Customer Reviews

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mercy Watson is a bit stubborn, a bit spoiled, and a lot of cute. Her "parents," Mr. and Mrs. Watson, think Mercy is a "porcine" wonder (porcine: of, relating to, or suggesting swine). They adore Mercy, and every Saturday after a special lunch that includes her favorite food --- stacks and stacks of butter-oozing toast --- Mr. Watson takes Mercy for a ride in his car.

After Saturday lunch, Mr. Watson likes to drive off the calories in his gorgeous pink Cadillac, and Mercy gets to ride along even though she would rather drive herself. Every Saturday, Mercy enthusiastically hops into the driver's seat and refuses to move --- she wants to drive! Porcine wonder or not, Mr. Watson doesn't think Mercy should drive his car, but she resists all attempts to move her over to the passenger seat. With the help of Mrs. Watson and the promise of more toast when she gets home, Mercy gives in and they back out of the driveway. Mercy will do anything for her favorite food. At least she's going on an adventure, even if she doesn't get to drive. And there will be hot buttered toast waiting when she gets home! Life is GREAT!!

Things happen pretty much the same Saturday after Saturday until one sunny weekend Mercy's regular adventure turns into a big, rollicking affair involving a police car, next-door neighbor Baby Lincoln, and an unexpected tumble when someone isn't wearing a seat belt. Damage is minor, but Mercy gets the chance of a porcine wonder's lifetime when Mr. Watson is distracted while driving. Even a porcine wonder should have some driving lessons first!

MERCY WATSON GOES FOR A RIDE is book two in Kate DiCamillo's series for young readers. Illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are bright, engaging, and reminiscent of patterns and toys from the 1950s. Children's eyes will delight in the colors and distinct images on almost every page, and Van Dusen's eye for detail will give repeat readers something new to see with every pass through the book.

--- Reviewed by Joy Held

Mercy Watson is a "porcine wonder." She's a pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. She has her own bed in her own room, loves buttered toast, and enjoys her Saturday routine with Mr. Watson.

Every Saturday, Mercy and Mr. Watson go for a ride in his convertible. Mercy always wants to drive, but Mr. Watson always tells her pigs can't drive. The Watsons' neighbor, Eugenia Lincoln always grumbles about the folly, and her sister, Baby Lincoln, always appreciates the folly.

When Baby sneaks into the car one week, wheeled silliness ensues, a police officer gets involved, and Mercy is in the middle of it all.

The illustrations are as fun as in MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE, and Mercy is still fixated on heavily buttered toast. While the Mercy Watson series is a cute concept, MERCY WATSON GOES FOR A RIDE falls a little short of expectations from the author of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE. Children that are more inquisitive will be left wondering why the police officer didn't write the speeding ticket he was going to give to Mr. Watson, why Mr. Watson was taken home in a police car instead of driving home, and so on. Parents who plan to read this book to their children may find the logic issues annoying enough to make them not want to read it more than necessary.

While this isn't a brilliant read, it certainly isn't bad for young readers. This book will appeal to some kids but not others, rather than appealing to a broad audience. The illustrations are super, and I think that will be a redeeming feature for many potential readers.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
11/20/2006

These chapter books have been a hit with my 5-yr-old son. Witty and creative, we've found they're hard to put down.

The large type, heavier page stock and vintage illustrations make this a great quality book physically. Everyone in my college lit class fell in love with it. Books #2 and #3 are definately better than book #1. I am awaiting book #4 due out shortly. The storyline is a little jaded with it's anti-feminist "wife in the kitchen" outlook, otherwise it's simpicity and family values are great. My AP son was able to read this in kindergarten with little trouble. It is a great alternative to some of the chapter series out there that offer more "junk" than quality.

This series is so nicely presented that I wish that I found the stories more compelling. I know that it's written for children, but we've loved everything else by Kate Dicamilo so much that despite a shared love for buttered toast with lots of butter I just can't warm up to Mercy Watson. Go for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane instead if you're looking for a great book!

I love Kate Dicamillo.
I love Chris VanDusen.

I hate to say this, but I don't love this book. They are a series of 5 or 6. Seriously, one is enough. It's pretty much the same story in each book, with a different dilemma.

If a person is going to purchase a Mercy Watson book, one is all you need.

It' funny when mercy watson jumped on to Mr. Watson's lap.I like this book.Mercy Watson loves hot buttered toast.They have a pink car.

I dont like how mercy gets arested and how mercy watson scouches mr. watson in the preety pink car that to boys are in

Our Review:
In Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, a regular Saturday outing takes a nutty twist as Mercy Watson (the pet pig) finally gets her hooves on the wheel. Mercy has always wanted to drive, and she seizes the opportunity when an unexpected passenger reveals herself. A ludicrous chase ensues as Mr. Watson attempts to regain control of his prized antique convertible. When neighbors are forced to step out of their comfort zone and come together, they end up sharing not only a very memorable day, but a scrumptious snack as well.

Through Mercy Watson's adventure, we are reminded of the importance of buckling our seatbelts and not taking life too seriously.

This book is recommended for grades 1 through 3. However, younger children will love having this story read to them as well.

Reviewed by Elaine Russo for Book Boo ([...])

We love Kate Dicamillo. Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride is another hit on our list. Great story and illustrations.My kids LOVE it. With any book by Kate on your list you can't go wrong!