Mercy Watson to the Rescue: questions to ask and activities to try
Mercy the pig only wants hot buttered toast, but she ends up a hero by accident. A funny first chapter book with short chapters for new readers.
What age is Mercy Watson to the Rescue for?
Mercy Watson to the Rescue is best for ages 5–8.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue (Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- A funny first chapter book, and seeing things from different points of view
Only 50pMercy Watson to the Rescue activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Read a chapter or two at a time. Ask whether Mercy was really trying to help, and why the Watsons thought she was a hero.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 5–8 (Year 1 to Year 3)
- What they'll enjoy
- Mercy the pig only wants hot buttered toast, but she ends up a hero by accident. A funny first chapter book with short chapters for new readers.
- Helps with
- A funny first chapter book, and seeing things from different points of view
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Early chapter books
- Seeing different points of view
- Funny misunderstandings
- Neighbours and community
Comprehension and discussion questions for Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What does Mercy love most?”
- “What happened to the Watsons’ bed?”
- “Was Mercy really trying to rescue them?”
- “Why did the Watsons think she was a hero?”
- “Who are the Watsons’ neighbours?”
- “What would you do in an emergency?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for Mercy Watson to the Rescue
All 6 questions for Mercy Watson to the Rescue on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Toast party
Make toast together and talk about your favourite toppings, just like Mercy.
Emergency plan
Talk about who to call and what to do in an emergency at home.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Communication bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:I Talk Like a RiverAll Join InThe Animal BoogieBilly's BucketBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?Counting with Tiny CatDear ZooDig Dig DiggingDinosaur Dig!Dinosaur Roar!DogsDown by the StationDown the Back of the ChairDriving My TractorEach Peach Pear Plum£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25Mercy Watson to the Rescue + I Talk Like a River + All Join InThe 3 books:Mercy Watson to the RescueI Talk Like a RiverAll Join In£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to Mercy Watson to the Rescue, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about early chapter books.
A 20-minute session for ages 5–8 (Year 1 to Year 3), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Read a chapter or two at a time. Ask whether Mercy was really trying to help, and why the Watsons thought she was a hero.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What does Mercy love most?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Toast party. Make toast together and talk about your favourite toppings, just like Mercy. Children who finish early can try Emergency plan.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The Mercy Watson to the Rescue activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
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- Best for
- Turning a boring book into an exciting one
- Age
- 5-8
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- Best for
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- Age
- 5-8
Rapunzel Is a Lettuce: Poems to Grow With (Joseph Coelho and Shirley Hottier)
- Best for
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- Age
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.