Mercy Watson Fights Crime

Leroy Ninker is a small man with a big dream: he wants to be a cowboy, but for now he’s just a thief. In fact, Leroy is robbing the Watsons’ kitchen right this minute! As he drags the toaster across the counter — screeeeeech — and drops it into his bag — clannngggg — little does he know that a certain large pig who loves toast with a great deal of butter is stirring from sleep.

Even less could he guess that comedy of errors (not to mention the buttery sweets in his pocket) will soon lead this little man on the wild and raucous rodeo ride he’s always dreamed of! Nosy neighbors, astonished firemen, a puzzled policeman, and the ever-doting Watsons return for a tongue-in-snout adventure about Kate DiCamillo’s delightfully single-minded pig.

“Another rollicking addition starring the porcine wonder. . . . Will keep newly independent readers turning the pages.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Perfect for newly independent readers ready to tackle chapter books on their own, this humorous tale combines short chapters, playful illustrations, and laugh-out-loud moments that will have young readers eagerly turning pages. Kate DiCamillo’s beloved character returns in a story that celebrates unexpected heroism, the power of butter, and the hilarious chaos that follows wherever Mercy Watson goes.

Whether your young reader is discovering Mercy for the first time or reuniting with an old friend, this delightful adventure promises giggles, gasps, and the kind of silly fun that makes reading irresistible.

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