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Mercy Watson #4
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
When the Watsons decide to zip their porcine wonder into a formfitting princess dress for Halloween — complete with tiara — they are certain that Mercy will be beautiful beyond compare. Mercy is equally certain she likes the sound of trick-or-TREATING and can picture those piles of buttered toast already. As for the Lincoln Sisters next door, how could they know that their cat would get into the act and lead them all on a Halloween "parade" of hysterical proportions?
70 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Kate DiCamillo
153 books11.5k followersKate DiCamillo, the newly named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2014–2015, says about stories, “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” Born in Philadelphia, the author lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
April 8, 2018
Halloween Season, I should have been tipped off from the title. A Great beginning series read. Short chapters, zany action, outrageous characters. Of course, the unspoken character is the buttered toast, which there is plenty of.
Mrs. Watson dresses up Mercy as a Princess to go trick-or-treating which she agrees to. Hilarity ensures and there are 2 new characters introduced to the Deckaroo lore. I think this is a fantastic series and I enjoy it. Innocent entertaining fun to be had from a beginning reader.
Mrs. Watson dresses up Mercy as a Princess to go trick-or-treating which she agrees to. Hilarity ensures and there are 2 new characters introduced to the Deckaroo lore. I think this is a fantastic series and I enjoy it. Innocent entertaining fun to be had from a beginning reader.
January 4, 2019
Mercy is indeed a porcine wonder in her princess costume. The Watson's bribe her with treats (for Mercy that equals buttered toast) to get her to put on the dress and tiara. As with other Mercy Watson books, Chris Van Dusen really brings the book to life. He and DiCamillo will entice many a reluctant reader with the Mercy Watson series.
June 15, 2024
I agree with Eugenia! That pig should have never been in the kitchen. Another cute installment in the series. It was fun and Chris Van Dusen never ceases to blow my mind away with the marvelous illustrations.
March 26, 2015
If only you knew how many times I have tried to get a child to read Mercy Watson: A Princess in Disguise. I bought it last year for the library--using my own money--because it looked like a colorful, fun, beginner chapter book. It didn't hurt that Kate DiCamillo was the author! I was sure the kids were going to love it.
Fail.
For a year it sat on the shelf collecting dust.
Then, as luck would have it, I forgot until minutes beforehand that I was supposed to read to the 1st grade for 30 minutes. I quickly skimmed Goodreads, Pinterest, and the internet at large for good read-alouds. I didn't have my copy of The Read-Aloud Handbook with me, or I would have gone with a Trelease recommendation.
I couldn't find my copy of Pipi Longstocking, and by that point I was sweating bullets. I was tearing apart a particularly disorganized shelf when I found Mercy Watson. Done and done, even though I grimaced at the word princess in the title. Some boys in 1st grade love princesses, and some boys vocally oppose even the suggestion of pink. Ugh. Drama in the afternoon = my favorite.
Luck was on my side. There was not one complaint when I read the title out loud, thereby eliminating my twice monthly lecture entitled: There are No Boy Books or Girl Books, Only BOOKS.
The 1st grade loved Mercy Watson: A Princess in Disguise. I pwned rug time.
Of course, it helps that I have no shame when it comes to voices, faces, and contorting my body into positions I didn't think possible in an effort to keep attention during reading time.
I asked the kids later that day if they liked the book. They all said yes. One girl, a girl who poo-pooed the book not two months ago, said it was her new favorite book. I wanted to beat my chest and cry out I told you so!
*Buy the hardcovers, if you can. The construction is very good.
Fail.
For a year it sat on the shelf collecting dust.
Then, as luck would have it, I forgot until minutes beforehand that I was supposed to read to the 1st grade for 30 minutes. I quickly skimmed Goodreads, Pinterest, and the internet at large for good read-alouds. I didn't have my copy of The Read-Aloud Handbook with me, or I would have gone with a Trelease recommendation.
I couldn't find my copy of Pipi Longstocking, and by that point I was sweating bullets. I was tearing apart a particularly disorganized shelf when I found Mercy Watson. Done and done, even though I grimaced at the word princess in the title. Some boys in 1st grade love princesses, and some boys vocally oppose even the suggestion of pink. Ugh. Drama in the afternoon = my favorite.
