A Very Mercy Christmas

Mercy Watson #0.6

by Kate DiCamillo, Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator)

Stella Endicott felt joyful. She felt like something miraculous might happen. She wanted to sing.

When Stella gets the sudden idea to go caroling, she has a little trouble getting someone to join her. Her brother, Frank, is not good at spontaneity. The Watsons are very involved in a precarious fruitcake attempt (but happy to send their pig, Mercy, out for the occasion). Eugenia Lincoln declines, a bit rudely, to accompany on her accordion, and Horace Broom is too busy studying planetary movement. Will Stella need to sing by herself—with enthusiastic contributions from the pig, the cat, and the horse she picks up on the way? Or does the evening hold a miracle Stella hadn’t expected?

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Animals, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

Kate 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.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my toddler's bedtime. This story followed Stella. She was feeling joyful. She wanted to do something spontaneous like caroling. She invited her brother Frank but he turned her down telling her she needed to have a plan first. Then she left the house by herself and stopped by her neighbor Mr. and Mrs. Watson to invite them to join her for caroling. Mr. and Mrs. Watson were busy and so they offered Stella to take Mercy the pig with her. She walked on with Mercy to another neighbor and asked her to join but got the cat instead. Stella couldn't hold in her festive feelings so she started to sing and then miraculously the pig Mercy sang and then the cat named General Washington sang along. Their merry songs soon got everyone out of their house.

Fantastic story and beautiful illustrations. I like the variety of characters' faces. My toddler questioned why Eugenia Lincoln looks angry and why Mr. Watson looks sad while everyone else looks happy.

Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet! I actually prefer buttered toast to fruitcake.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella wants to go caroling, but no one wants to join her. She walks from door to door asking the neighbors to join, but the neighbors are too busy. One lady suggests that her pig, Mercy, might like to listen to the carols, so Mercy tags along with Stella. Then Stella is joined by a cat and horse who try to sing along too. But the real magic happens when, one by one, Stella's neighbors discover the joys of singing carols together under the stars.

This is such a funny book! Stella is very determined and hopeful, and her tenacity pays off in the end. She remains joyful despite some setbacks, and her joy attracts the others to her cause. She truly believes in the magic of Christmas!

I love the festive illustrations! Every page is so brightly colored and the designs for the characters are really cute.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read the Mercy chapter books, but the characters in this story are charming and colorful

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh.
I purchased two copies of this to give to my sons and their families. As I was wrapping them I figured I should read it first.
I'm so glad I did.
I'm sure it will become one of my favourite Christmas stories. How can it not when it shows how one person, in this case Stella Endicott, manages to bring joy to the her world by heading off carolling all by herself. All kinds of ordinary miracles occur and in the end, as is always the case in a Mercy Watson tale, there is toast.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. WHY? WHY? WHY?!?!

I loved A Piglet Named Mercy and when I heard there was going to be something with my favorite characters of Deckawoo Drive--set at Christmastime--HECK YES!

But it is too dang wordy. And I mean WORDY!

Still sweet, but I can see it quickly losing people's interest. =/

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Mercy pig and enthusiastic Stella Endicott set out to bring a bit of joy to the Christmas season by trying to garner interest in forming a Christmas caroling group from the neighborhood.

Sadly, she is met with rudeness, busy people, uncooperative folks.

So she seeks other help.

A sweet joyful book the littles in your clan will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Morgan Echtenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

We call Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen the “dream team” in our house for a reason. We LOVE this series! This book is so well done. There are lots of small references to past books without making it confusing for new readers. We could study the illustrations for hours. This will be a Holiday favorite for years to come!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to the Mercy Watson series, and I can't wait to explore more!

The Christmas story is super cute and appropriate for children of all ages. Mercy is the sweetest pig, and I can see why she is so popular. ❤️

Since this latest published work is my first time reading the Mercy Watson series, I was a little confused about some of the characters and lore, which would have probably made more sense reading the older books. However, it doesn't take away from the story or magic of the Christmas season.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I’d rated this already. It is always pleasant to visit Deckawoo Drive. It was fun to run by all the old gang. I kind of wish this were put out as another chapter book in the original series, but I hope Mercy and friends find many a way to jump back on the shelves.

[✨Arline✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate & Chris never disappoint. Absolute holiday perfection.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella wants to go caroling but no one in the neighborhood seems to want to join her except Mercy, Maybelline, and General Washington. Will they spread joy, like Stella hopes?

