The real star of the Mercy Watson series is without a doubt illustrator Chris Van Dusen. I almost feel as if I am sinning when I say that the first Mercy Watson book is not an obligatory buy.Alas, the story isn't strong enough to keep up with the fine illustrations.
Despite Kate DiCamillo's good effort, the first Mercy Watson story almost falls flat, were it not for Van Dusen's marvelous pictures.
It is simply such a fabulous book to look through and your eyes will feast on the pictures from page 1 all the way to page 80.
Van Dusen's art work is much stronger in his own picture books A Camping Spree with Mr Magee, Down to the Sea with Mr Magee, and his two knock-out editions - If I Built a Car and The Circus Ship.
The language in Mercy Watson to the Rescue is a bit stilted and although we all wanted to love it, it was not really love at first sight.
Both my kids and I fell in love with the idea of a pig that loves buttered toast and her selfless owners.
And such a cute pig too.
But if you want to splash your cash on one or two Mercy Watson books, better ones followed after this one.
Both my kids and I fell in love with the idea of a pig that loves buttered toast and her selfless owners.
And such a cute pig too.
But if you want to splash your cash on one or two Mercy Watson books, better ones followed after this one.
Also, make sure to glance at the Mercy Watson: Three-Treat Collection: Slipcased Gift Set which consists of the first three Mercy Watson books at a lower price than the combined price of all three (were you to buy them individually).In short, loan this one from the library to introduce your kids to Mercy Watson and the inimitable Chris Van Dusen. But save your cash for DiCamillo's and Van Dusen's better works.
Your verdict on the porcine wonder?
available from Amazon USA
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