What This Book Is About
Mr. and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy. They love her dearly. They call her their "porcine wonder." Mercy loves them too—but mostly, Mercy loves toast. Hot toast with a great deal of butter. In fact, toast is what Mercy thinks about almost all the time.
One night, the Watsons' bed crashes through the floor—with Mr. Watson, Mrs. Watson, and Mercy still in it. While the Watsons panic and the neighbors argue about what to do, Mercy smells something wonderful drifting from next door. Is Mercy racing to save the day? Or is she simply following her nose to someone else's toast? The answer is hilarious, heartwarming, and perfectly unpredictable.
Written by Kate DiCamillo, the two-time Newbery Medal winner behind The Tale of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses, and brought to life by Chris Van Dusen's retro-style gouache paintings, this is the first book in the beloved six-book Mercy Watson series. It's an ideal first chapter book—short chapters, big illustrations, and a pig who will steal your child's heart.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The transition from picture books to chapter books is one of the most important milestones in a young reader's life, and Mercy Watson makes that leap joyful rather than daunting. UWC values books that build reading confidence, and DiCamillo's short chapters, generous illustrations, and infectious humor keep reluctant readers turning pages without realizing they're building stamina.
Beyond reading skills, the book quietly teaches empathy and community. The Watsons' unconditional love for Mercy (a pig!), the way neighbors come together in a crisis, and the warmth of a household built on kindness rather than perfection—all of these mirror UWC's commitment to caring relationships and service to others. It also shows children that humor is a powerful tool for storytelling, encouraging them to bring voice and personality into their own writing.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and simple labeled stories.
Perfect difficulty. Engaging stories with simple vocabulary for early readers.
An easy, quick read at A2. Great for building reading speed and confidence.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.