Mercy Watson to the Rescue!

mrsweasley@evpl — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:50:00 GMT

When my husband and I travel, I always bring audiobooks to pass the time. Last week we took a trip to Michigan with two of our grandchildren, ages 4 and 6. I knew I would need audiobooks to keep them occupied, but how could I please everyone? What could I bring that would entertain both children and adults?

I was very familiar with books by Kate DiCamillo, who penned the Newbery honor book Because of Winn-Dixie and Newbery Medal winner The Tale of Despereaux, but I had never gotten around to reading her easy chapter book series about Mercy Watson. I checked out the three audiobook CDs that contain all six of the Mercy Watson stories. We were not disappointed!

Mercy Watson is a pig who lives with Mr. & Mrs. Watson. They treat her almost as a daughter, to the vexation of their neighbor Eugenia Lincoln and the secret delight of Eugenia's sister Baby. Mercy is an unassuming pig who cares about little more than where to get her next helping of toast with a great deal of butter on it. Nevertheless, Mercy gets involved in a number of hilarious adventures (with the occasional oblique cultural reference thrown in for the adults to chuckle over).

We listened to all six stories at least twice and found ourselves quoting lines from the books throughout the vacation. I recommend that you check out a book or audiobook from the series, make yourself some toast with a great deal of butter on it, and sit down for a nice visit with Mercy, the Watsons, Eugenia & Baby Lincoln, and -oh, yes-the fire department.

Kids Blog : Kate DiCamillo

Mercy Watson to the Rescue!