Naughty Nancy Goes to School

Books Review

Words can't begin to describe just how naughty Nancy the mouse is. In fact, words don't describe her naughtiness... In John S. Goodall's wordless picture book, the entire story is told through exquisite and humorous watercolor paintings. Nancy is dragged by her determined-looking mother through the gates of school, to be met by the matronly bell- and stick-wielding teacher. But no sooner has Nancy's mother left the premises when her irrepressible daughter starts acting up and acting out. Mimicking her teacher, climbing onto the roof to retrieve a ball (that she hit up there, of course), tormenting her classmates on a field trip to the shore, Nancy is a menace. And yet, when another young mouse finds himself in dire straits, it turns out Nancy has a bit of a valiant, selfless heroine in her, as well. The reprinting of many of John Goodall's wordless books (Naughty Nancy, The Midnight Adventures of Kelly, Dot, and Esmeralda, Shrewbettina's Birthday, etc.) is a windfall for imaginative beginning readers. Children can make up the words to the story as they go along, changing it as they notice new details, or according to their own mood or whim. Half pages alternate with full pages to advance the story--young readers will be intrigued by this unusual format. The mice's old-fashioned attire is nicely coordinated with the oh-so-modern mischief. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

The British artist's new wordless book records, in his shimmering watercolors, the latest capers of that misbehaving Victorian mouse, Nancy. As in Goodall's previous small delights, half-pages hide secrets for readers to discover when Nancy's mother takes the imp to school. The teacher can't turn her back for fear NN will perpetrate mischief. At recess, Nancy clobbers a brawny lad; she climbs to the schoolhouse roof, leaps off and knocks the teacher down. An outing at the beach gives the child more chances to be stroppy but she redeems herself, finally. Rescuing a tot from drowning, Nancy beams and blushes as she accepts, before cheering crowds, a splendid trophy for heroism, presented by a royal personage.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.