“Screeeeechh was the sound the toaster made when it was being pulled across the kitchen counter! Mercy Watson loved toast. She particularly loved toast with a great deal of butter on it.”
Synopsis of Mercy Watson Fights Crime
Mercy is a pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. One night she is awakened by break in where a small cowboy of a man steals numerous kitchen appliances. The commotion awakens Mercy who ends up running the thief out of the house on her back. In the meantime she awakens the Watsons and the neighbors who call the police and the fire department. In the end Mercy saves the day and the little cowboy learns that crime does not pay.
Review
Written by Newbery Medal and Theodor Geisel Medal award winner Kate DiCamillo, Mercy Watson Fights Crime is a fast and fun read. New readers will love the large print and concise sentences. Adults will find themselves reading with a lazy cowboy drawl as they sing out “Yippie-i-oh.” Adults and children alike will love the colorful and immersive illustrations by Chris Van Dusen. Action packed illustrations cover nearly every page. This is a fast 15 minute read-aloud that is enjoyable for everyone within earshot. I started reading to my three year old and by the end of the story my nine, 12 and 16 year old had all gather around to see how it would turn out.
Violence
No true violence is within the story unless you count the end where Mercy sits on the would-be thief!
Language
No foul language within the books. The closest the book gets is the wannabe cowboy exclaiming a few “aw shucks.”
Relationship/Morality
No questionable relationships depicted. There is of course a thief who breaks into a house at night. He steals a full bag of items before getting caught by Mercy. The thief is likable in a way, which may make it harder for parents to discuss not stealing. He certainly does not come across as a villain. On the positive side, the stealing does open up a chance to talk with children about not taking things that do not belong to them. It may also present the opportunity to talk about home safety, locking doors, and getting an adult if you hear something.
Magic or Spiritual Realms
There is no magic or fantasy elements.
Intense Scenes
I would not consider any of the scenes intense. In fact, as pointed out above, it is all very light-hearted. Some children may have concerns with the prospect of someone entering the house at night, especially if read right before bed. But the break in happens early in the book and by the end the focus is on Mercy’s love of buttery goodness.
Positives Messages
Mr. and Mrs. Watson are respectful in their speech to each other. The police and firefighters are prompt in their response. In the end the thief is caught (crime does not pay) and he even decides to give up larceny to become a real cowboy.
Amazon’s suggestion is for readers 5-7 years old. Even older children will enjoy relaxing on the couch in the evening with this entertaining read.
- Ages 4-6: Recommended as a read aloud. Have fun!
- Ages 7-8: Recommended for new readers or as a read assist (70 pages but with large words and lots of pictures).
- Ages 9-10: Recommended.
- Ages 11-12: Enjoyable, but not the target audience.
- Ages 13-15: Clearly for younger reads, but perhaps children of this age will enjoy reading it to younger children!
- Ages 16-18: Not the target audience.
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