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Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma
The Bakery Dilemma is part of the Navigating Nellie series, where a bold young girl uses her AAC device to face everyday challenges with confidence. In this story, Nellie visits the bakery ready for a tasty treat—but when her choice isn’t what she expected, she learns to speak up, try again, and find something she truly enjoys. A sweet lesson in self-advocacy, flexible thinking, and empowered communication.
28 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 14, 2025
Ashley Woller’s Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma is a heartwarming and empowering picture book that introduces readers to Nellie, a spirited young girl who uses an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device. In this debut title of the Navigating Nellie series, Woller artfully blends a relatable childhood experience with a meaningful exploration of communication, resilience, and personal growth.
The story follows Nellie on a visit to her local bakery, where she eagerly anticipates selecting a special treat. However, things don’t go quite as planned. When her initial choice doesn’t turn out the way she expected, Nellie is faced with the uncomfortable but familiar moment of disappointment. Rather than giving up, she navigates her feelings, communicates her needs clearly, and ultimately finds a satisfying solution. Through this simple yet powerful scenario, Woller illustrates how children can learn to adapt, assert themselves, and advocate for what they want.What sets this book apart is its sensitive and accurate portrayal of a child who uses AAC, offering representation that is both affirming and educational. Nellie is not defined by her communication device—instead, she is portrayed as confident, curious, and capable. Young readers, both those who use AAC and those who do not, will find value in the way the story normalizes diverse communication methods and promotes mutual understanding.
The narrative is complemented by engaging illustrations that reflect Nellie’s emotions and journey with clarity and warmth. The visual storytelling works hand-in-hand with the text to create an accessible and inclusive reading experience.Overall, The Bakery Dilemma is more than just a sweet story about choosing a dessert—it’s a celebration of communication in all its forms, the power of speaking up, and the importance of flexible thinking. This book is a valuable addition to any classroom, library, or home, particularly for those seeking inclusive stories that promote self-expression and empathy. Woller has set the stage for what promises to be a meaningful and inspiring series.
The story follows Nellie on a visit to her local bakery, where she eagerly anticipates selecting a special treat. However, things don’t go quite as planned. When her initial choice doesn’t turn out the way she expected, Nellie is faced with the uncomfortable but familiar moment of disappointment. Rather than giving up, she navigates her feelings, communicates her needs clearly, and ultimately finds a satisfying solution. Through this simple yet powerful scenario, Woller illustrates how children can learn to adapt, assert themselves, and advocate for what they want.What sets this book apart is its sensitive and accurate portrayal of a child who uses AAC, offering representation that is both affirming and educational. Nellie is not defined by her communication device—instead, she is portrayed as confident, curious, and capable. Young readers, both those who use AAC and those who do not, will find value in the way the story normalizes diverse communication methods and promotes mutual understanding.
The narrative is complemented by engaging illustrations that reflect Nellie’s emotions and journey with clarity and warmth. The visual storytelling works hand-in-hand with the text to create an accessible and inclusive reading experience.Overall, The Bakery Dilemma is more than just a sweet story about choosing a dessert—it’s a celebration of communication in all its forms, the power of speaking up, and the importance of flexible thinking. This book is a valuable addition to any classroom, library, or home, particularly for those seeking inclusive stories that promote self-expression and empathy. Woller has set the stage for what promises to be a meaningful and inspiring series.
June 13, 2025
Book Review: Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma by Ashley Woller
Ashley Woller’s Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma is a heartwarming and empowering picture book that centers on self-advocacy, communication, and confidence—all through the lens of a delightful bakery visit. As part of the Navigating Nellie series, this story continues to champion inclusivity and representation, featuring a bold young protagonist who uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to navigate everyday life.
Nellie is a standout character—curious, courageous, and wonderfully real. In this installment, her much-anticipated trip to the bakery doesn’t go as planned. But instead of giving up, Nellie demonstrates flexible thinking and uses her voice—through her AAC device—to speak up for herself and try again. It’s a simple situation with big lessons, thoughtfully told in a way that young readers can understand and relate to.
Woller’s gentle storytelling is both encouraging and realistic, emphasizing that communication comes in many forms, and that every child deserves to be heard. The narrative reinforces the importance of persistence, choice-making, and feeling confident in advocating for what you need or want—even when it means rethinking your first decision.
The illustrations (not included in the description, but assumed to match the warmth of the story) likely add vibrancy and relatability, helping children visualize Nellie’s emotions and the welcoming bakery setting. This book is especially valuable for children who use AAC, but it’s just as important for their peers, helping foster empathy, understanding, and respect for different communication styles.
Final Verdict:
Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma is a sweet, smart, and empowering read that belongs on every child’s bookshelf. It’s not just a story about a bakery visit—it’s about resilience, expression, and the everyday courage it takes to be yourself. A must-read for families, classrooms, and therapists looking to encourage inclusive storytelling and celebrate diverse communication.
Ashley Woller’s Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma is a heartwarming and empowering picture book that centers on self-advocacy, communication, and confidence—all through the lens of a delightful bakery visit. As part of the Navigating Nellie series, this story continues to champion inclusivity and representation, featuring a bold young protagonist who uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to navigate everyday life.
Nellie is a standout character—curious, courageous, and wonderfully real. In this installment, her much-anticipated trip to the bakery doesn’t go as planned. But instead of giving up, Nellie demonstrates flexible thinking and uses her voice—through her AAC device—to speak up for herself and try again. It’s a simple situation with big lessons, thoughtfully told in a way that young readers can understand and relate to.
Woller’s gentle storytelling is both encouraging and realistic, emphasizing that communication comes in many forms, and that every child deserves to be heard. The narrative reinforces the importance of persistence, choice-making, and feeling confident in advocating for what you need or want—even when it means rethinking your first decision.
The illustrations (not included in the description, but assumed to match the warmth of the story) likely add vibrancy and relatability, helping children visualize Nellie’s emotions and the welcoming bakery setting. This book is especially valuable for children who use AAC, but it’s just as important for their peers, helping foster empathy, understanding, and respect for different communication styles.
Final Verdict:
Navigating Nellie: The Bakery Dilemma is a sweet, smart, and empowering read that belongs on every child’s bookshelf. It’s not just a story about a bakery visit—it’s about resilience, expression, and the everyday courage it takes to be yourself. A must-read for families, classrooms, and therapists looking to encourage inclusive storytelling and celebrate diverse communication.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews