Wednesday, July 28, 2010

pig week: Mercy Watson

Next up on pig week is a buttered-toast-loving porcine wonder named Mercy Watson. Written by Kate DiCamillo, the author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, the story has quite a but more substance than most other books in the simple chapter book/early reader categories. (I'm a huge DiCamillo fan though so I'm not sure she's capable of writing something I wouldn't love. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is my personal favorite; read with lots of tissues.)


DiCamillo's style is certainly less apparent in these simple reads, but you'd be hard pressed not to love Mercy and her doting "parents." The chapters are simple enough for readers who are starting down the path of Junie B Jones and Magic Tree House and it's nice to have some variety there. We only own 2 of the 6 volumes that make up this series, but they've all been checked out at the library, and enjoyed, at some point.


I can't say that the illustration is my favorite. The cartoonishness of Mercy and her owners are a bit much for me asthetically, but they lend a certain charm to the story.


The first book, Mercy Watson to the Rescue, comes complete with beds crashing through the ceiling, a chase scene with the antagonist neighbor, the fire department to the rescue and lots of hot, buttered toast. What more could you want?


You'll be licking your chops and rooting for Mercy when she finally gets her hot, buttered toast.



Stay tuned for a few more swine tales to come. Who is your favorite literary piggie?



8 comments:

  1. We also love Despereaux and Edward Tulane... and I was wondering about the Mercy books and whether they would hold up to the other two. Great review Joy! I think this would be a nice refreshing change to Magic Tree House. (which I adore for Zach and he's been into since he turned 3... but if I hear the words, "You be Annie and I'll be Jack" one more time...
    :)

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  2. any kate dicamillo book is a winner!!! great post!

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  3. Have you seen any of the Kipper books? His friend Pig and Pig's cousin Arnold are pretty cute...and I haven't read any, but have heard of an Elephant and Piggie beginning reading series by Mo Willems.

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