A New York Times bestseller! A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children’s Books of the Past 20 Years Selection 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. 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 Kate DiCamillo is the beloved author of many books for young readers, including the Orris and Timble, Mercy Watson, and Tales from Mercy Watson’s Deckawoo Drive series. Her books Flora & Ulysses and The Tale of Despereaux both received Newbery Medals. A former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, she lives in Minneapolis. Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of many books for young readers, including The Circus Ship and Big Truck, Little Island, and the illustrator of the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive series. He lives in Maine.