Nugget and Darling Author:Barbara M. Joosse "Joosse uses dialogue to add spunk and freshness to a nicely textured narrative that sets up a familiar scenario: the loving relationship between a little girl and her dog, Nugget, is tested when Nugget comes across a bedraggled kitten, and the girl takes it in. Truesdell"s illustrations, reminiscent of James Stevenson"s, are a hoot, smoothly te... more »mpering the inherent sentimentality of the story with a broadly comic depiction of Nugget"s vacillating emotions: curiosity, jealousy, dejection, and, finally, satisfied resignation as three individuals become a trio at last . . . . "Ahhh.""—ALA Booklist« less