"Frank said, "Did you find her, Mr. Watson?"
"No," said Mr. Watson. "I've called the fire
department and Animal Control and also
the police. They all insist that they don't
deal in missing pigs. Clearly, porcine
wonders do not matter to them.""
If you and your family have been fans of the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series, you are sure to be both happy and sad to read this one together. It is Volume 7, the final time we will meet up with Mercy and the wondrous members of her community. Every favorite character from the first six plays a role in this funny and final adventure. And, adventure it is.
When Mrs. Watson wakes up to find her darling Mercy not at home, she feels a little niggle of a worry. She knows that Mercy's sweet nature has made her a favorite in the neighborhood and she is sure that all she has to do is get outside and track her down. Mercy will simply be visiting with someone close by. Alas, that is not true.
The Watsons are distraught; none of the community helpers see Mercy's disappearance as their problem. There is turmoil in the hearts of all who count Mercy as their friend. The grumpy Eugenia Lincoln is the only one who seems quite relieved and delighted to think that Mercy will no longer be there to drive her crazy. In fact, she writes a new and breezy song for her accordion, and plays it endlessly.
Every other neighbor is quick to join in the search. Baby Lincoln suggests finding a private investigator to lead them. Percival Smidgely does not really fit the bill, but his pigeon Polly is effective. Those with reservations about Percy decide to use their own methods to track and find their favorite pig.
As all this is going on, readers have a bead on Mercy, her adventure, and why she has left home. It has to do with butter, as any astute fan will know. The action from start to finish is well-paced and compelling, while also a bit like a circus with its many clues and the commotion involved. Chris Van Dusen does his familiar and fun-filled best in bringing all the characters to satisfying life. The book is sure to send any child who does not recognize these brilliant characters out the door to find the rest of the series.
All the usual comedy, fine writing and appealing artwork make this a rather remarkable ending for this impressive series!
No comments:
Post a Comment