Monday, May 27, 2019

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Mercy Watson to the Rescue. (Mercy Watson #1) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2005. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy.

Premise/plot: Can a pig save her human 'parents'? That is the question raised in Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson To The Rescue. Why do Mr. and Mrs. Watson need to be rescued? Well, Mercy herself--if she could do more than oink--might tell you if you could get her mind off food. You see, it all starts one night when Mercy becomes frightened. She runs and jumps in the Watsons' bed. And there the trouble starts. All three are sleeping, dreaming busy little dreams, unaware that danger is lurking!

What does Mercy dream of? Whether asleep or awake, Mercy's mind is always, always on food. In particular, her favorite food, lovely buttered toast. But can Mercy's weakness lead to some saving strength?

My thoughts: I enjoyed rereading this first book in the series. It has been nine years since I first read through the Mercy Watson chapter book series for young readers. Mercy is certainly a memorable character with a one-track mind. She loves, loves, loves buttered toast. If she can't have that treat, then another may do just as well.

I enjoyed meeting the neighbors as well. I liked that they inadvertently help save the day.   

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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