Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy [Hardcover]

Lisa Wheeler (Author), Frank Ansley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Turk's parents are proud of him, the biggest, strongest, most graceful bird at 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 listens to Runt -- even after people with seasonal plans and roasting pans begin showing up at Wishbone Farm, or even after the juiciest turkeys are chosen, one by one.

"Chosen for what?" Turk asks.

No one wants to hear Runt's answer. But you will laugh at what he has to do to get the family's attention. They are, after all, turkeys. And rarely has a story about them been told with such warmth and cleverness. Or with such witty pictures.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Wheeler and Ansley return to the comical family dynamics they related so successfully in Wool Gathering for this turkey tale set on Wishbone Farm. While Turk's parents cluck with pride over him, little brother Runt sees Turk's assets as liabilities (" `He's a dancer,' said his mother. `He's an athlete,' said his father. `He's a goner,' said... Runt. But no one ever listened to Runt"). The younger fowl continues his sarcastic asides as he scares off a football coach and a ballet instructor who admires Turk's legs ("Look at zee size of zose drumsticks!"), until finally his family sees the light. This funny tale may well make readers consider the fowl's side of the holiday; they may even spare the turkey. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-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. Their mother thinks that a young turkey will be singled out to be "the lead dancer in Swan Lake," and their father believes the chosen one will "play in the Thanksgiving Day football game." Runt remains the voice of reason throughout, humorously hinting at the truth, while being disregarded by the others. Much to his parents' dismay, Runt is able to drive away customers who are interested in his tasty-looking big brother. One November day, a little old lady comes along who decides Runt is just the right size for her holiday table. As usual, nobody pays attention to his cries for help, until his burly brother finally catches on. Safe for the Thanksgiving holiday, the birds finally acknowledge Runt's intelligence, and work together come Christmastime. Ansley's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons are a riot and elevate the simple plot to high drama. A silly, but thoroughly enjoyable holiday selection.
Melinda Piehler, North Tonawanda Public Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689847610
• ISBN-13: 978-0689847615
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,445,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

LISA WHEELER is the author of several award-winning picture books, including Sixteen Cows, One Dark Night, and Mammoths On the Move, which recently received a Parent's Choice Recommended Award. She lives near Detroit, Michigan. www.lisawheelerbooks.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sassy, silly, fun!, November 24, 2003

By 

E. S. Will "a new leaf" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy (Hardcover)

This "Thanksgiving comedy" highlights gratitude of an unusual sort--that of not ending up basted on a Thanksgiving Day platter. Which is important if you happen to be a turkey on "Wishbone Farm."

Turk's parents are proud of their big, strong son. His mother thinks he'll be a dancer. His father is sure he'll be a star athlete. No one listens to Runt when he warns that his brother "is a goner."

While his family is blissfully ignorant of the impending signs around them, Runt, small but smart, devises ways to keep them from the roasting pan.

This sassy wobble-gobble of a story is stuffed with word play, energetic drawings and imagination.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ENJOYED EVERY PAGE OF THIS ONE!, November 20, 2006

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy (Paperback)

This is simply the story of a family of turkeys, not unlike many human families you may know. Mom, Pop, The Golden Boy and of course the Runt. This is an absolutely hilarious Thanksgiving tale. The illustrations are great and the story line will keep you snickering from front to back. This is actually quite a useful book for the class room. After reading the book and finding out how runt saves the day, have the children write you a letter, as a turkey, talking you out of not having him or her for your feast. Out of a class of third and fourth graders, you get some very interesting stories. I enjoyed this one, thought it was funny and well done.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, November 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy (Hardcover)

Laugh-out-loud funny! The kids loved it and the adults had their funny bones tickled as well. Read this one out loud to the whole family, then plan on having tacos for Thanksgiving.