Nelly May Has Her Say

Reach for this book when your child is frustrated by arbitrary rules, struggling with a bossy figure, or needs a reminder that their intelligence is their best tool. Nelly May Has Her Say is a spirited retelling of a traditional folktale that follows a clever young woman hired by a pompous employer. Lord Pinkwinkle demands she use his own nonsensical vocabulary for everyday items, a task she masters with grit and humor. This story validates the feeling of being overwhelmed by complex instructions while celebrating the power of quick thinking and self-possession. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children who are beginning to navigate power dynamics and find their own voices in a world full of grown-up expectations.