Humor

Annie Barrows' Ivy and Bean books star a pair of mismatched best friends who are nevertheless inseparable. The science fair is here, and everyone in Ivy and Bean's second-grade class couldn't be more excited. This year's theme is global warming, and all of the kids are working on their own projects and experiments. But what are Ivy and Bean up to?

"Money, money, money...I love money, money, money" is Fudge's new theme song. He's drawing dollar signs for breakfast, thumbing through catalogs at bedtime, and making enough "Fudge Bucks" so he can buy the whole world (or at least Toys "R" Us). Fudge's latest obsession is driving his brother, Peter, crazy!

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy.

How Nancy transforms her parents and little sister for one enchanted evening makes for a story that is funny and warm — with or without the frills.

Nancy thinks butterflies are simply exquisite. And that is why she can't wait for her friend Bree's Butterfly Birthday. It's going to be the fanciest birthday party ever! But when Nancy finds out she can't go because her grandparents' fiftieth anniversary party is the same day, she is furious. (Mad is way too plain for how she feels.) Will Nancy be able to overcome her disappointment?