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.

Cheerful music starts off this audiobook prequel introducing pre-chapter-book listeners to the porcine wonder Mercy Watson. Mercy, the Watsons' irresistible pet piglet, is well known from Kate DiCamillo's award-winning early chapter book series, and this origin story reveals how she came to live at Deckawoo Drive. Narrator Mark Bramhall conveys the gentle humor and charm of the sweet story, creating distinct voices for Mr. and Mrs. Watson and kind, sensitive Baby Lincoln and an especially funny nasal voice to express the disapproval of prim Eugenie. Younger siblings of Mercy's chapter book fans will be thrilled to have their own story and eager to hear the rest of the series. S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine