Written by the legendary Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, the Mercy Watson series follows the adventures of a "porcine wonder" named Mercy. She isn’t a talking pig, and she doesn’t have superpowers. She’s just a very pampered, very single-minded pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson in a house on Deckawoo Drive.

The Watsons treat Mercy like their daughter, tucking her into bed and singing her songs. Mercy, meanwhile, is motivated almost exclusively by the desire for hot, buttered toast. This simple motivation leads to ridiculous scenarios involving firemen, chase scenes, and grumpy neighbors like Eugenia Lincoln, who is firmly of the opinion that "pigs should not live in houses."

There are six books in the primary series, and they are specifically designed for that tricky "transitional" phase where a kid is too old for Elephant & Piggie but gets overwhelmed by the wall of text in Harry Potter.

If you’ve spent any time looking at what's trending for the 6-8 age group lately, you know it’s a lot of loud, fast-paced, and often chaotic digital content. Mercy Watson manages to capture that same sense of "zany fun" but in a way that actually builds literacy skills and keeps the nervous system regulated.

Chris Van Dusen’s illustrations are mid-century modern masterpieces. They are bright, expressive, and appear on almost every page. For a kid who is intimidated by a 100-page book, seeing those full-color illustrations is like a safety net. It tells them, "You can do this. I’m not going to leave you alone in a desert of black-and-white text."

A lot of early readers are... let's be honest, boring. They use repetitive language that makes parents want to claw their eyes out during bedtime reading. Mercy Watson is genuinely funny. The absurdity of the Watsons' devotion to their pig, the slapstick comedy of Mercy accidentally "saving the day" while looking for food, and the recurring cast of characters make it a joy to read aloud.

There are no "bad guys" in the traditional sense. Even Eugenia Lincoln, the primary antagonist, is just a grumpy neighbor who wants things to be orderly. This makes it a perfect "low-stress" choice for kids who might be sensitive to the peril found in books like The Bad Guys or Wings of Fire.

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While you can technically read these in any order, starting at the beginning helps establish the "lore" of Deckawoo Drive.

This is the origin story. Mercy decides she’s afraid of the dark and climbs into bed with the Watsons. The bed starts to crack through the floor, and Mercy leaves—not to get help, but because she thinks there might be toast in the kitchen. Her "heroism" is entirely accidental, which is a running theme that kids find hilarious.

Every Saturday, Mr. Watson and Mercy go for a ride in his Cadillac. This time, Mercy decides she wants to drive. It’s a great example of the series' "controlled chaos" vibe.

Halloween on Deckawoo Drive. The Watsons dress Mercy up as a princess, but all she cares about is the promise of "treats." It’s a great pick for October, but honestly, kids will read it year-round.

Once your child finishes the main six books, don't panic. DiCamillo created a follow-up series of "chapter books" (slightly more text, fewer illustrations) that focus on the supporting characters like Leroy Ninker, Francine Poulet, and Baby Lincoln. It’s the perfect "Level 2" for when they’ve mastered the primary series.

Recommended Ages: 5–8

Check out our guide on how to transition from picture books to chapter books

Absolutely not. While the plot is silly, the writing is top-tier. Kate DiCamillo is a Newbery Medalist, and she doesn't talk down to kids. She uses rich vocabulary and rhythmic sentences. It’s the antithesis of the "Skibidi" culture—it’s intentional, well-crafted, and wholesome without being "preachy."

We often hear parents worry that their kids only want "fast" entertainment like Roblox or Minecraft. Mercy Watson works because it mimics that fast pacing. Things happen quickly. There’s a lot of movement. There’s a "reward" (a funny picture or a joke) on every couple of pages. It satisfies that need for stimulation while actually training their brain to focus on a narrative.

If you’re currently dealing with a kid who is constantly asking for Robux, the Mercy Watson books offer a weirdly helpful counter-narrative. Mercy’s wants are simple: buttered toast. There’s no consumerism here, just the joy of a simple (albeit buttery) life.

If you’re reading these with your child, use them as a jumping-off point for some "digital wellness" adjacent conversations:

Mercy Watson is a rare gem in the world of children's literature. It bridges the gap between "learning to read" and "reading to learn" (or reading for fun) perfectly. It’s a high-quality, hilarious, and visually stunning series that deserves a spot on every early elementary student's bookshelf.

If your kid is currently stuck in a loop of watching MrBeast or playing Stumble Guys, try swapping 15 minutes of screen time for a chapter of Mercy Watson. The buttered toast is waiting.

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