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About this item
Description
About the Book
Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo ("Because of Winn-Dixie") introduces an irresistible new hero for early chapter book readers in this first of six pig tales in an exciting new series, brightly illustrated with nostalgic comic flair by Chris Van Dusen. Full color.Book Synopsis
The first adventure of this New York Times best-selling porcine wonder is available in paperback.To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig -- she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes in a flash - to alert the fire department, her owners assure themselves. But could Mercy possibly have another emergency in mind -- like a sudden craving for their neighbors' sugar cookies? Welcome to the wry and endearing world of Mercy Watson -- an ebullient character for early chapter-book readers in a series that's destined to be a classic.
Review Quotes
Van Dusen's boldly hued, tactically hyperbolic gouache paintings tap into the narrative's wry humor and joie de vivre.--Publishers Weekly (starred review) Appropriate as both a picture book and a beginning reader, this joyful story combines familiar elements with a raucous telling that lets readers in on the joke.
--Booklist, starred review DiCamillo employs enough creative word choices to elevate the story beyond the controlled vocabulary of a first reader, yet the short chapters, large font, double spacing, and easygoing narrative make it approachable for transitional readers.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, The Hilarity and hijinks abound.
--Kirkus Reviews Mercy Watson, a disarmingly charming pig adopted by a loving human family, makes her debut in this new series of chapter books for beginning readers.
--School Library Journal Featured/recommended
--St. Paul Pioneer Press DiCamillo's suspenseful yarn keeps readers turning the page, while the retro-folksy illustrations by Chris Van Dusen go for laughs and make for a gentle transition from picture books.
--FamilyFun All heck breaks loose in this affectionate screwball take on bringing up baby.
--Parenting This fast-paced tale features a pig named Mercy, a problem neighbor, and piles of buttered toast.
--People Magazine Short and peppy chapters for reading or read-alouds.
--Chicago Tribune Mr. and Mrs. Watson live in a charmingly retro world with their adorable pet pig.
--Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Books of the Year DiCamillo's tightly woven, outlandish story shows she's a pro at making readers laugh.
--Pittsburgh Post Gazette With its straightforward story line, repeated text and hilarious illustrations, this new series should delight young readers.
--Book Page An ebullient new character for early chapter-book readers in a series that's destined to be a classic.
--Midwest Book Review Porcine merriment.
--Star Tribune A beguiling blend of slapstick and whimsy.
--Child Magazine's Best Children's Book Award
About The Author
Kate DiCamillo is the author of THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, which received the Newbery Medal; BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, which received a Newbery Honor; and THE TIGER RISING, which was named a National Book Award Finalist. She says, "Mercy Watson had been in my head for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to tell her story. One day, my friend Alison was going on and on and on about the many virtues of toast. As I listened to her, I could see Mercy nodding in emphatic agreement. Sometimes you don't truly understand a character until you know what she loves above all else." Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of DOWN TO THE SEA WITH MR. MAGEE, A CAMPING SPREE WITH MR. MAGEE, and IF I BUILT A CAR. He says, "When I first read Mercy Watson to the Rescue, the characters were very vivid in my mind, and they just came to life when I started painting. This is exactly the type of story I love to illustrate -- a wonderfully silly adventure with lots of action." This is his first book with Candlewick Press.Dimensions (Overall): 8.21 Inches (H) x 6.45 Inches (W) x .28 Inches (D)
Weight: .51 Pounds
Suggested Age: 4-8 Years
Number of Pages: 68
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Pigs
Series Title: Mercy Watson
Publisher: Candlewick Pr
Format: Paperback
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Language: English
Street Date: December 22, 2009
TCIN: 11650897
UPC: 9780763645045
Item Number (DPCI): 059-03-6018
Origin: Made in the USA
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 6.3 inches length x 0.5 inches width x 8.3 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 28 reviews
100% would recommend
5 recommendations
Great series
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
LyssaM - 4 years ago
I bought this series for my first grade students and they absolutely love them! I read them to my class every year and it’s one of my students’ favorites!
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
Nate13 - 4 years ago
My granddaughter loved it!
This series is a favorite in our house!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
MileysJo - 5 years ago, Verified purchaser
Mercy Watson is a new favorite in our household. The author does a great job at keeping the chapters engaging and age appropriate. Both me and my 4 year old enjoyed this read. The illustrator is awesome and really ties together the description of the characters.
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Mainemom - 6 years ago, Verified purchaser
I bought these for my 7 yr old daughter who loves them, so I went and ordered for my 7yr old nephew. Exciting and colorful illustrations with a fun storyline about a pig.... who wouldn’t love that..?
This series is a winner!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
sharkansas - 6 years ago, Verified purchaser
This series is one of our family's favorites! After finding and reading every book in the local public library, we found we wanted this series for our own. My granddaughter is 4 years old and loves these books. I think she will continue to love them as she becomes a reader herself. This series is for sure worth the investment for a home library and especially on sale for half price - it's perfect!
Mercy
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
JSkinner - 8 years ago
My daughter loves this series, we were so excited to finally find it at Target!