Thanksgiving Turkey

by Julian Scheer, Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

A thirteen-year-old boy and his mother move to a farm in rural Virginia, where he and his grandfather try to hunt a wild turkey.

Genres: Thanksgiving, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this text-heavy story written more for nostalgic adults, a grandfather takes his grandson wild turkey hunting on the back forty of the family farm—both “determined to get a gobbler.” Who else is rooting for the wily old bird to outwit the humans, hoping that Mother will just buy a turkey at the store that was bred to live a short, miserable life and become the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table? Watercolor illustrations depict a time gone by when a big, fat, farm-raised turkey cost only $1.80.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a boy and his grandfather going out to hunt for turkey.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A THANKSGIVING TURKEY is a quiet, nostalgic look at a boy, his grandfather, and a wild tom turkey in early 20th century America.

For many hunting seasons, the grandfather has been tracking an old wild turkey around his property, but has never gotten the opportunity to shoot the animal. The young boy in the story goes out with his grandfather, but they only hear--never see--the turkey. Until one early Thanksgiving morning...

This book quietly explores the humane value that we can derive more pleasure and respect from seeing an animal continue to live rather than taking its life. Male bonding doesn't have to come from killing, and a "hunt" doesn't have to end in an animal's death. All good, solid info to take to heart, especially in hunting country.

I wouldn't call this a humane education book, per se, seeing as it concludes with a store-bought turkey on the holiday table. However, I suppose a vegetarian Thanksgiving is probably a bit too much to ask for a book starring a hunting/farming family and set in what appears to be the 1910's.

It saddens me that some other reviews of this book are criticizing the fact that the wild turkey isn't killed in the story. Not everyone thinks that killing is the best or only way to deal with our fellow creatures in this world. I, for one, think our society is a better place for the presence of people who take a more nuanced and moral view of animal life.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

The words were so lusciously descriptive and the illustrations so life like ... and then the author had to go and get cold feet or overly turkey-sensitive and not end the story properly. What is with all of these stories where people don't kill, cook, or eat the turkey? Anyway, I was about ready to give it 4.5 stars but then having reached the ending I changed my mind. Ha, ha!

Ages: 5 - 9

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 or 4 stars - hard to decide. Good story, but not great.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

AR 4.4

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a grandparent story. The boy and his mother go to live with his grandfather on the farm. The adjustments are daunting for him, but he adjusts quickly and builds a strong relationship with his grandfather through turkey hunting. Of course, they do it day after day for most of a year without ever getting a turkey. It leads to a climactic day before Thanksgiving where they are going to get a shot at the turkey they've been pursuing all year. What they do when the shot is in their sight is the real surprise of the whole thing. It's a story about understanding and mutual respect, the kind of story that makes you think about things. It's a good read.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting tale about a young teen and his mom who move to his grandfather's farm in Virginia. The story is heartwarming, like a fond memory, and the watercolor illustrations complement the tale nicely. We enjoyed reading this story together.

[Cws]

HT-Sch

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for grandparent stories and this book fits the bill. Very sweet and perfectly tells of the strong bond between grandkid and grandparent.