Lost Nellie: and other stories

Lost Nellie by Pansy is a collection of short stories and verses for children written in the late 19th century. The book gently teaches moral and Christian lessons through everyday situations—emphasizing prayer, honesty, obedience, cheerful patience, and kindness.

The pieces follow young children in small but telling predicaments. In Lost Nellie, a little girl prays under an oak until her father is guided to her. An Old Story retells Noah’s Ark in simple language. Our Jessie shows a child praying to find her mother. Trying to Amuse Willie depicts a convalescent boy so determined to be unhappy that he misses a friend’s visit, then owns his fault. Trouble clears an accused boy when his established character speaks for him. Being Good finds Gracie “obediently” staying in her chair while cutting a curtain to mop spilled cologne. Lulie’s Troubles portrays a girl envying her grandfather’s removable white hair and learning hers won’t come off. Who’ll Settle It turns a quarrel over a game’s score into laughter sparked by a dog’s antics. Across these scenes, the book highlights trust in God, good habits, humility, and the power of gentle humor to resolve conflicts.