Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature)
A beloved pet boasts a tiara in Mercy Watson, Princess in Disguise, the newest book in the popular series by Kate DiCamillo. Bedecked in pink ruffles, Mercy yearns for buttered toast while trick or treating but her hopes are dashed by Eugenia Lincoln who dismisses her as “a pig in a cheap dress.” Happily, a series of hilarious mishaps involving Butter Barrel candy, curious neighborhood kids and the rescue of a grouchy cat named General Washington lead to a party at Mercy’s house--and a huge stack of buttered toast. The humorous tone and simple sentences will appeal to young readers as will Chris Van Dusen’s energetic gouache paintings of the cheery Mercy, prune-faced Eugenia and a little girl attired in porcine snout and pink pajamas. 2007, Candlewick, $12.99 Ages 5 to 8.

Kristy Lyn Sutorius (Children's Literature)
Mercy Watson is back and still lounging on the couch in the fourth tale in the “Mercy Watson” series. Mercy’s simple life is quickly upset, however, when Mrs. Watson, who resembles child-behavior consultant, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, decides Mercy must participate in the most hallowed of all children’s holidays--Halloween! The Watson’s living room becomes a catwalk as Mercy dons a wide variety of silly costumes. With visions of hot buttered toast dancing in her head, Mercy reluctantly agrees to wear a puffy princess outfit. Halloween night brings trouble when the crotchety neighbor’s cat, General Washington, swats the poor pig’s ruffles and tiara. The evening culminates with a visit from the fire brigade, who safely deliver George Washington into her owner’s arms. A party with hot buttered toast is the only way to finish off such a thrilling Halloween. Those transitioning out of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa and My Pony Jack books will swoon over the silly adventures, the bold, large typeface, and the stunning illustrations by Chris Van Dusen. Adults tagging along for the ride will appreciate the reference to A Street Car Named Desire. Unable to resist her pointy purple ears and springy little tail, readers will fall in love with Mercy all over again. 2007, Candlewick, $12.99. Ages 6 to 9.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 13))
Everyone's porcine wonder is back, and just in time for Halloween. Mrs. Watson knows just what Mercy should be for the holidayùa tiara-and-pink-tulle-clad princess. Mercy is dubious, especially after struggling with her dress, until the word "treats" is mentioned. Toast with a great deal of butter is her favorite treat, and that thought is enough to keep our little porker in the game. Following the formula perfected in the earlier titles, the hilarity is found more in the super-saturated illustrations than in the words. Whether Mercy is flying after a terrified cat or snuffling for butter candy, the illustrations are energetic and the sly wit is infectious. One quibble: Because of the placement of spot art, some of the nighttime images show a blue-black darkness and others look like broad daylight. No matter, thoughùyoung readers will clamor for more adventures with this irrepressible retro pig and her lovable family. 2007, Candlewick, 80p, $12.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 5 to 8. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.