Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

Fancy Nancy returns in this sixth picture-book devoted to her adventures, excited about the "Deep Sea Dances" recital her ballet class is putting on. Sure that she and her best friend Bree will win the part of mermaids, Nancy is distraught when instead she is given the role of a tree, and Bree that of an oyster. Things only get worse however, when Bree wins a mermaid role after all. Can Nancy work through her jealousy, and be happy for Bree? Will she discover that being a tree is a good part after all...?

Like its predecessors, Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet presents an entertaining story, one that offers a sympathetic portrait of its eponymous heroine's struggle to accept the less than 'fancy' realities of life. Fortunately, Nancy show more has a way of winning through her troubles, thanks to her warm heart, generous spirit, and her ability to find the 'sparkle' in everything she does. I appreciate those qualities in her, and the fact that author Jane O'Connor always manages to highlight an important childhood lesson - in this case, accepting disappointment, and being happy for others, even when they get something and we don't - without allowing her story to become at all preachy. The artwork here, as with all the other Fancy Nancy titles I have read, is colorful and cute. Recommended to all young ballet and mermaid lovers, and to anyone who has read and enjoyed other books about this high-spirited young girl. show less

Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy series is one of the most popular and adored series in picture books. Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet does not disappoint. I absolutely loved this picture book for so many reasons. The story is told though the eyes of the very fancy and proper Nancy, whose love for language is infectious. The language is rich and engaging. The vocabulary is challenging, but every word is explained, such as "thrilling" or "standing ovation." Another great aspect of this book is the message. Nancy is hoping for the the role of a mermaid in her class ballet, but is given the role of a tree. Her best friend is given the role of an oyster, but is promoted to a mermaid when another girl is injured. Nancy is torn between show more happiness for her friend and jealousy of the mermaid role she gained. With her mother's help, Nancy is humbled and enjoys the ballet and is happy for her friend. Every child experiences disappointment in some way, and this book sets a great example for how to handle it. The illustrations are cute and detailed, accompanying the story perfectly. I plan on reading this to kids i babysit very soon! show less

Nancy and Bree are going to be in a ballet called "Deep-Sea Dances," and both of them hope to be mermaids; but when parts are assigned, Nancy is a tree and Bree is an oyster. They support each other through their disappointment ("You are going to be the greatest oyster ever" "Nobody will be a better tree than you"), but when a mermaid sprains her ankle and Bree gets to take her role, Nancy is jealous. She has a good conversation with her mom ("I lied. I said I was happy for her. And I'm not!" "That's not lying, exactly. You want to be happy for Bree, don't you?....It's just hard now because Bree got something you wanted very much. You're jealous. But your heart is so generous and warm, it will melt the bad feelings away.") The ballet is show more "thrilling" and the girls' friendship remains strong. show less

Another solid installment in the Fancy Nancy series. O'Connor has written a charming (if not entirely new and original) story, but as I always find, Robin Glasser's art is the standout. I love her details, so important in a project like Nancy. And I noticed, perhaps for the first time because she spent so much time in a leotard, that Nancy has a bit of a tummy! So do some of the other girls. Good for Ms. Glasser for not making every character stick thin and being more realistic about shapes and sizes.

"Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Butterfly" encourages readers to understand how friendship is important and jealousy can sometimes be difficult to overcome. For example, Nancy struggles when her friend Bree is chosen to be the star of the ballet. Nancy's mom explains that she is jealous and encourages her to work through her pain in order to be a good friend. Fancy Nancy is able to overcome her difficult feelings and enjoy herself in the show after all. This book gives young listeners and readers examples of how friendship is wonderful and overcoming obstacles, like upset feelings, can be incredible in the end.

Nancy and her friend Bree want to be mermaids in the upcoming Deep-Sea Dance. Nancy hopes her ballet instructor picks them to be mermaids in the dance. Unfortunately the girls do not receive the part they want initially. Nancy is chosen as a tree, and Bree is the oyster. Nancy is heart broken, but the teacher later explains that Nancy isn't just any tree, but a weeping willow. Nancy is excited again about her part, and then suddenly one of the other dancers has sprained there ankle. Now the mermaid spot is open, but instead of Nancy receiving the part, Bree is chosen one. Nancy acts happy for Bree even though she is not, and this is a good way to teach our students about jealousy. Sometimes we will get jealous in life but we can not let show more jealous rule our life. Friendship is more important in this book, and just because you don't get something you want doesn't mean the worlds over. We move on and celebrate victories! show less

Recommended

This is the newest book in the Fancy Nancy series. Nancy and her best friend, Bree will be performing a ballet with their ballet class called Deep-Sea Dances. Nancy is hoping for a bigger part because she loves mermaids. Nancy and Bree have made mermaid costumes, they play mermaid in their pool and they love the mermaid ballet dance. Both girls practice very hard. Bree gets chosen to be an oyster and Nancy is a tree. When one of the mermaid dancers injures herself, Bree gets chosen to replace her. Nancy is very upset because she wanted the part very badly. She is very disappointed, but she wants to be happy for Bree since that is what friends do. All the dancers get a standing ovation at the end of the dance and Nancy show more realizes that it was thrilling to just perform in a ballet. Bree and Nancy go out to celebrate their evening at the King’s Crown.

The cute pictures are what we have come to expect from Robin Preiss Glasser. The definitions of some of the “fancy” words can still be found, along with Nancy’s love of French words. The underlying message of friendship is a positive one for children to read about. Nancy’s creativity sets an example for readers to use their imagination when coming up with costumes and games to play. The book is a good addition to any school or public library. It works well for a read aloud and would fit with any Fancy Nancy themed library party. show less