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Turkey Tot
No sweet treat today. Those yummy-looking blackberries are out of reach. But Turkey Tot has found some string. He asks his friends to help him find a balloon so they can float to the berries, but they find his idea preposterous. "He's been different since the day he hatched," says Hen. Turkey Tot doesn't find his balloon... But two cans, a hammer, and a nail, and voila! Stilts help Turkey Tot reach the berries.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
88 people want to read
About the author
George Shannon
58 books25 followersGeorge Shannon is a popular storyteller and former children's librarian whose many notable picture books include Tomorrow's Alphabet, Lizard's Guest, and White Is for Blueberry. Tippy-Toe Chick, Go!, illustrated by Laura Dronzek, was named a Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book. George Shannon lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 24, 2014
All hail to the creative thinkers among us! Not even their nay-saying friends can stop their innovative persistence. Turkey Tot has "been that way since he hatched." The repetition and characters are engaging. The only negative this book presented was that I found it somewhat unsatisfying to read aloud to a group of children, because the illustrations really demand to be viewed close up.
August 1, 2013
Turkey Tot is not your ordinary poultry; he thinks different. He's also the scrawniest looking turkey I've ever seen. Guess that keeps him safe at Thanksgiving. Great illustrations by Jennifer Mann.
August 20, 2018
The kids loved this read-aloud. It was a modern, STEM twist on “The Little Res Hen,” and encourages kids to think creatively and with determination.
September 29, 2017
Turkey Tot has big ideas and tries to enlist his friends. But when they think he can't succeed, he continues by himself. Nice little book with a nice message.
October 10, 2017
A little tale patterned after "The Little Red Hen" but emphasizing ingenuity. It's cute.
Ages: 3 - 6
Ages: 3 - 6
September 14, 2018
This story reminds me a bit of the Little Red Hen, except that there's a Turkey who wants to get berries that are high up.
Kids enjoyed the story.
Kids enjoyed the story.
November 22, 2019
Cute story about a turkey tot who dreams of getting blackberries from a bush but can’t reach them. Finally a solution is found.
November 25, 2020
CADL FB Live story time, 11-23-2020.
March 28, 2021
Entertaining read
November 29, 2021
This story reminds me of The Little Red Hen, but it works out a little differently in the end. A cute story about resourcefulness and sharing.
November 3, 2016
Turkey Tot is very inventive!
Invention
Turkey
Invention
Turkey
February 20, 2014
Turkey Tot is a clever re-telling of the classic story The Little Red Hen. In this version the Little Red Hen is replaced by Turkey Tot and the three uncooperative friends are Chick, Pig and Hen. Instead of preparing and baking bread Turkey Tot wants the sweet, juicy blackberries in the tree high above their heads.
The other animals agree that the blackberries look delicious but they are too far out of reach and therefore impossible to pick. The animals began to walk away. Turkey Tot discovers a ball of string and concocts a plan to find balloons, tie them to the string and float up to the tree where they will then be able to pick the blackberries. The other three animals dismiss his idea:
Turkey Tot's response is always that he will do it himself followed by:
Turkey Tot's next discovery leads to another ingenious plan, and so on.
The structure of the original Little Red Hen story solidly underlies Turkey Tot but here the characters have a little more personality--other than lazy and selfish. In the end Chick, Pig and Hen come to appreciate Turkey Tot's creative and original thinking. The phrase "He's been different since the day he hatched." becomes an expression of admiration instead of a put-down, leaving all four characters better off than they were at the beginning of the story.
Jennifer Mann's illustrations are bright primary and secondary hues in bold panels. The characters are drawn simply yet completely and Turkey Tot has wonderfully quirky facial expressions that mirror his personality perfectly.
This is a great read-aloud for younger children in classrooms or at home. I will also be using it with older students when I study fairy tales for structure and examples of different versions based on a traditional form.
The other animals agree that the blackberries look delicious but they are too far out of reach and therefore impossible to pick. The animals began to walk away. Turkey Tot discovers a ball of string and concocts a plan to find balloons, tie them to the string and float up to the tree where they will then be able to pick the blackberries. The other three animals dismiss his idea:
"Not me," said Chick. "You're talking crazy talk."
"Not me," said Pig. "We can't reach the berries and that is that."
"Tsk, tsk," said Hen. "He's been different since the day he hatched."
Turkey Tot's response is always that he will do it himself followed by:
But he couldn't. So he didn't. But he found something else.
Turkey Tot's next discovery leads to another ingenious plan, and so on.
The structure of the original Little Red Hen story solidly underlies Turkey Tot but here the characters have a little more personality--other than lazy and selfish. In the end Chick, Pig and Hen come to appreciate Turkey Tot's creative and original thinking. The phrase "He's been different since the day he hatched." becomes an expression of admiration instead of a put-down, leaving all four characters better off than they were at the beginning of the story.
Jennifer Mann's illustrations are bright primary and secondary hues in bold panels. The characters are drawn simply yet completely and Turkey Tot has wonderfully quirky facial expressions that mirror his personality perfectly.