Luck was on my side. There was not one complaint when I read the title out loud, thereby eliminating my twice monthly lecture entitled: There are No Boy Books or Girl Books, Only BOOKS.
The 1st grade loved Mercy Watson: A Princess in Disguise. I pwned rug time.
Of course, it helps that I have no shame when it comes to voices, faces, and contorting my body into positions I didn't think possible in an effort to keep attention during reading time.
I asked the kids later that day if they liked the book. They all said yes. One girl, a girl who poo-pooed the book not two months ago, said it was her new favorite book. I wanted to beat my chest and cry out I told you so!
*Buy the hardcovers, if you can. The construction is very good.
October 12, 2018
Mercy Watson, that 'porcine wonder' with an abiding love for buttered toast and a penchant for landing in trouble, returns in this fourth beginning chapter-book devoted to her adventures. In this installment of DiCamillo's series, it is Halloween on Deckawoo Drive, and the Watsons dress Mercy up as a princess so she can go trick-or-treating. But when they knock on the Lincoln sisters' door, and their cat George Washington tempts Mercy into a game of chase, chaos erupts and local firemen Lorenzo and Ned (once again) get involved...
Every bit as amusing as it predecessors, Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise combines the hilarious hi-jinks and vibrantly colorful artwork that have made this series such a success. Readers familiar with earlier volumes will recognize the secondary cast, from the elderly Lincoln sisters to the firefighters who seem to respond to emergencies on Deckawood Drive fairly regularly. I found it hilarious that the firefighters now know that this street has a troublesome pig living on it. Recommended to young readers just getting going with chapter-books, who are looking for humorous stories with a quirky sense of fun.
Every bit as amusing as it predecessors, Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise combines the hilarious hi-jinks and vibrantly colorful artwork that have made this series such a success. Readers familiar with earlier volumes will recognize the secondary cast, from the elderly Lincoln sisters to the firefighters who seem to respond to emergencies on Deckawood Drive fairly regularly. I found it hilarious that the firefighters now know that this street has a troublesome pig living on it. Recommended to young readers just getting going with chapter-books, who are looking for humorous stories with a quirky sense of fun.
November 13, 2024
Trick or treat with the porcine princess!
January 20, 2019
Sadly, I think this is my least favourite of all the Mercy Watson books. It relies much more heavily on the pictures than on the story, which contains a lot of repetition, especially during the chase. The plot is basically that Mercy and the Watsons go trick-or-treating and Mercy chases Eugenia's cat, General Washington, up a tree.
The pictures are awfully cute, and I love how Stella herself is dressed up as a pig. It's also rather amusing when she runs off and her brother, Frank, shouts her name, à la A Streetcar Named Desire. Mostly, though, I'm kind of disappointed at how thin the story is. It's fun watching Mrs. Watson try to put a costume on a pig (Mercy only agrees because she thinks the resulting treat will be toast with a great deal of butter on it), and the return of the firemen Ned and Lorenzo is amusing. I guess I just wish there had been a little more story than the usual "cat stuck in a tree" trope.
As part of the series, this book works fine. But if someone were to read it on its own, they'd probably be underwhelmed.
Quotable moment:
The pictures are awfully cute, and I love how Stella herself is dressed up as a pig. It's also rather amusing when she runs off and her brother, Frank, shouts her name, à la A Streetcar Named Desire. Mostly, though, I'm kind of disappointed at how thin the story is. It's fun watching Mrs. Watson try to put a costume on a pig (Mercy only agrees because she thinks the resulting treat will be toast with a great deal of butter on it), and the return of the firemen Ned and Lorenzo is amusing. I guess I just wish there had been a little more story than the usual "cat stuck in a tree" trope.
As part of the series, this book works fine. But if someone were to read it on its own, they'd probably be underwhelmed.
Quotable moment:
"Well," said Stella, "I guess the parade is over."
"Nothing is over!" Eugenia Lincoln shouted.
She stared up into the branches of the tree.
"General Washington," said Eugenia, "come down here immediately."
