What do you think?
Rate this book
Mercy Watson #0.5
Un maialino di nome Sorpresa
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2019)El Sr. i la Sra. Watson feien una vida normal i corrent. Potser massa normal i corrent i tot. Fins que un dia va aparèixer algú inesperat a la porta de casa seva. En aquesta preqüela d'una sèrie supervendes del New York Times, i que Corimbo publicará al 2020, una porqueta porta molt d'amor (i caos) a l'avinguda Deckawoo, i la vida dels Watson mai no tornarà a ser com abans! Kate DiCamillo és una de les més importants autores de llibres juvenils i infantils. Ha rebut dues Medalles d'Honor Newery i ha estat finalista del National Book Award. Des de llavors és una de les autores més importants dels EUA i ha estat nomenada Ambaixadora Nacional de Literatura per a Joves. Ha venut més de 30 milions d'exemplars de les seves obres. Chris Van Dusen és autor i il·lustrador de diversos àlbums il·lustrats, com ara The Circus Ship y Hattie & Hudson. Viu a Maine, als Estats Units.
Hardcover
First published April 2, 2019
57 people are currently reading
4426 people want to read
About the author
Kate DiCamillo
163 books11k followersKate DiCamillo, the newly named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2014–2015, says about stories, “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” Born in Philadelphia, the author lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
July 19, 2019
The cuteness of this story is on maximum here. I have read all of the middle grade readers of Mercy Watson. This picture book is how the Watson’s came to live with this porcine wonder, Mercy the pig. The little piglet is oh so cute. The neighbors are involved in this story as well.
This is simple and straight forward and anyone who has been reading the Mercy Watson series will enjoy this beginning. It’s also a great stepping stone to get into this wonderful series. I would recommend it to kids who are reading them on their own. I’m going to begin getting the rest of the series for my niece to read on her own and see if she likes them. The artwork is the same as the series, bright and colorful.
The nephew adored this book. He was swept up in this story. He loved the pig. He gave this 5 stars. The niece thought this looked like a good story too. She gave this 4 stars.
This is simple and straight forward and anyone who has been reading the Mercy Watson series will enjoy this beginning. It’s also a great stepping stone to get into this wonderful series. I would recommend it to kids who are reading them on their own. I’m going to begin getting the rest of the series for my niece to read on her own and see if she likes them. The artwork is the same as the series, bright and colorful.
The nephew adored this book. He was swept up in this story. He loved the pig. He gave this 5 stars. The niece thought this looked like a good story too. She gave this 4 stars.
November 25, 2019
My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #12 (of more than 20) of 2019, and we thought it was good. By the rock star children's author Kate DeCamilo!, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. The story is a prequel for a series about how the Watson couple found Mercy.
Hank (13): 1. Boring. Nothing really to it. Not much happens at all. Not a great story.
Harry (14): 1. Right, nothing much happens and they all looked a little too happy, if you ask me.
Tara: 4. Pretty cute. I liked Baby Lincoln, who was about 70.
Dave: 3.5. Quality retro (fifties?) art from Van Dusen. Takes a little too long to get started. There is very little story, and it's certainly not an origin story in that you have no idea where the pig came from or much of anything about the Watsons. Still, it's cute enough and the art is better than standard fare, for sure.
Hank (13): 1. Boring. Nothing really to it. Not much happens at all. Not a great story.
Harry (14): 1. Right, nothing much happens and they all looked a little too happy, if you ask me.
Tara: 4. Pretty cute. I liked Baby Lincoln, who was about 70.
Dave: 3.5. Quality retro (fifties?) art from Van Dusen. Takes a little too long to get started. There is very little story, and it's certainly not an origin story in that you have no idea where the pig came from or much of anything about the Watsons. Still, it's cute enough and the art is better than standard fare, for sure.
June 7, 2020
Mr and Mrs Watson lived perfectly ordinary lives until Mercy arrived. Now life on Deckawoo Lane will never be unpredictable again.
This prequel is my introduction to Mercy Watson and I’ve already fallen in love with her. I don’t think that I’ve been introduced to a pig this adorable since I met Wilbur and Babe.
As a picture book, Mercy’s origin story isn’t especially detailed but it was enough for me to want to continue her story. Because I’m me, one of my takeaways from this book is concern for all of the pigs that didn’t fall off the back of the truck.
Chris Van Dusen’s illustrations gave off such a wholesome 1950’s vibe, with the possible exception of cantankerous Eugenia Lincoln, that it felt like I was reading a classic rather than a recent release.
