Mercy Watson

This early chapter book delivers pure entertainment as a butter-loving pig's obsession with popcorn triggers a hilarious chain reaction at the local drive-in theater. Mercy Watson, the beloved porcine heroine, is driven by a singular, powerful desire for a buttery snack, leading her to leap from a car and send the entire community into a delightful uproar. Kate DiCamillo masterfully blends simple, accessible text with a genuinely funny plot, creating a perfect bridge for readers moving from picture books to their first chapter books. The chaos that unfolds is both easy to follow and wildly amusing, anchored by a charmingly single-minded character.

What makes this story so effective is its celebration of joyful, unapologetic silliness, wrapped in a warm, classic-feeling narrative. The supporting cast of neighbors, including the worried Lincoln sisters, adds to the escalating comedy, ensuring there's never a dull moment. Young readers will connect instantly with Mercy's powerful cravings and the well-intentioned chaos she creates, making this an ideal pick for shared read-alouds or for newly independent readers to tackle on their own. It’s a story that proves the simplest motivations—like the pursuit of a perfect snack—can lead to the grandest adventures.