The Turkey Hands

by Susan K Fairchild, Camille M Easton

46 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands by Susan K. Fairchild is an interesting and humorous children’s book with inanimate objects coming to life.

No one knows, but when the moonlight shines through, chaos erupts. The turkey hands, colored and cut out, find freedom as they curiously move around the classroom. Familiarizing themselves with the objects around. From the glue to the forgotten lunchbox as the sun comes up, they finally realize the effect of their actions.

I usually find it to be intriguing, the idea of objects being personified, but the best part lies in how accurately the author manages to give them quirky characters that fit. I also found the bright colors to be a great addition to the narrative, as it would hook kids with the endless blend of greens, blues, and yellows. I found the idea and the simplicity of the book's plot to be refreshing.

As a poetry lover, the rhyming of the words wasn’t missed. It was exquisitely done, matching line for line, creating a lyrical flow of words. She writes vividly and descriptively, encouraging readers to allow room for imagination. This shows Fairchild’s ability to curate beautiful prose while keeping the narrative flowing. It’s also a great exercise for kids to not only build their grammar and their eye for color but also encourage their imagination to grow. I highly appreciated this aspect of the book, as I found myself picturing, through the help of the illustrations, the turkey hands causing mischief and the expressions as they found the glue, lunchbox, and their chaos.

I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful, needed addition to a child's library. The art would capture a child's attention; however, the words would be understood by kids slightly older. With the interesting turkey hands as the protagonist and the illustrations, the young ones would simply be glued and intrigued by the book's content.

[Hannah Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, and each year, its arrival is preceded by a plethora of heartwarming traditions appropriate for any and all ages. For me, during my years as an elementary school student, there were few activities as silly and delightful as creating a makeshift model of a turkey using a tracing of my hand: my little palm became the turkey’s body, my tiny fingers were the feathers, and the sparkling creativity unique to childhood did the rest.

I’m confident that fans and followers of the latest in ‘kidlit’ will be thrilled to discover The Turkey Hands, perfectly titled and both written and illustrated by the exceptionally talented Susan K. Fairchild. In this fun, kid-friendly story, a classroom’s “turkey hands” come to life one evening after the teacher and students are at home. With the door locked and everyone away, the anthropomorphic creatures ransack the classroom, escaping their carefully organized places on the walls and using school supplies to wreak nonstop havoc.
There are so many things I love about this book: the playful humor, the AABB rhyme scheme included in a work of prose, and the beautiful illustrations crafted by the author herself are but a few. However, perhaps my favorite aspect of this work is the fact that I know without a doubt how much I would have enjoyed this book as a little girl making these “turkey hands” in elementary school just in time for Thanksgiving. Fairchild captures the magic of childhood in these words so flawlessly that I, while reading them as an adult, was overcome by nostalgia. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture an elementary school classroom under the glow of the moonlight. There is magic afoot here. As we watch, the cutout turkey hands the children decorated for Thanksgiving come to life. Each one has its own personality, much like the kids who made them. Happy to be alive, the hands engage in antics akin to a wild night out. They peck the decorations off the walls, roll about in the glue and glitter, and generally cause good-natured tumult and confusion. As their zest for life dies down, though, they realize they have effectively trashed the classroom. Now, they must race against time to put things to rights before the kids and teachers show up again.

The Turkey Hands, by Susan Fairchild, is a fun and imaginative children’s book. It’s reminiscent of works like Harold and the Purple Crayon. Some readers might also see similarities to the popular Toy Story movie series.

The trope of objects coming to life through magical means is often prevalent in children’s books, but it’s an often-repeated formula because it works so well. There’s something appealing about imagining normally inanimate objects gaining the gift of life and seeing how they might conduct themselves.

In this case, the turkey hands mirror the children who created them. They are rambunctious and ready to take full advantage of their environment. Fairchild seems to be making the point that this is what children are like at a young age: creative, a little wild, but generally well meaning. This is reinforced by the notion that when the turkey hands stop to take a closer look at the mayhem they’ve created, they feel remorse for their actions. This is similar to children in their younger years who are frequently more empathetic than most adults give them credit for.

In short, this is a delightful book with some whimsical moments and an important message to teach. Kids who read it will come to understand that they need to clean up after themselves when playtime is over, while adults will be reminded of the magic that is always to be found in the mundane.

[Thrifty Geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands by Susan K. Fairchild takes us on a fun adventure involving a childhood staple… the simple turkey hand. Something many parents and, or, teachers have taught children for years. In fact we find ourselves with a class of children making hand traced turkeys and tacking them on the wall for display. It's when the teacher shuts the door for the night that the fun begins. Our hand turkeys begin to run amok, and create chaos in their wake. Follow along as the paper flock explore their classroom world. Where they eat, paint, and destroy their way through it, while sometimes making shocking discoveries.
This was such a delightful book. The rhymes are spot on, and just add to the cuteness of this story. I feel kids are going to enjoy it, and maybe find themselves memorizing it. I love this idea of drawings coming to life and being little menaces on the world when we’re not looking.
The mix of art styles made the illustrations for this book so beautiful and very crafty looking. It’s like a scrapbook page, which given the characters of the book is absolutely fitting. It created this amazing energy on the page. It reflected the chaos of the moment. These characters were so expressive. I particularly liked the one turkey’s expression when they see what’s in the lunchbox, I won’t spoil it, but the look on its face is hilarious to me as he’s contemplating the things it has seen. The lesson learned from this I think is amazing, and this is a unique and fun way to teach it.
My only concern for this amazing book is that Fairchild makes glue sound too delicious. I mean to a paper turkey it may be a delicacy, but I just hope no child gets any ideas. So any adults picking up this book may be wise to warn the kids in their life that paste is only paper turkey food.
So if you want a visually please quirky little poetic read, I highly recommend this book. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of this, it’s definitely something all can enjoy. It would be a great little Thanksgiving story.

[Alianna Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan K. Fairchild’s The Turkey Hands is a charming and imaginative picture book that invites young readers and nostalgic adults into a world where creativity truly comes to life. Fairchild takes a simple classroom craft and transforms it into a delightful nighttime adventure, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar tradition of drawing hand turkeys. Her premise is both whimsical and clever: once the school doors close and darkness settles in, the students’ hand-made turkey creations spring off the page and roam freely through the empty classroom.

Fairchild’s storytelling is infused with child-like wonder, and her playful tone makes the tale feel both magical and accessible. As the turkey hands explore the school, their mischief builds with just the right amount of humor. Young readers will enjoy following their antics, while adults will appreciate the gentle reminder of the joy found in creative play. Yet what elevates the story is the thoughtful arc: as sunrise approaches, the turkey hands recognize the chaos they've caused and attempt to set things right. This element of responsibility adds subtle depth to the narrative without ever feeling heavy-handed. Not only does this show young readers that they can always have fun, but they can also have the understanding when it's time to do the right thing.

The illustrations are vivid, expressive, and full of movement that beautifully complement the text. Fairchild captures the enchanting atmosphere of a school after dark, balancing shadows and soft light to enhance the sense of secret adventure. Each turkey hand feels uniquely designed, echoing the individuality of the children who created them.

The Turkey Hands is a delightful celebration of imagination, creativity, and the small worlds children often dream into existence. Fairchild’s blend of mischief and heart makes this book an engaging read-aloud and a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library. It’s a story that will leave readers smiling and perhaps looking a little differently at their own art projects.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands by Susan K. Fairchild is a creative and fun children’s story. In it, Fairchild tells a charming tale of the colorful paper cut-outs of these turkey hands whimsically coming to life! These turkey hands have a mission. Their mission is to race against the daylight in the midnight hours, and bring order back to an elementary school classroom. In their playfulness, these colorful cut-outs dive into a night full of adventure – glue, spattering ink, and pecking the alphabet of the classroom walls.

In this charming tale, Susan K. Fairchild relates the notion of creativity to children. Fairchild does so, as she shows children how important creativity is through these playful colorful paper cut-outs. These turkey hands even reminded me of just how important creativity is in the life of a child today.

Through her writing and vivid illustrations, Susan K. Fairchild reminds children to tap into their creative nature. As the illustrator of this children’s book, Fairchild also captures the creative essence of a child’s mind, and reinforces important life lessons. By blending these two creative mediums together in her book, Susan K. Fairchild inspires imaginative play and encourages children to create their own adventures with the everyday materials they find.

What really set the story apart was the creative and vivid illustrations strewn throughout Fairchild’s book. These illustrative designs evoked both a sense of movement and emotion for me. These images brought me back to my childhood, and stirred some emotion within me as a result.

This charming tale is a must-read for young children! I highly recommend parents to read this adventurous and creative book, to their toddlers or early schoolers, especially if they enjoy great stories and art activities.

