Nelly May Has Her Say

One of thirteen children in an impoverished home, plucky Nelly May sets out to make her own way in the world in this adaptation of an English folktale, applying to become housekeeper and cook to Lord Ignasius Pinkwinkle. She is given the job, but only on the condition that she adopt her employer's idiosyncratic personal vocabulary. Doing the best she can, she refers to his lordship as "Most Excellent of All Masters," his bed as a "restful slumberific," and his dog as a "fur-faced fluffenbarker." But when a fire almost destroys both dog and house, Nelly May puts her foot down and has her say. Is this the end of her job...?

According to the front dust-jacket flap, Nelly May Has Her Say is a retelling of the traditional English tale, Master show more of All Masters. No other information as to source is given, although some cursory investigation reveals that the story is one which can be found in Joseph Jacobs' 1890 collection, English Fairy Tales, and which has been retold in picture book form before, in Marcia Sewall's 1972 Master of All Masters: An English Folktale. Apparently there was another picture book retelling published that same year, with artwork done by Anne Rockwell. In any case, I found this telling from author Cynthia DeFelice and illustrator Henry Cole entertaining, and think that with its many silly words and its colorful and amusing illustrations it would make an excellent read-aloud selection. A good storyteller should be able to play on the absurdity of the vocabulary to good effect, I would think. It is for that purpose, as well as to young folklore enthusiasts who enjoy funny stories, that I would recommend it. For my part, I will have to track down the original and see how it compares. show less

I thought this was a clever little book that would make a fun read aloud. Great for showing students that they can be their fun quirky selves, no matter who is around you.

What a delightful book! Readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and silly names that Lord Pinkwinkle invents for everyday objects and items. Nelly May is a hard worker, but best of all is full of spunk and energy. Readers will enjoy learning what happens when Nelly May has had enough!

Nelly May is a great character and a strong leader for young readers. She is motivated and wants to help out more by getting a job to help pay for her room and rent since her parents have a hard time taking care of their big family. Nelly May goes to be a maid essentially to Lord Pinkwinkle who has a strange name for everything- something that younger readers would love. Nelly May stands up for herself and quits her job, yet Lord Pinkwinkle admires her actions and agrees to change rules to have her keep working there. The illustrations are detailed and the color scheme is rustic in the beginning, reflecting Nelly May's humble home, and then the colors become richer and more vibrant showings Lord Pinkwinkle's wealth. This is a silly and show more therefore fun book for grades 2nd and below. show less

Fun retelling of an English folktale with lots of wordplay. Kids can be encouraged to do their own.

A variation of the traditional 'Master of all Masters' - Nelly May learns her new employer's silly names for things. Her burst of assigned-words (communicating a disaster in the making) ends with "I quit". Next day, a humbler, employer thanks her for saving the house, and requests she return to work, this time only having to remember his nickname. (NS)

Cute enough - but I'm glad they didn't dwell on the size of the heroine's family, because I cannot bring myself to countenance having 13 children when you're clearly in a position to support only 2 or 3.