This is a great read-aloud for younger children in classrooms or at home. I will also be using it with older students when I study fairy tales for structure and examples of different versions based on a traditional form.
June 27, 2017
Turkey Tot by George Shannon is an adorable story reminding one of the story of the Little Red Hen.
Turkey Tot had three friends, Chick, Hen, and Pig. One day they spied juicy berries on a bush, but they were too high to reach. The friends sadly went on their way to the pond, but then Turkey Tot came up with an idea. If they could find ... something ... it would help them reach the berries, but his friends said no, they won't find that, he's being silly, and he has been different from the day he was hatched.
Turkey Tot was not one to give in to defeat. He kept coming up with ingenious ideas. His friends continued to reply the same negative way. Finally, they refused to listen to more of his schemes, so Turkey Tot worked at a plan alone with a variety of things he did manage to find.
When Turkey Tot appears in a way they never expect to see him - and with juicy berries to share - they marvel over his cleverness. After all, they decide, he has been different from the day he was hatched!
This is a cute story with bright, bold illustrations created by Jennifer K. Mann. The images give such expression to the story, and the font is large and dark for easy reading.
Children will enjoy this story, and very possibly be prompted to make things themselves. It's a great way to encourage creativity and to encourage children to trust themselves, to not be discouraged by other people's negativity, and to not give up trying.
Turkey Tot had three friends, Chick, Hen, and Pig. One day they spied juicy berries on a bush, but they were too high to reach. The friends sadly went on their way to the pond, but then Turkey Tot came up with an idea. If they could find ... something ... it would help them reach the berries, but his friends said no, they won't find that, he's being silly, and he has been different from the day he was hatched.
Turkey Tot was not one to give in to defeat. He kept coming up with ingenious ideas. His friends continued to reply the same negative way. Finally, they refused to listen to more of his schemes, so Turkey Tot worked at a plan alone with a variety of things he did manage to find.
When Turkey Tot appears in a way they never expect to see him - and with juicy berries to share - they marvel over his cleverness. After all, they decide, he has been different from the day he was hatched!
This is a cute story with bright, bold illustrations created by Jennifer K. Mann. The images give such expression to the story, and the font is large and dark for easy reading.
Children will enjoy this story, and very possibly be prompted to make things themselves. It's a great way to encourage creativity and to encourage children to trust themselves, to not be discouraged by other people's negativity, and to not give up trying.
January 13, 2015
Title - Turkey Tot
Author George Shannon
Illustrator Jennifer K. Man
Series
Publisher Holiday House
ISBN 9780823431755
Copyright date 2013
Price $6.99
Paperback
Pages 30
Type of Book – Fiction,
Grade Range – Ages -3-5,
Use- Recreation, Programming/Readaloud
Type Size- Large
Format –Picture Book,
Illustration Type- Pencil, watercolor, and digital collage
Illustration Rating- Good
Genres- Adventure, Animal,
Literary Merit, Good,
Characterization- Good,
Summary- Turkey Tot, Chick, Pig and Hen stared at blackberries hanging overhead. They couldn’t reach them and they wanted to eat them. The four friends walked to the pond. Turkey Tot found string, a hammer with nails, and tin cans. The friends gave up and walked away. Turkey Tot built walking stilts with the tin cans and string. He gets the blackberries and shares them with his friends.
Evaluation – This is a story of perseverance and hard work. Turkey Tot never gave up and was rewarded with the blackberries. He also is generous and shared them with his friends. This story also gives children permission to be themselves even if others think you are weird or different.
Author George Shannon
Illustrator Jennifer K. Man
Series
Publisher Holiday House
ISBN 9780823431755
Copyright date 2013
Price $6.99
Paperback
Pages 30
Type of Book – Fiction,
Grade Range – Ages -3-5,
Use- Recreation, Programming/Readaloud
Type Size- Large
Format –Picture Book,
Illustration Type- Pencil, watercolor, and digital collage
Illustration Rating- Good
Genres- Adventure, Animal,
Literary Merit, Good,
Characterization- Good,
Summary- Turkey Tot, Chick, Pig and Hen stared at blackberries hanging overhead. They couldn’t reach them and they wanted to eat them. The four friends walked to the pond. Turkey Tot found string, a hammer with nails, and tin cans. The friends gave up and walked away. Turkey Tot built walking stilts with the tin cans and string. He gets the blackberries and shares them with his friends.
Evaluation – This is a story of perseverance and hard work. Turkey Tot never gave up and was rewarded with the blackberries. He also is generous and shared them with his friends. This story also gives children permission to be themselves even if others think you are weird or different.
October 12, 2013
Turkey Tot and his friends are thrilled when they spy a tree covered in blackberry vines but, to their great distress, they can't reach any of the tasty fruit. Turkey Tot's friends give up immediately, but Turkey Tot is determined to find a creative solution -- despite his friends' negativity. When he comes up with an ingenious plan, not only are his friends impressed, but they are happily full, as they get to share in the berry bounty.
