Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride

A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children’s Books of the Past 20 Years Selection

The New York Times best-selling porcine wonder finds herself behind the wheel in this hilarious adventure.

Mr. and Mrs. Watson's porcine wonder, Mercy, loves nothing more than a ride in the car. It takes a fair amount of nudging and bribing and a "You are such a good sport, darling" to get the portly pig out of the driver's seat, but once the convertible is on the road, Mercy loves the feel of the wind tickling her ears and the sun on her snout. One day the Watsons' motoring ritual takes an unexpected turn, however, when their elderly neighbor Baby Lincoln pops up in the backseat in hopes of some "folly and adventure" — and in the chaos that ensues, an exuberant Mercy ends up behind the wheel! Soon there's a policeman on her tail, a struggle for the brake, and a blissfully airborne Mercy. Of course, it's nothing that an extra helping of buttered toast can't fix!With power-charged vocabulary, unexpected twists and turns, and glossy cartoon artwork, this rollicking tale is fuel-injected with humor.
—SLJ’s Curriculum Connections

The rich vocabulary of the text, the retro look of the illustrations (including the pink 1959 Cadillac they drive), and the sheer fun of the tale will delight young children.
—Childhood Education

Fans of Mercy Watson will be happy to hear Kate DiCamillo has a new book in her series.
—Detroit Free Press

The story is funny and the art is even funnier.
—Advocate, The (Baton Rouge)

DiCamillo underscores her incredible range with another Mercy Watson book, as silly and satisfying as the first.
—San Francisco Chronicle

Certain to surprise and delight young readers.
—Working Mother Magazine

Van Dusen’s larger-than-life characters and retro sensibility extend the dry humor of the situation, and his shiny, rainbow-bright gouache art shoots the energy, especially Mercy’s, right off the page. Great for emergent readers.
—Booklist

The second installment in the 'Mercy Watson' series, this choice is certain to produce lots of smiles and laughter.
—Syndicated Column - Kendal Rautzhan

A fresh, fun-filled must-have for those looking to spiff up beginning-chapter-book collections.
—School Library Journal

A spirited outing. . . . Chris Van Dusen’s spirited illustrations add to the unbridled fun.
—Sacramento BeeKate 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.