Mercy is in a lot of trouble this time when she ventures over to the Lincoln sister's yard and starts to eat the pansies that Eugenia has just planted. Well, Eugenia has finally had it and calls the Animal Control Officer to come collect this menace of pig. Another cute story that had a few really funny moments but didn't make it as one of our favourites. Though we really did enjoy Eugenia finally blowing her top big time. The other books seemed to lead us to thinking that one day she would just have had enough. Characters introduced in the last book return and the familiar faces are always a joy to see. Though their were a few really funny bits, mostly this story just didn't tickle our funny bone as much as other in the series have. A good chapter in Mercy's life, just not a great one. ( )

The Watson family loves their pet pig, Mercy, but the next door neighbor, Eugenia Lincoln does not. When Mercy eats all Eugenia's newly planted flowers, she decides she has had enough with this pig and she calls Animal Conrol to come take Mercy away. Animal Control Officer, Francine Poulet, has never dealt with a pig and she is excited about this job. When she arrives at the Watson's they tell Francine that an "unmentionable horror" has occured. Mercy is missing! Francine searches high and low for the pig and finally she spies a tea party with two children and a PIG! Francine is so shocked, she falls onto the tea table right on her head causing the children and Mercy to shriek! The Watson's hear the commotion and are thrilled that Mercy is safe. They tell Francine she is the best Animal Control Officer ever and they celebrate with buttered toast for everyone! ( )

The Mercy Watson series is a picture first chapter book for children. With an interesting cast of characters it is beautifully illustrated and much loved in our family. ( )

"In this installment, the protagonist outrages the Lincoln sister when whe sneaks through their hedge and eats their newly planted pansies."
School Library Journal, August 2008, page 86.