Mini PB Review: A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Well, here's a picture book that couldn't come at a more opportune time. Some of my young readers are beginning to transition out of picture books to a combination of picture books and early chapter books. And what better way to this than by reading Mercy Watson's origin story. And I have to confess that after reading 6 Mercy Watson chapter books, I wondered did wonder how the Watsons came to acquire the "porcine wonder" that is Mercy. Well, at last, the mystery is solved.

Mr. and Mrs. Watson used to live ordinary, predictable lives on Deckawoo Drive, next door to elderly sisters Baby and Eugenia Lincoln. But, after a day of doing chores, Mrs. Watson asks Mr. Watson if he thinks they are too predictable. "Predictable? Us?" said Mr. Watson. "Surely not." But in truth, nothing very exciting seems to happen to them. That is, until one morning when the Watsons discover a little piglet on their lawn and are immediately smitten by it. Little did they suspect that Mercy had fallen out of the pig transport truck and right into their lives - which will no longer be ordinary or predictable again.

This picture book prequel delighted my young readers so much we've read it over and over this week. I haven't read the chapter books in a while, but I seem to remember that all the important characters my kids will meet in future Mercy Watson stories are introduced here, personalities and all. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are smitten with Mercy the moment they find her and continue to be; Baby Lincoln is her usual sweet self, and sister Eugenia is her usual grumpy, curmudgeony self. Mercy is cute and pink and hungry, and it is in this that she almost immediately discovers her passion for hot buttered toast.

There is even a preview of sibling neighbors Frank and Stella (whom you meet in Mercy Watson #4: Princess in Disguise) walking down the street with their parents.

A Piglet Named Mercy is everything a prequel should be, a fun, informative story and with the bold, humorous, brightly colored gouache illustrations by Chris Van Dusen, a delight to read.

Don't forget to download the great activity kit that is a companion to A Piglet Named Mercy courtesy of  Candlewick Press. You can download it HERE

This book is recommended for readers age 4+
Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing me with a copy of this book.