I’m expecting sisters Eugenia and Baby Lincoln will compete to become my favourite human character as I continue this series.
This prequel is my introduction to Mercy Watson and I’ve already fallen in love with her. I don’t think that I’ve been introduced to a pig this adorable since I met Wilbur and Babe.
As a picture book, Mercy’s origin story isn’t especially detailed but it was enough for me to want to continue her story. Because I’m me, one of my takeaways from this book is concern for all of the pigs that didn’t fall off the back of the truck.
Chris Van Dusen’s illustrations gave off such a wholesome 1950’s vibe, with the possible exception of cantankerous Eugenia Lincoln, that it felt like I was reading a classic rather than a recent release.
I’m expecting sisters Eugenia and Baby Lincoln will compete to become my favourite human character as I continue this series.
January 23, 2022
It really bugs me that neither Watsons nor the Lincolns seems to have given a moment's thought about where the pig came from and who might be missing it. Maybe I have just seen too many postings for lost cats recently. Really, I have a lot of questions, such as who are their other neighbors and why do the Lincolns have a baby bottle?
I do appreciate having a family of color in the neighborhood even if they are literally in the background.
Library copy
I do appreciate having a family of color in the neighborhood even if they are literally in the background.
Library copy
April 6, 2019
It's hard to say what I love more: little pig Mercy Watson, author Kate DiCamillo, or illustrator Chris Van Dusen. DiCamillo and Van Dusen have joined forces to bring early chapter book character Mercy Watson to the picture book crowd in a delightful prequel to the series. How did Mercy come to join Mr. and Mrs. Watson as a part of their family? This little book tells the backstory. If you are already a fan of the Mercy Watson books, you won't want to miss this picture book, and if you aren't, you will seek them out after you read it.
April 6, 2019
Kate DiCamillo's "A Piglet Named Mercy" is a fantastic young children's book. A very ordinary couple find an extraordinary piglet at their front door one morning. The piglet was bumped out of a pig transport truck. He brought love and joy to this ordinary family. Super illustrations and a great story for young readers. I received a copy of this book from Goodread's giveaways in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2019
It's the origin story you never knew you were waiting for! Love going back in time with Mercy.
November 9, 2019
Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the opening round Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 10 to go!
A cute bit of fluff, acting as a prequel to a series I don't believe I've ever read. I may have to check it out. This is not a great book, but it certainly is a bright spot in the pile of otherwise pathetic nominees I've read in the last couple days.
A cute bit of fluff, acting as a prequel to a series I don't believe I've ever read. I may have to check it out. This is not a great book, but it certainly is a bright spot in the pile of otherwise pathetic nominees I've read in the last couple days.
April 26, 2019
Perfect for introducing Mercy to younger readers.
June 11, 2019
This went over... okay. It felt like the beginning of a story and not a complete story. When the book was over, Lu just kept looking at it ("No more pages? Okay.")
(May 2019, library book)
(May 2019, library book)
June 11, 2019
... jei tureciau maza vaika, skaityciau ir jam...
November 12, 2019
This book is the prequel to the Mercy Watson series (which I haven't read).
It's a short and cute story about how the Watson couple found Mercy. There isn't much of a storyline, but I suppose you'd have to read the rest of the series if you want to follow Mercy's adventures.
It's a short and cute story about how the Watson couple found Mercy. There isn't much of a storyline, but I suppose you'd have to read the rest of the series if you want to follow Mercy's adventures.
October 26, 2022
A cute precursor to the beginning reader books. This tale explains how Mercy came to live with her adoptive family.
Ages: 2 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
Ages: 2 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
April 7, 2019
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.
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.
May 22, 2019
First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson lived in a house on Deckawoo Drive. Deckawoo Drive was an ordinary street in an ordinary town.
Premise/plot: A Piglet Named Mercy is a picture book prequel to Kate DiCamillo's early chapter book series starring Mercy Watson. It is the origin story, if you will.
My thoughts: Does loving A Piglet Named Mercy depend upon loving other titles in the series? I can't adequately answer that I suppose. I have not read all the books in the series. And what I have read was so long ago that I barely remember the details of the books. But what I do recall--though vague and fuzzy--is being charmed and delighted. I can tell you that reading A Piglet Named Mercy has me wanting to read--or in some cases reread--the chapter book titles.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: A Piglet Named Mercy is a picture book prequel to Kate DiCamillo's early chapter book series starring Mercy Watson. It is the origin story, if you will.
