Nugget and Darling
What’s inside...
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, Nell, and her dog, Nugget, is tested when Nugget comes across a bedraggled kitten, Darling. Truesdell’s illustrations temper the sentimentality of the story with comic depictions of Nugget’s emotions as Nell integrates Darling into their lives, until the three finally become a happy trio.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Nugget felt when they met Darling for the first time?
What would you have done if you were in Nugget's place during their adventure?
Can you describe a time when you made a new friend? How was that similar or different from Nugget's experience?
What do you think is the most important part of being a good friend, like Nugget and Darling?
If you could ask Nugget or Darling one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, which can make the discussion more immersive for your child.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the characters' feelings and decisions.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to your child's personal experiences to foster empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can lead to a more dynamic and interactive discussion about the story.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their engagement and understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy as characters Nugget and Darling navigate challenges and show understanding towards each other's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing and respecting the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Nugget and Darling illustrate the importance of friendship through their support and loyalty to each other throughout different adventures.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to build lasting bonds by being reliable and supportive friends in their own interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: The book shows characters overcoming fear with each other’s support, which teaches children about bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace challenges, whether in trying new activities or standing up for themselves, knowing that fear can be managed and overcome.
Example Lesson: Importance of Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nugget and Darling encounter and solve various problems together, highlighting teamwork and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use thinking skills to navigate and resolve daily issues, enhancing their decision-making abilities.