A Turkey for Thanksgiving [Hardcover]

Eve Bunting (Author), Diane de Groat (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although a paper turkey decorates Mrs. Moose's Thanksgiving table, she longs for the real thing--so her obliging husband sets out to find her one. He is joined by his soon-to-be dinner guests: Rabbit, in his quilted down vest; poky Porcupine, in his furry earmuffs; and ravenous Mr. Goat, who devours everything in sight, including Sheep's plaid hat. They find Turkey hiding in his nest, surrounded by signs that discourage visitors. Trying to console the terrified bird, Mr. Moose explains: "We just want you for Thanksgiving dinner," which only confirms Turkey's fears. Young readers will be as thrilled as Turkey to hear that Mrs. Moose wants him at her table, not on it. Together, Bunting's ( In the Haunted House ; The Wednesday Surprise ) good-natured tale and de Groat's ( Hi Bears, Bye Bears ) autumn-hued, richly detailed watercolors convey the animals' warm friendship and the humor resulting from the misunderstanding. This ideal family read-aloud will awaken the holiday spirit in all. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A mild story with a flowing text and surprise ending. Mrs. Moose, who is preparing the holiday feast, complains that everyone else has a turkey for Thanksgiving, but she doesn't. Genially, Mr. Moose sets forth to find one. Along the way the other dinner guests--Rabbit, the Goats, Sheep, and Porcupine, all appropriately dressed in cold weather gear such as down jackets, boots, and earlapped caps--join in the search. The anxious turkey, too fat to run far, is soon captured and marched to the Moose house for the meal. Luckily for him, he turns out to be just another guest at the table laden with greens, bark, sprouts, and acorns. Humorous double-page spreads in cheerful watercolors show the plump, personable animals in an ice-crusted autumn woodland and a snug country cottage that suits the Mooses and the Goats, who are garbed like Eastern European peasants. --Patricia Pearl, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (September 23, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899197930
• ISBN-13: 978-0899197937
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Thanksgiving

More About the Author

Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world. Her other Clarion titles for very young readers include My Big Boy Bed, which was also illustrated by Maggie Smith, and Little Bear's Little Boat, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. She lives in Pasadena, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This delightful book evokes the true spirit of Thanksgiving!, October 31, 2001

By 

Melanie Wilson "mongoliamel" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Paperback)

When selecting books for our children, I try to pick stories that will hold their attention, provide an important message, and involve animals and/or nature. Eve Bunting’s book A Turkey For Thanksgiving has all of these criteria - and more! It is also a good book for children who are vegetarians or vegans.
In A Turkey For Thanksgiving Mrs. Moose is preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for her and Mr. Moose’s animal friends. However, this year she has decided that she wants a turkey for dinner so Mr. Moose, joined by his friends, sets off to find one. Eventually a turkey is found by the river and brought back for dinner. The terrified turkey is delighted, and relieved, to learn that he isn’t the main course, but a guest at this vegetarian feast! This delightful book evokes the true spirit of Thanksgiving. –Reviewed by Glenn Perrett

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprising and heart-warming end!, October 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Paperback)

Mr. Moose wants to make his wife happy by finding her a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner. All the guests join in to look for the bird. The poor turkey is so afraid that he is reluctent to go with them. He (and we readers) find out in the end that they don't want him to be ON the table. Instead they want him to be AT the table to celebrate the holiday with them together.
I like this book because its surprising and heart-warming ending. When I was told that TURKEY is a symbol of Thanksgiving, I used to think "Of course, turkey is the main dish in our Thanksgiving dinner". Now I have discovered the new meaning of Thanksgiving.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ms. Wirey's Class Book Review, November 30, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Paperback)

This book is about Thanksgiving. We all thought that this book was really funny. We learned that having friends is good. Our class learned some new words. The book told us what happens at Thanksgiving. Everyone one should read this good book.