Awww, this had a very sweet and unexpected ending (especially if you know the characters at all from their chapter books). A delightful Christmas read with the Deckawoo Drive community.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for an Xmas book that hinges on a disparate group of folks coming together to sing carols.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/12/13/... THANK YOU!

Here We Come A-Caroling

A little girl, Stella, desperately wants to go caroling but everyone she asks is too busy, or does not want to. All she has to carol with is Mercy the pig and her cat, General Washington.

Very frustrated, she begins to sing and is surprised that both Mercy and General start “singing” with her. Out of nowhere, the horse Maybelline, joins them. The noise they make doesn’t sound much like a song, but it is joyful and loud!

Next, they all have a very nice surprise when the unexpected happens. Fun and glee gather around them all, and those things will surround the reader, too.

Children will love the story of Stella not giving up. This tale teaches little ones to hang in there, even when things look like they are not going your way. Sometimes not giving up can get you what you want—maybe even more than you want. The back of the book features a Christmas ornament that can be taken out and hung.

This five-star picture book will be enjoyed by children aged three through seven-years-old, and I highly recommend it!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Very Mercy Christmas, for the purpose of review.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason why Mercy Watson books are so popular. The stories are engaging for children of all ages. This picture book features many of the Mercy Watson characters we know and love from her chapter books.

Stella Endcott wants to spread joy by caroling, but many of her neighbors can't come. The spontaneous plan to carol could have been ruined but Mercy, a cat named General Washington and a horse help save the caroling plan. Who knew that a pig could carol so well? And just when you think the story is over there is a little Christmas surprise.

The illustrations are excellent. I love the way Chris Van Dussen draws these characters especially Eugenia. Even without knowing anything about her, you can tell from her face that she's cranky and mean.

A Very Mercy Christmas is a must-read for any Mercy Watson fan or anyone who just loves the magic of Christmas!

This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/a-very...

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella Endicott wants to share the joy she feels with the neighbors by caroling. But when the only ones who will join her are Mercy, a pig, General Washington, a cat, and Maybelline, a horse, will the joy be lost? The answer of course, is a big fat NO. With the whole group sharing their joy freely, if rather unmusically, how can the neighborhood do anything but respond. With Van Dusen's typically lush illustrations full of color and joy, this makes a wonderful book to read with young readers, especially those who already have a fondness for Mercy Watson and her friends and neighbors. Kate DiCamillo has such a gift for creating stories with heartfelt characters and tender story lines. A true celebration of Christmas that doesn't involve gift-giving but focuses on the sweet feelings that can permeate the season when we let it. There is of course, buttered toast, just the way Mercy would want it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I feel joyful ... I feel like something miraculous could happen."

At the spur of the moment, Stella wants to go caroling. Frank doesn't want to go (these things need to be planned!) The Watsons are busy, but Mercy can go along. Eugenia Lincoln has no intention of going caroling with a pig, but General Washington decides to tag along. Horace Broom is just too busy to carol with Stella, so Stella decides to carol by herself. "She sang with as much joy as she could muster." Mercy and General Washington join in and they are soon joined by Maybelline. And the, something miraculous happens!

All the familiar Deckawoo Drive characters come together for a joyful Christmas story. Such beautiful illustrations!

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella wants to go caroling. She is sure something miraculous will happen. But everyone is busy. And very unspontaneous. Mercy, however, loves singing. She and General Washington (Eugenia Lincoln's cat) accompany Stella on her caroling journey and join in when she starts singing Joy to the World and Deck the Halls. Leroy Ninker's horse, Maybelline, joins in. "It was very loud, and very joyful, and not very musical." Loud enough that the rest of Stella's friends show up to join in the fun. And miraculous things do happen!
I love Mercy and all her Deckawoo Drive friends. This is a perfect Christmas story - or gift for a Mercy lover because there is a small Christmas ornament included. Be warned - you will no doubt have a craving for hot buttered toast when you read this. Mercy approves.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming Christmas story in the Mercy Watson universe. I think this will hit the right chord with those familiar with the Mercy Watson series as the characters appear in this story without a lot of introduction. The characters are all rich and memorable and the illustrations are distinct and vibrant. The narrative here is great for a picture book version (the Mercy Watson books are actually longer than this) and the story itself is warm and lovely. It's not one that has the feel of a "Christmas classic" to me, but enjoyable enough!