What a fun book with a terrific message! Like with so many difficult tasks, Turkey Tot doesn't win immediately, but he works and works until he gets what he's after. His perseverance and creativity are strongly rewarded. And when he chooses to be nice to his skeptical friends in the end, instead of snubbing them and eating his berries alone, he earns their acceptance and respect. I even loved that they were trying for fruit instead of, say, cupcakes or candy.
What a fun book with a terrific message! Like with so many difficult tasks, Turkey Tot doesn't win immediately, but he works and works until he gets what he's after. His perseverance and creativity are strongly rewarded. And when he chooses to be nice to his skeptical friends in the end, instead of snubbing them and eating his berries alone, he earns their acceptance and respect. I even loved that they were trying for fruit instead of, say, cupcakes or candy.
July 21, 2013
When four animal friends spy juicy blackberries dangling just out of their reach, they reluctantly walk away since there's no way to reach them. But Turkey Tot who's always been a little different, keeps coming up with ideas for reaching the berries, all of which are shot down by the others. Eventually, he creatively devises an ingenious invention that allows the friends to reach those berries. I liked the repetitive nature of the story as each animal, Pig, Hen, and Chick pooh-pooh his ideas while he never gives up. The pencil, watercolor, and digital collage illustrations are just as appealing as the story itself, which reminds readers not to give up too easily even when everyone else seems to doubt you.
July 24, 2013
George Shannon can always be counted upon for fun, tellable tales. This is no exception. Turkey Tot, Chick, Pig, and Hen all want the juicy berries that are just out of reach. But, while the others give up, Turkey Tot keeps trying to solve the problem. He comes up with plans that can use what he finds, but nothing pans out and his friends have standard replies. (Much like a different version of "The Little Red Hen.") However, once Turkey Tot puts together EVERYTHING he has found he comes up with an inventive solution and they all get to enjoy the berries. This is a quirky, fun story with friendly, funny watercolor and digital illustrations by Jennifer K. Mann. It would be a nice addition to library shelves.
September 25, 2013
This book reminds me a lot of the classic tale little Red Hen. I am glad the author took it in another direction and focused in the end on team work. I'm not totally in love with the style of illustration, not sure what to call it. The illustrator does show great expression on the characters faces and they are colorful.
May 11, 2015
A different spin on the classic "Little Red Hen". The animals in the story spy some juicy blackberries. Unfortunately, they are not tall enough to reach them. Turkey keeps coming up with ideas to reach the berries but his friends don't believe his ideas will work. In the end, Turkey's ingenuity is rewarded and he shares with his friends. Should be a cute read aloud for the preschool crowd.
May 27, 2014
With a nod back to Little Red Hen and her search for bread-baking helpers, Turkey Tot must find a way to reach those elusive blackberries - but he has to do it alone. Great book for promoting creative thought, though may need a little bachground information beforehand -- my students had never seen the "stilts" Turkey makes, and found that part confusing without explanation.
October 27, 2014
Turkey Tot has always been different, which leads to a creative solution to the problem of hard to reach berries. The spacing of the pictures could match the text better, but read aloud audiences may feel the need to join in the repeating comments of Hen, Pig and Chick. Readers familiar with The Little Red Hen may notice some similarities between the 2 books.
December 7, 2014
A retelling with a twist of The Little Red Hen bur this time with Chick, Pig and Hen. Instead of preparing and baking bread Turkey Tot wants blackberries in the tree high above their head. With the same sort of twist on the story as The Little REd Hen...see how they all come together to solve the problem. 4 stars
January 2, 2014
This is one of my favorite stories so far in 2014. It's really fun and the repetition will make it easy for the kids to follow along. Turkey Tot's ingenuity saves the day and it delivers an important message that "different" doesn't mean "bad".
June 29, 2014
This is a problem solving book that reflects ingenuity, creativity, and tenacity. I like the point of using what you have to make it work. I am less keen on the repetitive chorus, and heavy handed emphasis on him being different.
July 2, 2014
Cute Little Red Hen retelling. However, I loved that Turkey Tot shared the berries with his friends at the end even though they did not help and wanted to nap instead! Great way to promote being a good friend.
January 21, 2016
Turkey Tot discovers some beautiful ripe blackberries. He can't wait to eat them but they are out of reach. Chick, pig, and hen will not help him with his ideas of how to reach the blackberries. Will he succeed?
August 9, 2013
Young Turkey Tot cannot reach the delicious blackberries so he finds an ingenious way to reach the blackberries to share them with all his friends.
September 13, 2013
This book helps kids see what problem solving looks like. also can begin a nice dialog on optimism/pessimism/trying your best, etc.
October 13, 2013
Lots of repetition when turkey tot is trying to have his friends help him. He is thinking of many ways to get to the high hanging berries with everything he finds.
October 25, 2013
A turkey on a fantasy farm demonstrates problem solving to his friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews