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A Turkey for Thanksgiving: A Humorous Story About Animal Friends and Thanksgiving Dinner for Kids
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all 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.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 1991
27 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
307 books406 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
November 9, 2017
This was a cute story about having all your friends over for Thanksgiving meal and that includes a turkey. Except you don't eat the turkey because he is also your friend. My students enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2021
When Mrs. Moose expresses a desire to have a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner in this humorous seasonal picture-book, Mr. Moose sets out to fulfill her wish, eventually joined by woodland friends like Rabbit, Mr. & Mrs Goat and Sheep. To Mr. Moose's surprise, when they find Turkey down by the riverside, that meleagrine figure takes off, leaving our hero to corral him, and make sure he shows up to dinner...
Young readers and listeners will immediately understand Turkey's motivation in A Turkey for Thanksgiving, and will most likely be amused by Mr. Moose's confusion. Turkey, of course, thinks that he will be the dinner, whereas the cervine couple who wish to have him, intend . This sort of story, which allows the child in on a joke that the book characters do not understand, is often quite entertaining for young people, although I think very sensitive audiences might find it somewhat distressing as well. I also think that a story such as this might lead to a discussion about dietary customs and habits—meat-eating vs. vegetarianism, and so on–so adult readers might want to bear that in mind as well.
Young readers and listeners will immediately understand Turkey's motivation in A Turkey for Thanksgiving, and will most likely be amused by Mr. Moose's confusion. Turkey, of course, thinks that he will be the dinner, whereas the cervine couple who wish to have him, intend . This sort of story, which allows the child in on a joke that the book characters do not understand, is often quite entertaining for young people, although I think very sensitive audiences might find it somewhat distressing as well. I also think that a story such as this might lead to a discussion about dietary customs and habits—meat-eating vs. vegetarianism, and so on–so adult readers might want to bear that in mind as well.
November 11, 2018
This story is an example of what you say matters. Choosing our words can be a great act of kindness. I know personally that I can get frustrated at how my words come out not as I meant them and someone misunderstands me. Communication is the most difficult thing and choosing our words carefully takes energy. Sometimes if makes us feel like we can't even be ourselves when it's really learning to reach out better and grow.
Moose wants Turkey to come to dinner and he implies it will be as a turkey dinner,yet what Moose really meant was a guest of honor. Turkey is on the run and the weird thing is moose puts his foot on Turkeys head, but it all turns out alright in this comedy of errors. I had fun reading this story.
The kids thought it was fun too. The animals were quirky and funny. Sheep is a big puffball and rabbit has a hunting jacket on. I had to explain why turkey felt like he was going to be eaten and the misunderstanding that was going on and once they understood, they giggled some at the story. The nephew gave it 4 stars and the niece gave it 3. The nephew thought the goats in their house was very funny. He liked that house. I bet turkey had PTSD after this, but at least it turned out alright.
Moose wants Turkey to come to dinner and he implies it will be as a turkey dinner,yet what Moose really meant was a guest of honor. Turkey is on the run and the weird thing is moose puts his foot on Turkeys head, but it all turns out alright in this comedy of errors. I had fun reading this story.
The kids thought it was fun too. The animals were quirky and funny. Sheep is a big puffball and rabbit has a hunting jacket on. I had to explain why turkey felt like he was going to be eaten and the misunderstanding that was going on and once they understood, they giggled some at the story. The nephew gave it 4 stars and the niece gave it 3. The nephew thought the goats in their house was very funny. He liked that house. I bet turkey had PTSD after this, but at least it turned out alright.
November 21, 2008
***SPOILER***
Cute little story (the picture on the cover was a bit scary, I thought--but the ones in the book are a bit more gentle) about a moose who must get a "turkey for Thanksgiving dinner" for his wife. Of course, the turkey is to be a GUEST at the vegetarian feast but he (and perhaps young readers) do not know that until the end. So, depending on the age and sensitivity of your readers, it might be a bit disturbing for them to read and think poor turkey is being hunted (and also for them to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal with poor Turkey on the table!!!)
Cute little story (the picture on the cover was a bit scary, I thought--but the ones in the book are a bit more gentle) about a moose who must get a "turkey for Thanksgiving dinner" for his wife. Of course, the turkey is to be a GUEST at the vegetarian feast but he (and perhaps young readers) do not know that until the end. So, depending on the age and sensitivity of your readers, it might be a bit disturbing for them to read and think poor turkey is being hunted (and also for them to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal with poor Turkey on the table!!!)
November 9, 2020
Due to the current worldwide situation, my mom is helping my sister out by having my nephew do his online kindergarten at our house. Part of my mom’s assistance is reading books to him, some of which go with upcoming holidays...such as this one for Thanksgiving. My mom told me that I should read this book; she said it would make me laugh. Though I already knew the ending thanks to her telling others about it in front of me, it was still a very cute story. I don’t normally do picture books, but, in this case, I’m glad I did.
