Mercy Watson Is Missing!: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven
#7 of 7 in Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series
What’s inside...
The beloved porcine wonder Mercy Watson goes missing, and it's up to her human friends to find and rescue her before something terrible happens. As the final book in the beloved Mercy Watson universe, this will lure fans like a certain pig sniffing out buttered toast. When Mercy Watson the pig goes missing, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable, and the local police, fire, and animal control departments are no help whatsoever. Bossy neighbor Eugenia Lincoln is not quite as sad as she might be, but thankfully her sister, Baby Lincoln, has the idea to hire a private investigator. Granted, Percival Smidgely, PI, may be more bumbler than gumshoe, but his pigeon, Polly, is there to point the way. Meanwhile, Frank and Stella Endicott and Stella’s friend Horace Broom are ready to do some investigating of their own. Will the clever neighborhood sleuths manage to follow the trail of hoofprints—and a certain overwhelmingly enticing scent—and recover their porcine wonder?
Discussion points
What do you think Mercy Watson would do if she visited our home? How would you make her feel welcome?
How do the other characters in the book react to Mercy's disappearance? What does this tell us about their feelings for her?
If you could solve the mystery of Mercy’s disappearance, how would you go about it? What clues would you look for?
What are some of the funniest moments in the story? Why do you think those parts made you laugh?
How does the story end, and what do you think might happen next in Deckawoo Drive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters’ shoes, promoting empathy and understanding. Dive into discussions about the characters' reactions and decisions, enhancing critical thinking. Highlight the humor in the story, making reading fun and engaging. Ask your child to predict future events, nurturing their imagination and anticipation for more stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: In 'Mercy Watson Is Missing!', Mercy the pig encounters various challenges that require quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying calm and thinking through problems to find solutions, skills that are useful in academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mercy shows care and concern for other characters, demonstrating empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and respond with kindness, fostering positive interactions in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Mercy often relies on her friends to navigate tricky situations, highlighting the benefits of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of collaboration, helping them build better relationships and achieve common goals in group activities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Mercy adapts to new situations throughout the book, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being flexible and adjusting to changes, a necessary skill for dealing with life's unpredictable nature.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Despite facing fears, Mercy takes brave actions to help friends, exemplifying courage.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges boldly, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what's right.