Kate DiCamillo is the beloved author of many books for young readers, including the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive series. Her books Flora & Ulysses and The Tale of Despereaux both received Newbery Medals. A former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, she lives in Minneapolis.

Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of many books for young readers, including The Circus Ship and Hattie & Hudson, and the illustrator of the Mercy Watson and Deckawoo Drive series. He lives in Maine.

The popular early-reader series about Mercy the pig gets an origin story in this delightful picture book...As in the previous books, the gouache illustrations are polished to a sheen, and happily here have more room to shine. The book's vintage look suits the story well and is sure to entice readers. Old friends and new fans will appreciate this; bring on the toast.
--Booklist

To paraphrase an immortal spider, Mercy is some pig...Younger siblings of the Mercy chapter-book lovers will find their way into the series with this first look, written just for them.
--Kirkus Reviews

As ever, Van Dusen's bright colors and bold characterization joyfully accompany DiCamillo's story, this time of new and evolving familial love. Established fans will find plenty to appreciate here, while newcomers will be charmed, making this a natural stepping stone to the original series.
--Publishers Weekly

Van Dusen's exemplary gouache illustrations perfectly capture the personalities of each character, especially the rambunctious and adorable Mercy. Although not a beginning reader like the rest of the series, this Mercy Watson picture book will appeal to her many fans and will serve as a great introduction for younger children.
--School Library Journal

Van Dusen's gouache illustrations hit astronomical heights on the adorability meter, and readers will squee-al in delight as rosy-hued baby Mercy bounces through the world on the tips of her tiny trotters. Whether smiling out of her swaddling blanket or flying upside-down and startled from the back of a swine truck, this little piggy is sure to win as many friends among the pre-literate crowd as she has among early readers. Here's hoping mini-Mercy returns for more adventures.
--Shelf Awareness for Readers

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, who also did the pictures for Ms. DiCamillo's Mercy Watson early-reader series, this charmer relates how it was that a pig came to live in the immaculate precincts of Deckawoo Drive with the adoring and indulgent Mr. and Mrs. Watson...The bubble-gum colors and shiny surfaces of Mr. Van Dusen's pictures (see below) make Mercy's whole world look as though it's made of fondant--fair enough, because it's a very sweet place.
--The Wall Street Journal

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2019-04-02

Length: 30 pages