The narrative follows Nancy, a resourceful teenage girl, and her younger brother as they take charge of a small shop while their mother continues paid work. They prepare and run a whatnot shop, contend with customer mishaps, domestic duties, and sibling disagreements, stage a special sale that initially fails, and persevere through accidents and alarms including a cave-in and a midnight scare. Along the way they befriend neighbors, uncover surprises such as Nero, and learn practical lessons in responsibility, fair play, enterprise, and resolve as their plans evolve and community support helps resolve setbacks.