Dave Pigeon (Turkey Dinner!)

Dave Pigeon #7

by Swapna Haddow

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Carlina Kinch]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my children's hearts and my own to the author, the publisher, and netgalley for allowing us the privilege of being able to arc read this book. We really appreciate it!

When I requested this book to read with my kids I didn't realize it was a chapter book. That cover art is so cute and the title is very reminiscent of a picture book, which after reading the book with my kids, I could completely see the author being able to also retrofit her chapter book series into picture book versions for younger kids similar to Mo Willems. On that note this is what this book reminds me of. It was an incredible embodiment of the pigeon book series by Mo Willems but in chapter format with an incredible storyline all of its own. All I could picture was that this is (despite different authors) the big kid version of that series. It was hilarious, my kids burst out laughing so much, and I loved the changing of expressions and reactions (which I think is what reminded me the most of Mo Willems), most kids books in this format are usually monotone this was fun! It was also extremely well thoughout and well writing, despite it not being his book I loved Robbie the Robin. Some moments in my mom opinion were a little unnecessary with potty jokes but they're also very much things that age range finds hilarious. My kids absolutely loved this book! They're both 8 and 10 and this would be appropriate for them, and onwards. They both also begged me to bring this book and this series home because they loved it so much!

If you're looking for a fantastic book for ages 8 and up this book would be it! It's going to keep them on their toes and not want to put it down!

Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts again for allowing us the absolute privilege of being able to read this book. We loved it and my kids can't wait to read more!

[Jessica Bellemore]

Fly into a fun adventure with Dave and Skipper and the pigeons.

Dave and Skipper are taken care of Human Lady, where they live in a comfy shed. The best part is that it's Big Dinner Day, when the humans all get together to share gifts and delicious food (that they share with Dave and Skipper).

The birds are terrified when they find out the main course; turkey, a big just like them!

My first book of this series, I had a laugh-out-loud time throughout this whole middle-grade book. The black and white illustrations in the book bring even more hilarity to the dialogue between the two pigeons, as well as their new friend Robbie Redfeather.

I can't wait to share this series with my nephews!

Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber | Faber & Faber Childrens Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[G C]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute book (although this is the first Dave the Pigeon book I’ve read). As a vegetarian, I was intrigued by it because of the subject matter. I did think it would be a children’s picture book with a short story but it was more of a grade school short chapter book (maybe grades 2-5)..

The illustrations and occasional speech bubbles will be enjoyed by kids. The birds in the story were very funny and got into a lot of humorous situations trying to save the turkey being cooked for dinner.

I really enjoyed the thought provoking and empathetic content of this book. I think it’s important to be aware of where our food comes from and the different choices available to us.

[Bev]

Very funny and silly , may make young children question why we eat birds though!

[LudmilaM]

3.75 stars. Lots of fun!