I know this is my second week to do a Thanksgiving book and it’s not even Halloween. Well, I didn’t get to the library quickly enough to grab my favorite Halloween books for review. I like to have the book in my hands while I do my review. It’s just more fun that way! So, I’m giving you a jump on the Thanksgiving books so you can get them early! I actually read this book this summer due to my love for Lisa Wheeler’s talent. She is a master rhymer and story teller. If you read my blog regularly, you know I love rhyming picture books. Well, this book is not rhyming like a lot of hers, but it is so darn cute!
Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy
Written by Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Frank Ansley
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2005
Ages 4-8
Themes: Holidays, Thanksgiving
Synopsis: (School Library Journal) Turk is “the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm.” His younger brother, “Runt,” has figured out why people come to the farm in November, but no one wants to listen.
Opening: Turk’s parents were so proud of him. He was the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm. “He’s a dancer,” says his mother. “He’s an athlete,” says his father. “He’s a goner,” says his little brother, Runt. But no one ever listened to Runt.
Resources: Lisa Wheeler has this excellent Activity Guide available on her website. And I’m including the Thanksgiving activities I had on my review last week for One Is A Feast For Mouse, another awesome Thanksgiving book. Draw your favorite food activity on pages 24-25 of this activity guide. HERE is a link to some Thanksgiving activities.
Why I Like This Book: This book is hilarious. Kids will love how little Runt, who no one ever listens to, seems to be the only one facing the reality that folks are coming to Wishbone Farm to chose a turkey…not to recruit Turk for his dancing and football skills. Runt comes up with crazy antics trying to save the Turk from being Thanksgiving dinner. His family finally sees the light and has to use antics of their own to help little Runt….before his “goose is cooked”!
Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.
Ha ha! THis looks great. I’m pinning it so I don’t forget for next year (early for Americans, late for Canadians :))
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True! I’m gload you’ll have it for next year. It is a lot of fun.
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We have this book. You beat me to putting it on the PPBF list! 🙂
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Isn’t it great!!! I’m the early bird (turkey) this year!
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Oh this does look hilarious. I can hear this type of exchange coming from my kids. I love the know-it-all little brother. Thanks Penny.
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Yes, I can see how lots of families could relate to this!!! I saw it a lot at school with my students!
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When I saw the heading, I thought this had to be a Penny Klostermann’s choice. It sounded hilarous. You always pick such fun books to review, love it even though we don’t celebrate thanksgiving down here.
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I love fun books because I love humor! It’s what get us through! Thanks for reading my review!!!
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Cute! I like the idea!
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It’s really fun, Erik! Thanks for coming by!
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I’ll have to check this one out Penny. Our library is also cleaned out of Halloween books. 😦 I don’t think I’ve read anything by Lisa Wheeler, so that’s a new one to me, too. I’ll look for her books at the library. If you and Cathy love her, she must be good. :-))
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She has a bunch of great rhyming books.She rhymes outstandingly! You’ll love her.
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I am dying to read this, Penny! I want to know how the turkeys escape! Great to be adding Thanksgiving books now so they will be on the list for anyone looking t next month! 🙂
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True! You have to get the library ahead of time or they’re all gobbled up! Hee! Hee! A little Thanksgiving humor!
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Gotta love realists, even the little ones! Happen to have this one on loan right now!
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Great! I’d like to know what you think.
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This one sounds great! I love when the little guy is the hero. I’ll have to check this one out. Thanks
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Thanks for coming by and reading my review. Hope you get to read it soon.
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The title is great! The antics of Runt sound hilarious. All the ingredients for a fun read. Lisa Wheele tells a great story. Thanks for sharing this book in advance of the holidays.
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Doesn’t she? She has so much talent. I really love her books.
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That sounds fantastical!!! Have a lovely weekend Penny.
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It is fantastical! I think you would love it.
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Love Lisa Wheeler books – must find this one ASAP!
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Yes….she can really write a story! Hope you get to read it soon.
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Oh no—what happens to Turk? Must put the library on my errand list.
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Spoiler….he doesn’t become a broiler! Ha!
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