My thoughts: Does loving A Piglet Named Mercy depend upon loving other titles in the series? I can't adequately answer that I suppose. I have not read all the books in the series. And what I have read was so long ago that I barely remember the details of the books. But what I do recall--though vague and fuzzy--is being charmed and delighted. I can tell you that reading A Piglet Named Mercy has me wanting to read--or in some cases reread--the chapter book titles.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
April 4, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway here. The day it was delivered, I had it waiting for my daughter, who is in first grade, when I picked her up from school. She was very excited, even though it was a picture book and not a chapter book, because she has spent the past month reading ALL of the Mercy Watson series. She finished it by the time we got home. Then, she read it to me the next day, and also took it to school to read there as well. Needless to say, it's a hit in our home.
It's also great to learn how Mercy Watson became Mercy Watson, turning the Watson's predictable lives completely unpredictable. We also love Baby Lincoln'd part in the story. It's a great read for younger and older kids alike.
It's also great to learn how Mercy Watson became Mercy Watson, turning the Watson's predictable lives completely unpredictable. We also love Baby Lincoln'd part in the story. It's a great read for younger and older kids alike.
May 28, 2019
As a big fan of the original Mercy Watson early chapter book series, I was thrilled when I heard about a new book about Mercy. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was enjoyable to find out how Mercy came to live with the Watsons. And Van Dusen's illustrations are as delightfully bright and adorable as in the chapter book series. Mercy is her cheerful, buttered-toast-loving self and the Watsons' love her immediately. Eugenia is not pleased of course, since she doesn't like surprises or pigs, but Baby Lincoln is thrilled because she does. A sweet introduction to a favorite character and a great lead-in to the early chapter book series.
April 5, 2019
My daughter and I love the Mercy Watson series of early chapter books, and it was so exciting to know there was going to be a picture book too! Such a cute origin story, a great place to start for younger readers who haven't yet discovered the chapter books. As always, I especially enjoyed the stylish, colorful artwork of Chris Van Dusen.
December 9, 2018
This book actually has a title and full illustrations and I just read it!
A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo!
A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo!
April 11, 2019
Another DiCamillo's! And of course with an animal: a piglet. It's the prequel of her picture stories of Mercy Watson when Mr. and Mrs. Watson found it in front of their house for the first time.
April 12, 2019
Cute picture book of how Mercy came to live with the Watson’s. I think kids will love it! (Library)
April 12, 2019
Very sweet, very cute, beautifully illustrated about going from predictable to unpredictable...and, for the Watsons and Eugenia Lincoln, that means a pig named Mercy!
April 12, 2019
A sweet story of how it all began! Oh Mercy!!!
April 21, 2019
A great companion picture book to this wonderful series.
December 15, 2023
The origin story of the porcine wonder.
April 4, 2019
This book caused me quite a conundrum.
You see, I haven't read any of the Mercy Watson chapter books. And, even though this is her origin story, I feel like I need to have read the chapter books to get what are clearly inside jokes.
Also, the book feels....very short and abrupt. It's literally *just* the origin story, with nothing else. So you really have to have read the chapter books OR be ready to move right on to them, otherwise you're left with this abrupt feeling I've got. (And if you're a kiddo who isn't ready for chapter books, you're stuck.)
THAT SAID - I think it's a darling origin story, and I love the illustrations!
You see, I haven't read any of the Mercy Watson chapter books. And, even though this is her origin story, I feel like I need to have read the chapter books to get what are clearly inside jokes.
Also, the book feels....very short and abrupt. It's literally *just* the origin story, with nothing else. So you really have to have read the chapter books OR be ready to move right on to them, otherwise you're left with this abrupt feeling I've got. (And if you're a kiddo who isn't ready for chapter books, you're stuck.)
THAT SAID - I think it's a darling origin story, and I love the illustrations!
July 2, 2019
I loved this prequel about how Mercy came to live with the Watsons! Anybody who enjoyed the series will want to read this one. This will be a fun read-aloud to introduce readers to Mercy Watson too.
June 19, 2019
Absolutely adorable! fans of the series will love this short sweet story of how Mercy came to live with the Watsons.
January 9, 2021
A very gentle origin story for Mercy Watson.
November 8, 2019
This is a very cute story. Van Dusen actually made a pig look really cute, while still keeping it realistic. I did find the story a little bland, only because I feel the plot has been overdone. The illustrations were excellent, but the story fell flat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews