TOO MANY TUTUS

The lover of all things fancy is back in this early-reader offering.

Nancy’s fondness for tutus is threatening to take over her closet space; even though some are torn or too small, she doesn’t want to give any away. When the children in Nancy’s class measure themselves, their teacher suggests a project that might solve a number of problems. Ms. Glass helps the class sponsor a swap-and-shop where the children gain points for donated clothes and can spend their points on new-to-them clothes. When Nancy spots the tutu of her dreams a few seconds after classmate Grace does, she makes a decision that shows that she is growing up in more ways than one. Sunny illustrations based by Enik on the art of Robin Preiss Glasser grace the interior pages, while the cover art is by Glasser. Nancy’s emotions are clear in every situation, but the tussle with Grace and the special tutu is especially effective, showing the intensity of the word “Mine!” Though Nancy’s “fancy” words will be new to beginning readers, they are easily decoded. The glossary at the end reinforces the new words, making them more likely to enter the child’s spoken vocabulary.

Little girls with a tutu habit (and mothers with bulging closets) will enjoy the further adventures of little Nancy, and soon they will graduate to the chapter books about their heroine. Amusing, which is fancy for “fun.”(Early reader. 4-7)