[Sarah Nantais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colourful nostalgia springs to life on the pages of The Turkey Hands by Susan Fairchild. Evoking memories of Thanksgiving in the Western world as we traced our hands and carefully cut them out to create the happy little turkey hands which are the stars of this show. The mixed media use is well done, and the colours are so bright they are sure to catch the attention of readers. Simple words that rhyme are also a favourite of children’s books.

We follow along the little turkey hands and the mischievous activities they get up to after dark. Items coming alive in a school after dark is a common setting, but the colourful turkey hands causing chaos and eating left over foods is a new one. The adventure is cute and easy to follow.

The care that Fairchild put into the drawing of all the turkey hands and the careful, but enjoyable, rhyming of the story is well done. Children will enjoy this book, even if at first, they are only captivated by the bright drawings and scenes. This would be a great book for younger grades who are beginning to read more complicated words.

This book is an excellent addition to any library. It will draw on the nostalgia of any adult reader while bringing in whimsy and perhaps exposure to a new activity for a young reader. It’s a glimpse into what happens in Western, mainly North American, schools for Thanksgiving that isn’t tied to religion or any other secular group.

If you are looking for an engaging book with bright colours, simple storytelling and easy rhyming, you must pick up a copy of Turkey Hands by Susan Fairchild. This book will stir the child in your soul, while engaging the child in your arms. You can’t go wrong with Turkey Hands and seeing just what might happen in a school after dark.

[Desiree Delong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands by Susan K. Fairchild, at first glance, looks like a children’s book. And it is, but it can also be enjoyable for adults as well as the whole family. This fun illustrated book is told in rhyme. Its rhyming, poem structure is sure to draw in any reader, child and adult alike!

It tells the fun and mischievous tale of paper-cut-out turkey hands that come to life one night thanks to the magic of a full moon. They get up to quite the adventure that night, but in the morning they go back to their original position so the teacher doesn’t know that they can move on their own.

At first, you might think this is a typical Thanksgiving tale but then it goes in a very imaginative and fun direction! The book leans into the fact that it’s childlike and silly, never taking itself too seriously. You will find yourself laughing along with the paper turkey’s antics, enjoying the clever rhyming and funny plot.

One does not need a child to enjoy this, but it’s a book a child would love. The illustrations help bring to light the adventures of the paper turkey hands and the chaos they get to at night. With the Thanksgiving season coming up, this book is a great buy. It will be something the family and friends can bond over as they wait for the turkey to cook.

I laughed several times while reading this and the mischief the turkey hands got into. It reminds me of the simpler times during childhood and for this nostalgic feeling alone, I would greatly recommend that you purchase it.

Future releases from this author and illustrator will be on my radar. If they are enjoyable as The Turkey Hands then I will certainly enjoy it.

[Lesley Odhiambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The turkey hands is an interesting colorful children’s book that brings us to the world of imagination. From pieces of drawings to turkey hands that are seen to have life. I genuinely feel the connection to the turkey hands in as much as they are pieces of art. There is a proper flow of events in a simple and systematic way.

From drawings with different colors and sizes to creatures with the ability to make decisions. The book gives me an insight on the life of turkey hands as they are seen to be very curios and playful. It is all explained when the lights go off and they decide to explore their curiosity. I can also tell they have a sense of guilt and responsibility as they try to revive the situation after they realize it’s dawn.

I feel like Susan K. Fairchild did a good job bringing poetry and drawings together which I found to be unique. I appreciate the illustrations being brought across the entire book. From the start the author managed to grab my attention through the pop of color that filled each page. Making the illustrations beautiful as well as captivating.

I personally feel like the author is trying to pass a message to the readers which in this case are children, the importance of being responsible as is seen with the turkey hands as they clean up after the realized the made a mess.

In my opinion the book has a deeper meaning basing on the phrase “things come to life in an empty school” This is to depict that in the end things done in silence always find a way of coming to light.

The book was short however it’s understandable since children have a short concentration span. I highly recommend the book for kids above the age of 7years.

[Claudia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book by Susan K. Fairchild is a charmer through and through—a lively, lighthearted tale with verses that trot along in playful AABB rhyme, making it a pure joy to read aloud. The illustrations are a marvel in themselves, full of color, wit, and a touch of mischief. These turkeys, with their wide-eyed, childlike expressions, are cheeky and curious, and they’re just the sort you’d suspect of getting into all sorts of shenanigans when no one's looking.

There’s a quiet magic woven into the story, too—a school that turns enchanted the moment the teacher’s back is turned. Each line hints at what the turkeys are up to in that empty, unsuspecting classroom, building a gentle suspense as we watch the quiet space turn chaotic. The rich illustrations are a sight for young and old alike, full of motion, and you half-expect those turkeys to come flapping right out of the pages if you leave the book open a tad too long.

Fairchild slips in a bit of wisdom beneath all that colorful, feathered chaos, too. The turkeys, wild and cheeky as they are, learn that there’s a price to pay for all that fun—a reminder that even in a world without watchful eyes, you’ve got to own up to the mess you leave behind.

With its sing-song cadence, funny antics, and a lesson tucked just under the surface, this book makes for a spirited and sweet read. Elementary school teachers could use it as a lively read-aloud to spark participation and introduce themes of responsibility. Adults with a playful spirit will appreciate its humor and cleverness just as much as the kids do.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands is an absolutely charming and heartfelt celebration of childhood creativity, family traditions, and the little moments that make holidays magical. Susan K. Fairchild captures the pure joy of Thanksgiving through a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. From the very first page, the book radiates warmth, inviting readers, kids, and adults alike into a cozy world filled with imagination, laughter, and love.

Fairchild’s writing is delightful, capturing the wonder of seeing the world through a child’s eyes. The narrative flows with an upbeat energy, making it perfect for reading aloud. What really shines, though, is the way the story honors the timeless tradition of making turkey-hand crafts; something so simple yet so meaningful. It instantly brings back memories while encouraging new ones.

The illustrations are vibrant, whimsical, and full of charm. Each page bursts with color and emotion, adding depth to the story and keeping young readers fully engaged. The characters feel warm and relatable, and the art beautifully captures the joy of family, togetherness, and the creative chaos of crafting.

This book is not just a fun holiday read. It’s a celebration of imagination and connection. The Turkey Hands encourages kids to value the small things and reminds adults of the magic tucked inside everyday moments. Whether shared in classrooms, read before a festive dinner, or gifted to families who love holiday traditions, it’s a book that spreads happiness and gratitude.

[Bethany Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the imaginative premise of this book; it takes something so familiar from childhood, those little paper turkey cut-outs, and gives them a secret life. It instantly sparked that sense of wonder and nostalgia for me, reminding me of being a kid and all the creative messes I used to make.

The vibrant and expressive illustrations are truly a highlight. They perfectly capture the lively spirit of the turkey hands, making each page feel full of energy and charm. I found myself really appreciating how the artwork gave these paper creations so much personality. A lot of thought went into making them feel like mischievous, curious characters.

What I really took away from this book, beyond the sheer fun, was its clever nod to creativity and even a subtle message about taking responsibility. It beautifully suggests that our creations, like children, can sometimes get carried away in their fun, and that sometimes a little hard work is needed to make things right. It’s an excellent way to think about how we navigate the aftermath of playful chaos.

This book is such a cheerful and engaging read. It's definitely going on my list of recommended books for anyone looking for a delightful story that celebrates imagination, a bit of mischief, and ultimately, making good. I think it would be fantastic to share with little ones, and honestly, it’s just a lovely pick-me-up for adults, too!

[Taylor Oser-Lakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Turkey Hands, Susan K. Fairchild invites young readers into an enchanting
school classroom, where turkey hand cut-outs come to life at night. With vibrant
illustrations, these mischievous turkeys dive into craft supplies and wreak havoc around
the classroom, only to face the consequences of their nighttime spree. As they scramble
to restore order before the morning, they work as a team and finish it just in time. Filled
with playful rhymes and imaginative scenes, The Turkey Hands captures the wonder of
childhood creativity and teaches kids to embrace fun without losing sight of order.
This book is an engaging and delightful read-aloud story, perfect for Thanksgiving. The
rhyming scheme and illustrations make it ideal for capturing the attention of young
children and teaching them a bit along the way. The storyline is playful yet grounded,
pulling on their imagination and creativity. The illustrations, full of color and personality,
breathe life into the turkey characters, offering a range of expressions that bring humor
and warmth to the story.
The joyful, easy-to-follow storyline and enchanting visuals make it a solid choice for
young children, especially those just beginning to read. Overall, The Turkey Hands is a
fun, holiday-themed book that entertains while subtly imparting lessons on
accountability and teamwork.

[Jake Hallstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did my children enjoy reading through this story, I enjoyed it myself. It's like the concept of Toy Story, where the classroom art projects come to life when no one else is around. That was probably my favorite "twist" at the end of the story, that all of the turkeys were the classroom art projects. I remember doing this project every year in elementary school, and my kids have done this project before in their Sunday school too.

I think everyone's favorite part was the illustrations, as they were vibrant and had a variety of colors. The section where the turkeys were able to get a hold of the chalk and make a mess with it stood out the most to my eyes, as the color variety was extravagant and lively. It made it almost seem like it was a party on the pages, which is hard to do with these kinds of children’s books.

One of the subtle messages in this book is the importance of cleaning up the messes we make. I find this to be a great lesson for kids of all ages, and the more fun stories we can have like this to normalize cleaning up, the better! It’s such a hard habit to instill, so you almost want to put it into their subconscious with a story like this to keep the message going.

Having a new story like this to read together feels really special, and I know I’ll miss getting this much attention from them.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it captures the messy, joyful side of creativity that I think often gets overlooked. The story works on two levels: it’s entertaining for children, with its lively imagery and silly escapades, but it also carries a subtle message about creativity and accountability. The idea of turkey hands coming to life is quirky and fun, but what stood out to me was how it reflects the way kids approach art. It reminded me that creativity isn’t supposed to be neat or perfect; it’s supposed to be alive. I also liked the playful tone. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that makes it easy to connect with. I think it’s a great reminder that mistakes or messes aren’t failures but they’re part of the process. That’s a message I wish more children’s books leaned into, because it encourages kids to keep experimenting instead of worrying about getting things right the first time. The illustrations were my favorite part. They felt distinct and far more original than what you usually see in children’s books. I would’ve loved to see more of the turkeys’ individual personalities shine through, perhaps with a main character. That little extra detail could have made the story even more memorable.
The Turkey Hands is a charming read that celebrates creativity in a way that feels both silly and meaningful. A very lovely read that I would recommend for little ones.

[Zinzee Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the art style in this book; it’s vibrant, unique, and instantly grabs your attention from the very first page. The illustrations are one of the story's strongest elements, each page filled with expressive characters, rich colors, and charming details that make it feel alive.
Beyond the visuals, the story itself is wonderfully crafted. It blends humor, creativity, and gratitude in a way that feels natural and engaging. The turkeys had me laughing out loud more than once, and I can easily imagine children giggling right along as they follow the characters through their silly, spirited adventures. It’s joyful without being over-the-top, and meaningful without ever becoming too heavy for young readers.
What really makes this book stand out is how perfectly it captures the heart of Thanksgiving. The message encourages kids to be thankful, imaginative, and kind, all while keeping them fully entertained. It’s the ideal kind of story to read aloud, fun, expressive, and filled with opportunities to use different voices or pause for kid reactions.
This is one of those rare books that children will ask for again and again, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year. With its stunning artwork, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless holiday charm, I can easily see it becoming a beloved family tradition.

[Sheniya Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands by Susan Fairchild is a fun, fantastical tale about what happens to children’s turkey hand projects at school when all the teachers have gone away. The illustrations are colorful and match the tone of the written content making it a great visual experience for readers. It has a certain charm and appeal that I think teachers would love to bring in the classroom around this time of year. With Thanksgiving around the corner many students may be completing their turkey hand projects and this is a fun story to get their imaginations to flourish.
I really appreciated Fairchild’s rhymes with the writing. It felt like a new aged Dr. Seuss book in the making. The visuals and words together make for a pleasant reading experience for both the adults and children that get their hands on this book. I read it to my 2 and 6 year old cousins and they loved it! They were excited to make turkey hands of their own and we did.
I think this book is going to start a phenomenon much like the elf on the shelf or even the tooth fairy with teachers making tiny paper footprints for their students to discover when they get into class the next morning. I give this book a 5 out of 5 for creativity and imagination, which I think are every important to introduce to children.

[Grace Ventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun children’s book! The Turkey Hands takes readers on an adventure. What happens when the school lights go off, and everyone goes home? Written in a rhyming tone, the book is quick to read and will keep kids' attention. The story has a clear sequence of events that is easy to follow, from the creation of the turkey hands by the kids in school to the turkeys’ mischief at night and hurrying back to their spots when the sun comes up.

