Mercy Watson Fights Crime

Leroy Ninker is a small man with a big dream: he wants to be a cowboy, but for now he’s just a thief. In fact, Leroy is robbing the Watsons’ kitchen right this minute! As he drags the toaster across the counter — screeeeeech — and drops it into his bag — clannngggg — little does he know that a certain large pig who loves toast with a great deal of butter is stirring from sleep. Even less could he guess that a comedy of errors (not to mention the buttery sweets in his pocket) will soon lead this little man on the wild and raucous rodeo ride he’s always dreamed of! Nosy neighbors, astonished firemen, a puzzled policeman, and the ever-doting Watsons return for a tongue-in-snout adventure about Kate DiCamillo’s delightfully single-minded pig. 

The porcine wonder goes on another adventure that will leave readers giggling. Readers’ favorite characters make another appearance and the addition of Leroy Nickers adds even more humor. While riding the pig Mercy, Leroy feels as if he “was a cowboy riding a bucking bronco in the Wild West.” The story ends with Leroy being arrested. But readers can discover what happens to the would-be thief by reading Leroy Ninker Saddles Up. Even though the story focuses on Leroy, much of the humor comes from knowing what is going on in Mercy Watson’s mind. Even though the porcine wonder saves the day, readers know that, in reality, she just wanted buttery toast. 

The humorous story will captivate readers who will enjoy the brightly colored illustrations that appear on almost every page. The silly illustrations will cause giggles, and the exaggerated facial expressions will help readers interpret the characters’ emotions. The Mercy Watson Series will help beginning readers turn into confident readers. The illustrations help break up the words on the page and most paragraphs are only one sentence. A few words may be difficult for younger readers to pronounce, and there are several plays on words that readers may miss. Despite this, the Mercy Watson Series would be a fun book to read alone or with a parent. 

If Mercy Watson Fights Crimes puts you in the mood for a yippie-i-oh cowboy book, lasso up Cowboy Pug: The Dog Who Rode for Glory by Laura James. Beginning readers who want more entertaining books should also read Fox is Late by Corey R. Tabor or Agnes and Clarabelle by Adele Griffin & Courtney Sheinmel. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None