all dressed up as Nancy's assistant, complete with oversized gloves, a lobster bib, and a clear shower cap. Even the dog is fancy! (But, then, isn't she always?)

This seems like a bit more of a superficial title, and while it is in some ways, it still has the same themes of love and family that many of the better Fancy Nancy books do. So I would recommend it, especially to kids who enjoy pampering their friends and family.

[AleJandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fancy Nancy no defrauda.

Aparte de historia este libro tiene actividades muy interesantes y divertidas.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Fancy Nancy's mother's birthday, and our resourceful heroine is determined to give her a day of pampering at their back-yard Ooh-la-la Beauty Spa. From face masks to manicures, pedicures to hair-styling, this is a full-service spa, including special treats and entertainment. But when something goes wrong with her mother's hair, has Fancy Nancy ruined her big night out at a fancy restaurant...?

The third of these smaller Fancy Nancy picture-books I have read - the first two being Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire! and Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! - Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day is one I approached with trepidation (a "fancy" word for fear, as Nancy herself would say). It just seemed overly girly, in a self-indulgent way that I find the other books about this character are not. Perhaps I was simply misled by the idea of a "beauty day," but in the end I found this one adorable, and appreciated the warmhearted nature of Nancy's efforts for her mother. It reminded me of similar gifts I gave my mother as a little girl, including "coupons" for the performance of various tasks, and special services. The artwork is every bit as cute as ever, and recipes and suggestions are included, so readers can try to beauty services that Nancy is performing, in their own homes. Recommended to Fancy Nancy fans.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another cute Fancy Nancy book! I haven't read another one in a long time and I forgot how much I love the fact that these books focus on teaching children advanced vocabulary skills. The artwork is also beautiful. It may seem as though there is a lot going on however it all works. If you've never picked up one of these books for your children I would definitely recommend it.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny thing about Fancy Nancy's mother. She has a real job, which includes taking care of that handful who calls herself "Fancy Nancy."

In this book, plus all of the others I've read in this series, Nancy's mother wears sensible clothes, like blue jeans. Trust Fancy Nancy -- both good-hearted and excessively spoiled, perhaps -- to decide that the best way to show love to her mother is to give her a spa day.

Well, this turns out to be a real how-to! I am a big fan of how-to nonfiction. For now, suffice it to know that, in my own writing, I never recommend how, when applying polish to your mother's toenails:

"While the polish is still wet, you can sprinkle on a little glitter for a super-deluxe fancy effect."

IN CONCLUSION

Nowhere in this book does Nancy's mother share her reaction. Her candid reaction might have been plenty interesting.

Meanwhile, the real audience of this book isn't anyone's mother but, rather, lovers of pink-and-glittery. Keeping them in mind, sure. I'll give this book FIVE STARS.

[Jo ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adorable Fancy Nancy is back! Since it's her mom's birthday, Nancy decides to set up a super fancy spa in their backyard in order to pamper Mom and have her looking gorgeous before the big birthday celebration. There's a recipe for a Fantastique Face Mask and a Soothing Sea Salt Foot Soak, tips for a marvelous manicure, a recipe for some spa cuisine (Yum Yum Yogurt Parfait) and instructions for a crafty and cute "Mom" headband using pipe cleaners and sequins.

Another Fancy Nancy winner for me. The backyard spa is incredibly sweet and I love Mom's expressions as she's made over by Nancy. The illustrations, as always are perfect. Bright and busy and so colourful. The perfect book for mom and daughter to enjoy together.

[Gracie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"5 stars since she wanted to give her mom something really special."

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't shake your nail polish bottles! Roll them between your hands, never shake them. But otherwise, another cute Fancy Nancy book!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun book that demonstrates how to create a "luxury" spa at home. We like the tips on painting nails and the recipes for face masks and yogurt parfaits.

The story has just the right amount of humor and reality to show that even if it's not perfect, you can still make your Mom (or anyone else) feel special with a little pampering at home.

We really enjoy the books in the Fancy Nancy series and we will certainly look for more at our local library.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be careful what I read to my daughter because she will instantly insist on doing whatever fabulous idea the book suggests...especially when it comes to pedicures, manicures, and other fancy things. Needless to say, we had a great time reading the book and then gave each other glitter toes!!

[Linda (bythebellbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute treat for anyone who loves a dash of fabulousness mixed with childhood whimsy. This book, part of the beloved Fancy Nancy series, is pure fun from start to finish.

Fancy Nancy is her fabulous self as she sets up her own Ooh La La! Beauty Spa at home, bringing her signature sparkle to everything. From glamorous facials to luxurious "mani-pedis," Nancy's over-the-top creativity and flair for the extraordinary shine through. And, as always, her interactions with her family, especially little JoJo, are both heartwarming and hilarious. Jane O'Connor manages to capture the simple joys of imaginative play while sneaking in sweet lessons about friendship and patience.

One of the things I loved about this book was how it taps into the world of every child’s dream of feeling grown-up and fancy. Who didn’t try to give their mom or sibling a “makeover” when they were young? Reading this made me feel nostalgic, as though I was back in my own childhood, playing spa with my best friends, covered in glitter and mismatched nail polish!

