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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. ( )

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. ( )

I love the illustration in this book. Especially when they make the list of what they need but also added pictures with it. I love the map of the backyards. The illustration is spot colorful and It shows connection with little kids and creativity to explore. The rules listed in the book were great as well. Nobody thinking bugs are gross and not to touch them. The picture of the ant hill is awesome as well. They also put pictures of real things such as trash cans and spiders. I love how they throw butterflies on it as well. ( )

Nancy and Bree are explorers extraordinaire! They set out with items essential (long sleeves and pants, notebook and pen, hat) and nonessential (e.g. glamorous sunglasses, lace gloves, maracas).Starting from their clubhouse, they go exploring, finding all kinds of insects (ants, flies, ladybugs, spiders, butterflies and moths. They also look at birds and leaves. A great story for those who like outdoor exploring!

See also: Some Bugs by Brendan Wenzel ( )