**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.

[Emi えみ Takami 鷹見 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Edelweiss and Candlewick Press for this opportunity.

I worked in a children's library for 8 years. I know how much kids love Mercy Watson. This is my first Mercy Watson book, and I'll admit it was cute. Clean art, distinctive characters. I think I didn't mesh with it just because I'm not the target audience, but I'd for sure buy this for our children's collection. I actually have it in my September list on Ingram already.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

i am going down on the rating of stars because (last time i read through my e-browser) this one was read through my kindle FIRE which makes the illustrations and text way smaller and so tiny. when you did the "e-browser" all of that ...the illustrations and text were normal sized. so sad. i don't get why some kindle FIRE books are sized well but not this one. i don't get it and i can explain it?? but i would think you would wish for them to be just right. perfect. so sad. oh well ...i would recommend reading these books in real size (handheld books. hard back copies for sure)

[Susan]

In this house, we've always loved Mercy Watson, and this is no different--the whole crew getting together to make a little joy. The thing that was odd to us, however, was its picture-book format. We're used to getting just about the same amount of words in a chapter book so it was an interesting choice. And then our local library chose to catalog this as a "Christmas" book, which makes sense but which means it won't be sitting with the rest of the series. So just know, if you're Mercy fans like us, that now there's a Mercy Christmas book!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down.

The illustrations are lovely, and the story is sweet. However, the book is so wordy that it's too long for many young children. This is probably best suited for kindergartners, and can work as a bridge to them reading the original Mercy Watson books on their own soon. Parents who want to read this to younger children will probably have to improvise and adapt it to their development levels and attention spans.

[Marisa Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas picture book by Kate Dicamillo is such a beautiful, heart warming treasure that everyone should go out and get for your Christmas book collection. All your favorite characters show up in this new Christmas caroling classic. It already inspired me and my kids to go caroling this past weekend.


Bonus you get a poster mercy Watson ornament to hang on the tree. Boy was my daughter excepted for that!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella wants to go carolling because she's feeling joyful and wants to share that joy. Her parents are too busy and so are her other friends and neighbors. The only carolling companions she has are Mercy (pig), General Washington (cat), and Maybelline (horse). Will they be able to sing and bring joy?

This is a sweet Christmas story, where busyness can get the best of us, but also can joy. It also shows the sweetness of community during the holiday season.

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday classic in our home during the month of December. Stella perseveres on her caroling journey through the neighborhood even when she can’t convince her neighbors to join her, minus Mercy Watson the pig and General Washington the cat.

A picture book companion to the Mercy Watson and Tales From Deckawoo Drive book series for young readers.

Picture book perfection by the Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen duo.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Stella Endicott felt joyful. She felt like something miraculous might happen. She wanted to sing.

Premise/plot: Kate DiCamillo's newest picture book stars beloved characters from previous series (Mercy Watson and Tales from Deckawoo Drive). It is a Christmas story. Stella Endicott, our heroine, is gathering together a group to go caroling. But, well, the animals seem more inclined than the humans. Still, there's much joy to be found...and miracles can happen.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Kate DiCamillo. I do. I loved seeing all the animals "singing" and expressing joy. I thought the story was cute. Definitely a sweet, heart-warming holiday tale. I do think a previous knowledge of Mercy Watson (and friends) helps a bit. This may not be the absolute best introduction to these characters. But loved it cover to cover.

[Lynn Plourde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some Mercy Watson. I didn't realize this was a picture book rather than an early reader chapter book. On the plus side, that means Chris Van Dusen's illustrations are bigger--love them! On the down side, the story feels thin compared to the early reader books which have a more involved plots. Short, but charming.

[Nichole Ostrander · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know about the Mercy Watson books, then you know this book is amazing. Mercy Watson is a pig who loves hot buttered toast. This is the Christmas story, and the series that let my little girl realize reading can be fun! I suggest for anyone to give this series a go, because it is cute, fun, and written by a master.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's Chapter Books
Illustrated

A short but sweet return to Deckawoo Drive and all of the characters introduced earlier in the series!

We read the rest of this series throughout the year and have been waiting for the holidays to read this. We jumped ahead of ourselves (read in November) but this was a lovely little start to the season.

Read with my 8yo.