And even now being a mom, I would not say no to such a treat provided by my daughter ☺️

[Sabrina Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book in the Fancy Nancy series by Jane O'Connor. In this book Nancy is trying to give her mom a relaxing spa day in the backyard. Nancy makes her mom a face mask, gives her a manicure and pedicure and make over. Mom is not as relaxed as a regular spa day but never the less mom and Nancy have a wonderful day playing Spa.

I really enjoyed reading this book, just like all of the other Fancy Nancy series. This book in particular is cute because it gives instructions and recipes for an at home spa day. This book would be really adorable for any daughter and mom to read and try out some of the spa tips.

This book would pair great with any other Fancy Nancy series.

"Your complexion will feel as smooth as silk," I tell my mom. (Complexion is fancy for skin-I love how there are so many fancy spa words!)

[Shannon]

I’m honestly tired of Fancy Nancy, but my child adores her and requests this and others every single night. 🥴 As with the other children’s books, I’m counting them to remember what she loved best during these ages, and because much of what would have been my reading time is used to read aloud to her. Also, 200 readings of a short book surely ought to add up to something. 😁

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first visit to a salon and the book provides a lot of details as Nancy creates a homegrown salon for her mother. The book held my granddaughter’s attention, but this story doesn’t have as strong a core as the Splendid Speller.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

he Fancy Nancy Series is very well written and also extraordinarily well illustrated. In this latest installment, Fancy Nancy decides to treat her mother to a day at the spa, because her mother's birthday is the next day, and Nancy wants to give her a makeover for her big date out with daddy. The book has wonderful recipes for both snacks to serve on a spa day, and for items used for the spa treatments. There are also step by step instructions to perform some of the spa treatments that a child and parent could do together. As always this book will help expand your child's vocabulary in a fun and playful way. It will be fun both to read and try out.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Nancy book. She really did try and make her mom have a special day. As a mom I thought that was sweet. my daughter enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to others.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fancy Nancy gives her mother a fancy makeover.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love Fancy Nancy!

[Deja Bertucci]

This was actually my very first time reading a Fancy Nancy book. I didn't exactly love it ... maybe I need to read others.

[Little Champs]

2818

[Ian McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hair, cosmetics, spa treatments, manicures. It's all here. Another enjoyable Fancy Nancy book - I learned many words this time too.

[Eira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time in a few years since I've read Fancy Nancy as a child. They were my favorite series of books then, and I still absolutely love them now!

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

By coincidence Kait and Maddie were doing my hair and their makeup as we read this.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing better than going back to your childhood ❤️

[Audrey Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows fancy Nancy as she opens up her own salon and gives all her specials to her mom. After doing her hair she messes up big time and has to help her fix it.

[Kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

15 mins

[Danielle]

Another edition of Fancy that’s more of a tips and tricks book than a picture book following a story. I’ll probably skip ahead a few books to get past this trend

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've read a lot of Fancy Nancy books and always enjoyed them. This one seemed a little longer than the others we've read and there were a lot of "extras" in it - like recipes for masks, or how to make certain things. While it's cute if you own the book and have an older child, my daughter is 2 and can't do her own spa yet and we didn't own the book so we didn't get any use out of them. About half way through I stopped reading them. Though I did get a good idea about using ribbon to help my daughter learn to tie a braid (many years down the road).

I thought it was a sweet book though about how Nancy wanted to make her mom look beautiful for her date (with Nancy's dad). It made me want a spa day! My daughter didn't like when Nancy was crying toward the end because she'd messed up her mom's hair. But the day is saved and the book has a happy ending!

[Karina Arroyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be interesting as it was very different than most books. This book was about a little girl who is preparing a spa for her mom as it is her birthday and they wish to please her. She wishes to go all out and utilizes her imagination to make her spa extraordinary and fancy. I think this book is perfect for little girls who are girly in like the fourth grade. Some of the words may be kind of hard as the vocabulary for beauty stuff can be pretty hard to read. However, i think that most little girls would enjoy reading about makeovers. In a way this book can be very funny as the book goes into great detail just as a spa would. I enjoyed it but after a while it was kind of a lot to take in. I would not recommend this book for a classroom who has boys as they would probably get bored but i feel that this book could be used to have little girls practice reading as well as convinve them that reading can be fun. Each child just has to find books that truly capture their interests. As for the pictures they are pretty realistic and funny as you can see how into it the main character is. Overall, a good book that shows how big the love of a little girl can go for her mother. The book can teach little girls how to be fun and loving.

[Alyssa Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for all little girls who are into beauty, or anyone for that matter. It is Nancy’s mother’s birthday and she wants her to look extra special for her dinner with her father. Her idea to do this is to make a spa. It is full of masks, manicures, pedicures, and hair. All day, Nancy, her little sister, and her mother spend time together doing the different activities. A great part of this book is that it is not just these ideas of what the three do together but actual concrete activities that any reader can do. There are recipes and tutorials for how to make and do the different spa activities. For example, when Nancy braids her mother’s hair, there is an explanation of how to braid and also how to practice. The picture and text show that anyone can use ribbon and tape to practice their braiding skills. I think that this part of the book is great because it becomes more than just a fancy story that is fun to read.