Mercy Watson, that glistening pig, isn't too interested in learning about Halloween, and she becomes downright skeptical when Mrs. Watson shows her a pink princess dress she has purchased as a costume. But then treats are mentioned, and that means only one thing to Mercy. Toast! Fans of the series will know what comes next: a wild chase ending with firemen coming to the rescue and, of course, Mercy's favorite buttered delicacy. This installment has the same bright appeal as previous books, and the pictures are priceless, especially the one that shows a reluctant Mercy trying to step into her very lovely gown.

Everyone's porcine wonder is back, and just in time for Halloween. Mrs. Watson knows just what Mercy should be for the holiday—a 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, though—young readers will clamor for more adventures with this irrepressible retro pig and her lovable family. (Fiction. 5-8)

K-Gr 2-Halloween was made for carefree Mercy Watson. Treats, especially butter treats, hold a special attraction for the piggy "princess." Reluctant at first to try on the tight-fitting dress and tiara that Mrs. Watson picks out for her, the curly-tailed pet eventually decides that the treats might make up for her discomfort. Van Dusen's beaming, wide-eyed Watsons travel with Mercy through the neighborhood in a series of action-filled cartoons in gouache art that view the evening's goings-on from a variety of perspectives. However, wherever Mercy goes, trouble seems to follow-especially at the home of the Lincoln sisters. Eugenia Lincoln's intimidation of Mercy and the princess's flying pursuit of their cat perfectly capture the text. This is an adventure to grab the attention of both Mercy fans and readers new to her escapades.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.