Mercy Watson to the Rescue

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

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