"Moowwll," said General Washington.
"General Washington," said Eugenia, "I will not take 'no' for an answer."
July 8, 2020
Featured in grandma reads session. . . .
Mercy is a much loved pig, living with Mr. and Mrs. Watson who adore her. The community characters are just as dear and predictable as any we've run across. This is a serial pig tale, so don't miss any. . . .
The littlest kids are the best fans 😊!
3 stars. All toasted and buttered.
Mercy is a much loved pig, living with Mr. and Mrs. Watson who adore her. The community characters are just as dear and predictable as any we've run across. This is a serial pig tale, so don't miss any. . . .
The littlest kids are the best fans 😊!
3 stars. All toasted and buttered.
March 17, 2020
"Mercy wore a pink dress. I like dresses. The fire department got a cat down from a tree. I like Mercy Watson books." -Cadee, age 7
March 17, 2020
"My favorite part was when that pig put on a dress and got all that candy out of that bowl." -Conley, age 4
October 28, 2017
The Mercy Watson series has always been a crowd pleaser in my classroom, and this book was no exception! Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise is a perfect fantasy book to use as a read aloud around Halloween. Students will be entertained at the unexpected turn of events that occur during Mercy’s first trick-or-treating experience!
This was a “wow” book for me because of how Kate DiCamillo does such a wonderful job of developing the characters in this series. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are a fun-loving couple and the proud owners of their beloved pet pig, Mercy. Eugenia and Baby Lincoln are two ornery sisters who live together and are always disapproving of the trouble the Watsons find themselves in with Mercy. DiCamillo does an excellent job of writing these iconic characters into the events of the story in a way that is both familiar and unpredictable. Another reason this is a “wow” book for me is because it is a great read aloud to model reading with expression. The dialogue between the Watsons and the Lincoln sisters lends itself to all sorts of emotions and reactions, and I love seeing students’ responses during this read aloud time. I also love stopping to have students predict what will come next in the sequence of events. It’s always fun to hear their creative answers!
One way I would like to use this in my classroom is to have students sketch their favorite scene or the sequence of events in the story. Another fun project I’d like to do is have students work in groups to create and share out a storyboard of the main events.
I would recommend this book for 1st-2nd grade students, which means that even struggling readers would have no trouble reading this series on their own! Because this book would be an easy read for most of my students, it would be a good one to have in my classroom library to offset other more challenging texts.
This book has motivated my students to read other books in the Mercy Watson series, which proves it deserves a spot on my “wow” bookshelf!
This was a “wow” book for me because of how Kate DiCamillo does such a wonderful job of developing the characters in this series. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are a fun-loving couple and the proud owners of their beloved pet pig, Mercy. Eugenia and Baby Lincoln are two ornery sisters who live together and are always disapproving of the trouble the Watsons find themselves in with Mercy. DiCamillo does an excellent job of writing these iconic characters into the events of the story in a way that is both familiar and unpredictable. Another reason this is a “wow” book for me is because it is a great read aloud to model reading with expression. The dialogue between the Watsons and the Lincoln sisters lends itself to all sorts of emotions and reactions, and I love seeing students’ responses during this read aloud time. I also love stopping to have students predict what will come next in the sequence of events. It’s always fun to hear their creative answers!
One way I would like to use this in my classroom is to have students sketch their favorite scene or the sequence of events in the story. Another fun project I’d like to do is have students work in groups to create and share out a storyboard of the main events.
I would recommend this book for 1st-2nd grade students, which means that even struggling readers would have no trouble reading this series on their own! Because this book would be an easy read for most of my students, it would be a good one to have in my classroom library to offset other more challenging texts.
This book has motivated my students to read other books in the Mercy Watson series, which proves it deserves a spot on my “wow” bookshelf!
March 20, 2008
These books crack me up. I love the facial expressions and how the Watsons dote on their pig, Mercy. She always seems to be in some sort of trouble, but buttered toast is the key to a happy ending. These books are lovely little chapter books that are very enjoyable and I would recommend them to anyone.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
February 18, 2017
These Mercy Watson books are all fun. Love the senior ladies who live next door - Eugenia and "Baby" Lincoln. And Police Officer Tomilello. Love how every book ends with Mrs. Watson making Mercy's favorite treat for all present... hot toast "with a great deal of butter." These are simply fun and wholesome books!
