Mercy Watson Series Books in Order

The Mercy Watson Series is a charming and enormously entertaining early reader series written by Kate DiCamillo — the Newbery Medal-winning author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux — featuring one of children's literature's most delightful animal protagonists. Mercy Watson is a pig of considerable size, limited intelligence, and boundless enthusiasm for buttered toast — a simple creature whose innocent single-mindedness repeatedly creates chaos in her suburban neighbourhood while her devoted owners, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, look on with unconditional love. Each adventure is brief, bright, and driven by Mercy's uncomplicated pursuit of her desires.

DiCamillo writes the Mercy Watson books with the same precision and warmth she brings to her more serious work, distilled into an early reader format that requires maximum efficiency with minimum words. The humour is gentle and visual, the supporting cast of neighbours (including the anxious sisters Eugenia and Baby Lincoln, who appear in their own spinoff series) is drawn with affectionate economy, and the illustrations by Chris Van Dusen capture Mercy's cheerful obliviousness perfectly. The books are designed for newly independent readers aged 5–8 and work equally well as read-alouds for younger children.

Comprising 6 short novels published from 2005 to 2009, the Mercy Watson series has become a staple of early childhood reading programmes and school libraries. Each book is entirely self-contained — any of them makes a perfect introduction to the character. Begin with Mercy Watson to the Rescue (Book 1) for Mercy's establishment and the introduction of the full supporting cast.