Fancy Nancy shows readers how fun it is to expand one's vocabulary with her compendium (Yep! That's one of them. It means "collection") of super fancy words. Nancy's introduction letter to readers explains that using any of her fancy words is "like adding sprinkles to vanilla ice cream!" Who can resist that?  A new fancy word is shared for each letter of the alphabet, such as "excursion" for E and "Knack" for K. She also adds a line of commentary at the bottom of each page, using the new word in a sentence; "Usually, my dad doesn't look this dapper." The cartoon drawings are filled with colors and fancy details; every shoe, dress, and curled hair has a ribbon decorating it, while purple and pink flowers, dangles, and jewelry fill up all remaining space on Fancy Nancy's little body.

This book is perfect for initiating a conversation with your little one about vocabulary. It is bound to raise questions about what words mean and when or how they can be used. You can help further your child's understanding of these new fancy words by relating them to your family's life. For instance, Fancy Nancy references souvenirs - does your house have a souvenir you can show your little one and share with them the story of where it came from and the memories it holds? Even adults may learn a thing of two. Do you know what R.S.V.P. actually stands for? Fancy Nancy does. It's short for the French saying Repondez s'il vous plait, which means "please answer."