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August 28, 2023Read in preparation for the the K-2 book club at my work (library).
July 5, 2026
We love Mercy! These are so fun to read aloud. I love doing different voices for my daughter to enjoy. ❤️
December 22, 2018
Oh gracious, I really wonder about the Watsons, poor people. But people are people and people love their pets regardless of shape or size I guess. Just a cute silly story.
October 3, 2019
My daughter has recently discovered the books of Kate DiCamillo, who has a series involving an adorable pet pig named Mercy Watson who loves to eat toast. Mercy was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Watson of Deckawoo Drive. While it's never said outright, the Watsons have always wanted children but, for whatever reason, couldn't have them, so Mercy is like a child to them.
"Princess in Disguise" is the fourth book in the series, although there is absolutely no order to the series, so one can read them out of order without a problem. This book is set during Halloween night. The Watsons have dressed Mercy as a princess, an outfit that Mercy finds incredibly uncomfortable but is willing to endure because she has been promised lots of toast. The cat belonging to the elderly sisters next door gets Mercy side-tracked and lots of slapstick humor ensues.
All ends well, however, and there is lots of toast at the end.
This series is fun and absolutely wonderful for kids in the age range of 4 and up. The illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are beautiful. I'm not sure how many books are in the series, but I'm hoping that there are a lot.
"Princess in Disguise" is the fourth book in the series, although there is absolutely no order to the series, so one can read them out of order without a problem. This book is set during Halloween night. The Watsons have dressed Mercy as a princess, an outfit that Mercy finds incredibly uncomfortable but is willing to endure because she has been promised lots of toast. The cat belonging to the elderly sisters next door gets Mercy side-tracked and lots of slapstick humor ensues.
All ends well, however, and there is lots of toast at the end.
This series is fun and absolutely wonderful for kids in the age range of 4 and up. The illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are beautiful. I'm not sure how many books are in the series, but I'm hoping that there are a lot.
June 17, 2013
This is my favorite Mercy Watson to-date! Mercy's "mother", Mrs. Watson, wants Mercy to dress up like a princess for Halloween. Mercy does not want to wear the princess outfit, but when Mrs. Watson promises treats will be involved, Mercy relents. In the meantime, General Washington, the Lincoln sisters cat, gets out of the house and a chase between General Lincoln and Mercy ensues. One that can only by squelched by calling the trusty fire department. In the end, hot buttered toast is a sure bet for everyone.
October 20, 2015
Another book my daughter really enjoyed reading. She is in 2nd grade, and the series seems to fit well for that age and rading level.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
April 24, 2016
Roan read this one to me after I was introduced to the series in his class (I was asked to read one to them!). Cute series, and quite funny. My little buddy needs to learn the difference between Mr. and Mrs. since they are in the books a ton, and I think he got it wrong every time! :)
July 4, 2024
It's Halloween, and Mercy Watson dresses up as a princess and goes out trick-or-treating when chaos ensues. Young children will enjoy the story with their wonderfully colorful and detailed illustrations.
July 5, 2015
Yet another fun, light-hearted adventure with that crazy, butter-loving pig. Great early chapter books.
October 3, 2015
* ZUCKERSÜß * :-)
June 26, 2016
Lucy read this one by herself!!
September 17, 2016
Another great addition to the Kate DiCamillo writing world!
June 1, 2023
The fourth book in the Mercy Watson series!
Mercy dresses up as a princess for Halloween!
Read with my 8yo with plans to finish the series this week.
Mercy dresses up as a princess for Halloween!
Read with my 8yo with plans to finish the series this week.
March 30, 2024
This is one of my Grans, Franklin’s favorite series & this is his favorite of the series. Quite comical!
October 24, 2024
Read to the family by me, Bella (17), and Evelyn (12)
Super cute!
Super cute!
October 4, 2019
I've only read like 2-3 DiCamillo books, but I think I've decided to Stan
June 6, 2020
I have fallen in love with a pig!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews