A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Paperback)

by Eve Bunting (Author), Diane de Groat (Illustrator) "It was Thanksgiving morning..." (more)

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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3. Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite 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.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 18, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395742129
• ISBN-13: 978-0395742129
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,178 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #29 in	Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Festivals > Thanksgiving > Fiction
  #44 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Bunting, Eve

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 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 "vegetarianbabydotcom" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

7 of 7 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 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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good Concept, Major Missteps, November 1, 2008

By	Kat K. Munro (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

As a vegan mom, I was hoping this book would be a good animal-friendly addition to our Thanksgiving library. While the story's premise, of inviting a turkey as a guest to a feast, is a sweet one, the execution was poorly thought out and anything but animal-friendly.

Mr. Moose attempts to placate his wife by bringing a turkey to their feast. The author builds in suspense as Moose's friends join in the search. They find a turkey, hidden away in his nest, and proceed to chase him. The turkey trips and in one particularly disturbing page, Mr. Moose pins the fallen, terrified turkey's head to the ground with his boot and then proceeds to carry him frightened and unwilling back to the Moose residence. Turkey takes it all rather well when it is revealed in a big "Surprise!" ending that the meal is vegan and that he's a guest along with the animals who spent the morning hunting him down and kidnapping him.

Strange mixed message, particularly with the boot to the head illustration and text, that seems less like friendship and more like practical joke gone wrong. (Sorta like, "Oh! Haha! Did you think we meant to murder you? That boot thing was just for dramatic effect. Didn't you realize that? How hilarious!")

For a truly heartwarming Thanksgiving tale, I suggest Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving (Bookshelf), where a group of school children befriend and save turkeys from slaughter or the earth reverent Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Reading Rainbow Book).