Not only is the story fun to read (for children and adults), but it also offers a learning opportunity. The turkeys could have made a mess and left it, but their conscience got the better of them, and they worked together to clean it up.

In addition to the cute story, the illustrations are wonderful, combining shapes, colors, lines, and scribbles. The turkeys have fun expressions of excitement, surprise, and worry as their night progresses. The author, Susan K. Fairchild, has a clear knack for storytelling and is a talented illustrator.

I enjoyed reading The Turkey Hands and think it would be a great gift for kids around the Thanksgiving time of year. It’s a quick and exciting read about something we all made when we were kids, turkey hands!

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended
There’s something delightfully cinematic about The Turkey Hands. The moonlit classroom, the quiet after the teacher leaves, and the sudden burst of movement when the paper turkeys come to life all feel vivid and alive. Ordinary classroom objects, markers, crayons, glue, sinks, even a forgotten lunchbox, become part of an extraordinary nighttime adventure, turning a familiar school setting into a stage for playful chaos
The joyful destruction is funny and energetic, and the rhythmic text makes the mischief feel almost like a dance.
What really makes the story work, though, is its grounding. As morning approaches, fantasy gives way to consequences, and the shift feels natural rather than abrupt. When the turkey hands finally see the mess they’ve made, their decision to work together and clean it up adds emotional weight without dampening the fun. The story honors imagination while gently reminding readers that creativity also comes with responsibility. It’s humorous, warm, and quietly wise. The Turkey Hands is the kind of children’s book that entertains first, teaches second, and lingers long after the last page.

[Ben AF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a teacher, so from a classroom point of view, The Turkey Hands feels very familiar, in a good way. It perfectly captures how creativity can explode into chaos when excitement takes over, especially during art time. The opening scenes of colorful turkey hand crafts and the way they come to life after the classroom is empty mirror the boundless energy students bring to hands-on projects
I appreciated how the story respects children’s intelligence and doesn’t rely on adults swooping in to fix everything. Instead, the turkey hands must confront the results of their choices when they see the mess they’ve made.
This moment of realization, followed by their decision to clean up before morning, makes the book especially valuable for classroom conversations. It reinforces accountability in a way that feels natural rather than moralizing. The rhyming text and playful illustrations keep the tone light, while the underlying message remains clear. While younger readers will delight in the silliness and mischief, older children will recognize the deeper lesson about responsibility and teamwork. This is a thoughtful, engaging addition to any elementary classroom library.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands is a children’s book by Susan K. Fairchild. This book focuses on the children-made turkey hands come to life due to the magical rule, things come to life in an empty school. The reader follows these Turkey Hands as they explore the empty classroom, with beautiful art aiding in telling the story.

This book is absolutely adorable. It is the perfect story for young children during the holiday time. It has a magical element, that gives the story such a delight. Even though the Turkey Hands get up to no go, they do learn a lesson and that they should clean up after themselves, which is an important lesson for children to clean up after themselves. The rhyming and the illustrations add to the whimsy of the book as well. The pictures are fun, adorable, and vibrant, which is perfect for catching the attention of young children. Overall, I think kids will love this book and the adults reading it to them can also find some enjoyment out of it. As an added bonus, it is good for their development.

[David Clayton Driskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Children’s Book That Celebrates Gratitude and Family Traditions

The Turkey Hands is one of those children’s books that manages to feel both playful and meaningful. I loved how it takes a simple, familiar classroom craft and transforms it into a lively adventure. The story captures the spontaneous, messy creativity of childhood, and the gentle lesson about taking responsibility for our messes is delivered with humor rather than heaviness.

The illustrations are vibrant and wonderfully expressive, with bold crayon textures and cut-paper shapes that give the turkey characters a distinct personality. The style complements the energetic tone of the story and makes it especially fun to read aloud.

What makes this book special is the way it encourages kids to see creativity as something alive, joyful, imperfect, and full of surprises. It’s a great conversation starter about imagination, play, and cleaning up after ourselves when the fun is done. I’d happily recommend it to parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a spirited and engaging read for young children.

[Liz Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the absolute cutest Thanksgiving picture book. I shared this book with my pre-kindergarten class, and it is a hit. It encourages them to use their imagination while also teaching a lesson. Whenever we make messes, we must always be responsible and clean them up. It also teaches problem-solving skills and accountability for their actions. My students always enjoy making up stories about what their creations do once we leave school for the day. I also created a craft to go along with it, where they make turkeys just like the ones in the book (a bonus because it helps teach their colors). We use construction paper, crayons, glue, and scissors just like in the book to create our own turkeys. I even rearranged them and made turkey “messes” once they left for the day, so they could come in and see the next morning. My students love this story so much.

