A Piglet Named Mercy

February 25, 2019
DiCamillo and Van Dusen create an origin story for popular chapter book series star and “porcine wonder” Mercy Watson in this picture book prequel. The Watsons are largely content with their staid lives as “ordinary people who did ordinary things in ordinary ways” until, one night, “something different” happens. A piglet, “very small and not at all ordinary,” arrives on Deckawoo Drive, comically sprung from the back of a truck. Mercy’s appearance briefly causes unease—unpredictability, including the arrival of an undeniably sweet piglet, is unheard of on Deckawoo Drive—but apprehension quickly gives way to wonder and joy. Van Dusen depicts the Watsons cradling the swaddled pig as a new child, declaring her “a wish come true” and offering her a bottle of warm milk provided by kind neighbor Baby Lincoln (“absurd,” sniffs her sister Eugenia). As ever, Van Dusen’s bright colors and bold characterization joyfully accompany DiCamillo’s story, this time of new and evolving familial love. Established fans will find plenty to appreciate here, while newcomers will be charmed, making this a natural stepping stone to the original series. Ages 3–7.

March 1, 2019
To paraphrase an immortal spider, Mercy is some pig.Mercy Watson, a "small and not at all ordinary" pig, is already the star of six early chapter books, well-known for her love of buttered toast and, of course, of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, the white couple who care for her. But how did Mercy come to live with the Watsons? And how did they discover her love for buttered toast? Written simply for the pre-chapter-book audience, with big, bright, often full-spread illustrations, this picture book offers an introduction to Mercy, "the porcine wonder," with all the dramatic expressions and gentle humor of the chapter books and some irresistible pig cuteness sprinkled in for extra charm. Vivid colors cause each illustration to pop, with a retro style to the Watsons' rosy cheeks, classic car, and rather traditional gender roles (Mrs. Watson vacuums, Mr. Watson polishes the car). An unnamed interracial family seen through a window references two characters introduced as school-age children in the fourth installment of the chapter-book series: Frank and Stella, he as a toddler and she as a baby. Since the target audience for this outing will have no familiarity with them, their presence mostly serves to underscore the otherwise all-white human cast.Younger siblings of the Mercy chapter-book lovers will find their way into the series with this first look, written just for them. (Picture book. 3-5)

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April 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-In this prequel to the popular beginning reader series, fans will discover how the "porcine wonder" first made her appearance at the ordinary home of Mr. and Mrs. Watson on Deckawoo Drive. DiCamillo depicts the mundane lifestyle of the Watsons, who wish something different would happen. Cue the entrance of one adorable piglet bouncing off "Molson's Pig Transport" and wandering onto their porch with their morning paper. Readers of the series will delight in seeing familiar characters like Eugenia and Baby Lincoln fussing over Mercy's entrance, and discovering how Mercy ends up with her name. Van Dusen's exemplary gouache illustrations perfectly capture the personalities of each character, especially the rambunctious and adorable Mercy. Although not a beginning reader like the rest of the series, this Mercy Watson picture book will appeal to her many fans and will serve as a great introduction for younger children. VERDICT A solid purchase for libraries where Mercy Watson has a following.-Rachel Zuffa, Case High School, Racine, WI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2018
Preschool-K The popular early-reader series about Mercy the pig gets an origin story in this delightful picture book. Mrs. Watson is feeling like life may be too predictable when a tiny piglet falls off a pig truck, almost straight onto the Watsons' porch. Mrs. Watson is delighted. Mr. Watson is a little less enthusiastic but soon becomes enamored of the piglet's porcine charms. Of course there's a villain in the piece, a next-door neighbor, the stuffy Eugenia Lincoln, who does not consider pigs appropriate in the least. Her counterbalance is her sweet sister, Baby Lincoln, who gives the piggy milk and also names her: "What a Mercy she is." The story, charming but on the slight side, is bolstered by Van Dusen's sassy, full-page artwork. As in the previous books, the gouache illustrations are polished to a sheen, and happily here have more room to shine. The book's vintage look suits the story well and is sure to entice readers. Old friends and new fans will appreciate this; bring on the toast.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)