Cover Reveal of Love and Mercy by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen, presented by The Children’s Book Review.
Want an exclusive first look at Mercy Watson’s cozy, heart-warming Valentine’s Day adventure?
We’re delighted to reveal the cover of Love and Mercy by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen, set to be published by Candlewick in December 2026. It’s the newest book in the beloved Mercy Watson series and a heartwarming Valentine’s Day story families will treasure.
This cozy picture book reunites readers with their favorite Gizzford residents for a tale filled with buttery toast, friendship, and the magic of spreading love on a cold February day. With Chris Van Dusen’s signature warmth and humor and Kate DiCamillo’s heartfelt storytelling, this sweet seasonal adventure is sure to leave readers smiling.
Don’t miss the exclusive cover reveal below, plus hear from Kate and Chris about bringing Mercy and friends back together for their most love-filled story yet!
Cover Reveal
Author and Illustrator Interview
Mercy Watson has captured hearts for nearly two decades across multiple formats! What does it feel like to reunite in picture book format and bring these beloved Gizzford residents back together for a Valentine’s Day story?
Kate DiCamillo (KD): It’s like Chris Van Dusen made a Valentine for the kid me. That’s how it felt to write this story and then to have Chris bring it to life.
Chris Van Dusen (CVD): Bringing these characters back for what will be the 16th book in the Mercy Watson series was like organizing a family reunion! But I have to admit, I had to look back through some of the old books to remember what color Beatrice‘s hair is and the pattern on Officer Tomilello’s squad car.
A Valentine’s Day story with Mercy Watson, heart-shaped buttery toast, AND a press-out valentine feature? What drew you to creating this warm, cozy story about spreading love and lifting spirits on a cold February day?
KD: I love Valentine’s Day. Writing the story cheered me up. Stella Endicott is smarter than I am; she reminded me of how much power there is in love and connection.
Do you have any favorite memories from your collaboration on the Mercy Watson books, or anything that has surprised you along the way as this world and cast of characters have grown?
KD: One of the great delights of writing a Mercy Watson story is sitting back and thinking: how will Chris bring these characters to life? Time and time again, he surprises and delights me and makes me laugh out loud. But I have also being deeply moved by Chris’ art—particularly Eugenia Lincoln and Baby Lincoln. In the middle of the laughing, his art goes directly to the heart.
CVD: I’m so lucky that I got to work with Kate DiCamillo on these books. It was like dream come true when I received that initial call from our art director, Ann Stott at Candlewick Press. And I so appreciate that Kate let me create the look of these characters on my own. That shows great confidence on her part and I thank her for trusting me. But one of my favorite memories is when we were at a book signing in California where we were presenting to a large group of families in a bookstore. I asked Kate to draw a picture of Eugenia Lincoln alongside me without letting her know ahead of time. I think she was totally blindsided, but she did a great drawing!
Chris, what is your favorite moment or character you got to bring to life in the art for Love and Mercy?
CVD: My favorite character has always been Eugenia Lincoln. She is so much fun to draw. But in the new book, I really enjoyed developing a new character, the mail carrier named Norman Fenzer. I think my favorite illustration in Love and Mercy is when Stella first bumps into Norman on the sidewalk. It’s a simple illustration, but it’s also shows a sweet, quiet moment.
Kate, was there a scene you were particularly excited to see Chris illustrate?
KD: Yes. Eugenia answering the door. And he did not disappoint. I laughed. And my heart hurt just the tiniest bit, too. In a good way.
Describe the new, revealed-here-for-the-first-time-ever cover in three words – GO!
KD: Cozy, magical, heart-felt.
CVD: Three words – Simple and sweet
About the Book
Love and Mercy
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2026) | ISBN-13: 9781536216332
Publisher’s Book Summary: What could be the secret to spreading some love and mercy on a cold, gray February day? Mercy Watson creators Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen reunite to make a warm and toasty holiday classic boasting a special press-out valentine.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Stella Endicott is feeling dreary. But when she delivers a valentine to Mercy Watson’s house, Mrs. Watson invites her in to join them in making heart-shaped toast (with a great deal of butter, cinnamon, and sugar). On her way home, Stella bumps into the mail carrier Norman Fenzer, who says his heart is as heavy as a mailbag full of valentines that are never for him. As the sounds of Eugenia Lincoln’s mournful accordion waft through the trees, Stella suddenly gets an idea—a surefire way she can lift her friends’ hearts, and her own. Whether they are longtime fans or first-time visitors to Mercy Watson’s world, readers will feel their own spirits lighten as they follow a beloved cast of characters through the streets of Gizzford in this pitch-perfect picture-book valentine.
About the Authors
Kate DiCamillo is one of America’s most beloved storytellers. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Florida and now lives in Minneapolis.
For more information, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com.
About the Illustrator
Chris Van Dusen was born in Portland, Maine, and grew up in a small town in central Massachusetts. His interest in art began at a young age when his mother gave him and his four brothers pencils and paper to keep them busy. He studied art in college and went on to become the author and illustrator of the E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner If I Built a Car, as well as Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, The Circus Ship, King Hugo’s Huge Ego, and Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit. Chris Van Dusen lives in the coastal town of Camden, Maine, with his wife and two sons. About Mercy he says, “When I first read Mercy Watson to the Rescue, the characters were very vivid in my mind, and they just came to life when I started painting. This is exactly the type of story I love to illustrate — a wonderfully silly adventure with lots of action.
For more information, visit https://www.chrisvandusen.com/