[Tara Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an unspoken rule that once the school lights go out, the drawings come to life, a fact the teacher clearly didn’t know. That is, until she arrived one morning to find turkey footprints leading across the classroom! The Turkey Hands is a precious children’s book that is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated.

This book offers so much to learn, showcasing wonderful examples of colors and rhyme. The illustrations bring the story to life on every page, bursting with brilliant colors. The character drawings themselves are exquisitely detailed and full of action. The representation of the turkey drawings coming to life are familiar yet personalized by the author.

This darling little book is perfect for reading aloud to a young child, and it’s equally delightful for early readers discovering stories on their own.

[Megan Brame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a classroom where the colorful turkey cutouts pinned up for Thanksgiving come to life under the moonlight. That's what happens in Susan K Fairchild and Camille M Easton's whimsical tale, "The Turkey Hands."

These mischievous creations embark on a nighttime adventure, causing all sorts of chaos. They dive into glue, splatter ink, and even peck the alphabet off the walls! But their fun-filled night takes a turn when they encounter the consequences of their actions. It's a funny and heartwarming reminder that even the most creative minds can sometimes get carried away.

"The Turkey Hands" is a charming story that celebrates the vibrant and often messy world of childhood. It's a tale that will resonate with young readers and their parents alike.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turkey Hands takes that classic classroom craft we all remember and gives it a wild little twist—like someone let the construction paper drink an energy drink. It fills a surprisingly empty nook in Thanksgiving stories with a burst of goofy imagination, all wrapped in bright, bold illustrations that practically cartwheel off the page.
The whole thing feels like joyful classroom chaos: glue sticks everywhere, giggles echoing down empty halls, and just enough mischief to make you wonder if those wiggly-eyed creations really do party after the kids go home.
In the end, it’s a funny, feather-flapping romp that left us feeling like turkey feathers were brushing our toes—silly, sweet, and exactly the kind of fun Thanksgiving needs.


[Renae Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former primary teacher, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a quick read, super cute, and wonderfully imaginative. The illustrations are bright, vivid, and full of personality, exactly the kind of artwork that pulls kids right in.


What really made me smile is how perfectly this pairs with a classic classroom (or at-home) activity: making a turkey with your handprint. It practically begs to be followed by crayons, paint, and a whole lot of giggles.


This is the kind of book that’s just fun to explore with a child, whether you’re reading in a classroom circle or snuggled up on the couch. It’s also a charming addition to any holiday collection, setting just the right festive tone without feeling overdone.


I smiled through the entire read. I highly recommend it.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised me!

This book surprised me in the best way. I think The Turkey Hands isn’t just a cute idea about classroom crafts coming to life. I believe it’s a gentle reflection on creativity, responsibility, and growing up. I loved how the magic feels playful rather than flashy, and how the story slowly shifts from chaos to accountability without ever sounding preachy.
The turkey hands behave exactly like excited kids would, which makes their mistakes honest and relatable. By the end, the message lands softly: fun is wonderful, but cleaning up after yourself matters too. It’s the kind of story that invites conversation after reading, especially in a classroom or at bedtime. Sweet, imaginative, and thoughtfully done.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how imaginative The Turkey Hands is! The concept of paper turkeys coming to life in a classroom is so clever, and the way Susan K. Fairchild writes about their nighttime adventures is really engaging. This is a great idea.
The story is filled with humor and whimsy, but it also has an important lesson about taking responsibility for your actions. Kids will love the playful nature of the turkey hands, and the colorful chaos they create. It’s a book that encourages creativity while also reminding readers that they need to clean up after their fun. It’s a story that kids will enjoy again and again.

[Saya J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!

The Turkey Hands is a book full of imagination and fun. Susan K. Fairchild takes a simple Thanksgiving classroom activity and turns it into an adventure full of magic and chaos. The turkey hands get into all sorts of trouble, and kids will love following along with their antics. The story also has a nice message about taking responsibility, as the turkey hands have to clean up their mess before the school day begins. It’s a book that combines humor with a good lesson, making it a great read for kids who love stories filled with action and creativity.
I think this would be a great gift. I will recommend it for sure!