Nancy knows she's forgotten something. Something important. When she tries to remember, she thinks of all kinds of other things instead. She remembers things she knows and things she doesn't quite know. She remembers things one way, then another. Sometimes she remembers with her ears or her stomach or even her heart. But Nancy knows she's still forgetting something. It's only when Nancy stops thinking altogether that she finally remembers the very important thing she's forgotten. Nancy Knows is the charming story of an elephant who remember lots of things, except the very thing she is trying to remember. Each spread of this whimsical, arresting picture book features fantastic miniature paper sculptures within expressive outlines of a puzzled pachyderm. It's a book not to be forgotten.
Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Eureka!
By Storywraps
An elephant is supposed to have an excellent memory....right? An elephant never forgets....is that not correct? Well not so with our adorable little elephant character, Nancy. She is in agony because she knows there is something very, very important that she must remember .... but can't for the life of her think of what it is. In this very creative and fun book the author/illustrator designs very unique pictures of Nancy using a graphite pencil for the pachyderm's outline and then filling her in with exquisite mini paper sculptures. Both adults and children will have their noses pressed to the pages to take in every last detail of what is presented there. Nancy thinks and thinks and tries to remember how things looked one way, then another, with her ears, her stomach and also her heart but to no avail. The memory has slipped away. Remember the line in the Dr. Seuss book, "He puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch (but in this book it is our sweet little Nancy) thought of something he hadn't before." Finally all puzzled out she sits down, gives it up and that's when the magic happens! She remembers what it is!It is a pleasant and pleasing feeling to encounter such an original and imaginative picture book that is totally unique to that author's style. The text is simple but truly the illustrations are the driving force behind this whimsical and most enjoyable book. I highly recommend this book to you.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.... illustrations that allows young readers to empathize with the sweet elephant Nancy while practicing grouping and identifying
By Katy
A charming picture book with innovative illustrations that allows young readers to empathize with the sweet elephant Nancy while practicing grouping and identifying items which are the same and different. Enjoyable for parents and children alike.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Unique theme of "remembering"
By Annette Lamb
NANCY KNOWS by Cybèle Young is the beautifully illustrated story of an elephant who’s having trouble with her memory. Nancy can recall everything except the one thing she’s trying to remember. Readers young and old alike will be able to relate to this charming story.Intended for preschool and primary-aged children, both parents and teachers will be attracted to the theme of “remembering” associated with colors, senses, and emotions. This book would be a wonderful springboard to discussions about with children about the concept of reflection. This essential concept is difficult to teach, but Young’s story of remembering would be an excellent time to start young children thinking about their own thinking. The conclusion explores the important of mental relaxation associated with remembering.Young is known for her intricate paper sculptures. While the character of Nancy is shown as a primitive outline, amazing miniature paper sculptures are woven throughout the picture book reflecting Nancy’s thoughts and memories. The illustrator also used this technique successfully in two of her other picture books, A FEW BLOCKS and A FEW BITES.NANCY KNOWS is a book that belongs in every home and library collection. Unlike Nancy, you’re unlikely to forget it.To learn more about Cybèle Young’s exceptional artwork, go to http://www.cybeleyoung.ca.
