Age Recommendation

In a quiet neighborhood on Deckawoo Drive lives an unlikely hero — a buttered-toast-loving pig named Mercy Watson. Written by acclaimed author Kate DiCamillo and beautifully illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, the Mercy Watson series has captured the hearts of young readers with its charming humor, colorful characters, and heartwarming adventures. At the center of it all is Mercy — a pig who isn’t just a pet, but a part of the family, a chaos-causer, and sometimes… a surprising rescuer. Who Is Mercy Watson? Mercy is not your ordinary pig. She lives inside the house with Mr. and Mrs. Watson, sleeps in a bed (not a barn), and has an endless love for buttered toast. Though she often misunderstands situations, her intentions are always good — and somehow, she always ends up saving the day (even if accidentally). In Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Mercy jumps into action when the Watsons’ bed begins to fall through the floor — but instead of calling for help, she’s off looking for toast. Still, her adventure brings real help in the end, proving that even a pig on a snack mission can make a difference. Why Kids Love Mercy The Mercy Watson books are perfect for young readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Here’s why they’re so loved: Mercy’s personality is innocent, lovable, and often hilarious — a recipe that never fails with children. What the Story Teaches While Mercy’s adventures are filled with laughs, they also highlight important ideas: Beyond the Books The success of the Mercy Watson series has inspired companion books, spin-offs (like the Tales from Deckawoo Drive), and inclusion in classroom reading lists. Mercy has become more than a character — she’s a reading buddy for thousands of kids learning to love books. Conclusion Mercy Watson may not wear a cape, but in her own buttery, bumbling way, she’s a hero. Her stories remind us that you don’t have to be perfect to be brave, and that even the most ordinary moments (like breakfast) can become extraordinary when you’re Mercy the Pig. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a curious young reader, Mercy’s adventures are sure to bring laughter, learning, and maybe a little craving for toast.

In the world of children’s books, “Some Smug Slug” stands out as a charming and humorous tale of a little slug who learns an important lesson in humility. Written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, this story introduces readers to a character who starts out thinking he’s the greatest — but soon discovers that real greatness comes from kindness, humility, and teamwork. Meet the Smug Slug The slug in question is full of confidence, perhaps a little too much. He proudly believes that he’s the best at everything and often brags about it. From sliding faster to eating more leaves, the smug little slug thinks he can do it all. He scoffs at the other creatures of the forest and dismisses any help they offer. But, as we all know, pride comes before a fall, and the slug’s overconfidence will soon get him into a situation where he needs to rely on others — something he never thought he’d have to do. Why Kids Love It The charm of this book lies in the hilarious and relatable character of the smug slug. Children find the slug’s exaggerated self-assurance funny and easy to understand. But as the story unfolds, they quickly see how the slug’s journey reflects a universal lesson: nobody is an island, and everyone needs a little help sometimes. What the Story Teaches The journey of the smug slug offers children valuable lessons: The Importance of Humility At the heart of Some Smug Slug is a humbling lesson about learning to appreciate others and acknowledging that we are not perfect. Through the slug’s misadventures, children are reminded that it’s okay to ask for help and that everyone, regardless of their size or abilities, has something valuable to offer. A Lesson That Sticks The book’s straightforward yet effective storytelling is ideal for young readers who are learning about relationships, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. It’s also perfect for discussions in classrooms or at home about the value of working together and the importance of acknowledging our mistakes. Conclusion In the end, the smug slug realizes that being the best isn’t as important as being kind, humble, and working with others. Through its humor and valuable lessons, Some Smug Slug is not just a fun read, but also a reminder to children that we are all better together than apart. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a young reader, this story is sure to bring smiles, laughter, and some much-needed reflection on the power of humility and friendship.