November 22, 2019
It’s perfect! The perfect book for me to read with students this Thanksgiving. I’m a teacher. But since becoming a vegan, I’ve been reluctant to read traditional thanksgiving books with kids because everyone thinks of it as Turkey Day still. And I don’t want to celebrate eating turkey. Quite the opposite.
This book is so sweet. All the little woodland animals are being invited to Mr and Mrs Moose’s house. The turkey is too. As a guest. I love it. It’s funny too... the turkey is hiding out by the river. He at first thinks all the woodland animals are coming to get him to eat for dinner. We all sighed a big relief when he was escorted to Moose’s home and seated as a guest! A Hollywood ending indeed! May favorite kind of story.
Highly, highly recommended!!!
This book is so sweet. All the little woodland animals are being invited to Mr and Mrs Moose’s house. The turkey is too. As a guest. I love it. It’s funny too... the turkey is hiding out by the river. He at first thinks all the woodland animals are coming to get him to eat for dinner. We all sighed a big relief when he was escorted to Moose’s home and seated as a guest! A Hollywood ending indeed! May favorite kind of story.
Highly, highly recommended!!!
May 1, 2015
Eve Bunting has written the perfect book to appeal to a preschool age child's humor. A Turkey for Thanksgiving tells a story of Mr. Moose going out looking for a turkey to invite to Thanksgiving dinner, as a guest at their table, not part of dinner. My classroom of children giggle all the way through this story, as I read it each November and the turkey sits down at the table for dinner with his new friends. The illustrations are colorful and full of fall colors and the children love that the animals wear clothes and think that is funny and the pretend part of the story. They are learning the difference between fiction and non-fiction books.
March 13, 2009
This is a good seasonal book. The book teaches children that friendship and kindness is what is important on Thanksgiving. Throughout the story, the reader believes that they are searching for a turkey to eat, but in the end, the turkey is simply invited to dine with the reast of the animals. This is an interesting twist and makes the story more enjoyable. Also, all of the animals work together to find the turkey, which teaches the children the importance of team work. This book would be good for a read aloud, especially since it has a twisted ending.
November 26, 2021
Eve Bunting's story about a group of human-like animals who go off on a search for a turkey to bring to their Thanksgiving dinner is both well-thought-out and humorous. I could see how this tale might become a favorite around Thanksgiving time for many families.
February 21, 2014
I like the way that the turkey thinks he's gonna be eaten. But after, he finds out he's not gonna be eaten but he's just invited by Mr Moose! It's a very funny book.
November 26, 2019
A very vegan Holiday. 🤣
November 4, 2011
The book A Turkey for Thanksgiving is a great nonfiction book written by Eve Bunting about Mr. and Mrs. Moose who invite all their animal friends over 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. This was an adorable book and I think it is most appropriate for ages 5 and up. I think a lot of children will like this book. It’s cute, kind of funny, and interesting. The illustrations look hand drawn and very well done. There are bright, vibrant colors which will interest young children. This is also a cultural book because it’s about thanksgiving so it will also teach children about that part of their life. The theme of this book is thanksgiving and friendship. I thought the illustrations in the book weren’t very well done but would be good for young children. The language of the book was understandable for this group of children.
April 29, 2014
In the book, A Turkey for Thanksgiving, Mr. and Mrs. Moose are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for all of their animal friends. Everything is almost ready, but Mrs. Moose really wants a turkey. Mr. Moose and all of their friends go in search of a turkey. When they bring a turkey home, he is relieved to find out that he was wanted as a guest, not as dinner. I love this book! I was very surprised that the turkey was wanted as a guest too. Throughout the entire story, I thought for sure the turkey was going to be the dinner. What a pleasant surprise ending! Kids would love this surprise turn of events. I think children would be able to empathize with the turkey and be happy that he wasn’t dinner. The author, Eve Bunting, uses great descriptive words, such as “blundered”, “stammered”, “bellowed”, and “nuzzled”. This would lead nicely into a language arts lesson on adding interesting word choices in student writing. I am looking forward to reading this book aloud to my students every year around Thanksgiving.
April 22, 2014
This is an adorable seasonal book that would be great to read around Thanksgiving. Mr. and Mrs. Moose are getting everything ready to have their woodland friends over for Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs. Moose is sad because they are always the only ones who don’t have a turkey for Thanksgiving. In hopes to making her Thanksgiving dream come true, Mr. Moose sets off in search for turkey. On his journey his other woodland friends accompany him on his search. When they finally encountered a turkey, the turkey darted in the other direction because he thought he was expected to be on the table, not at the table. With much convincing turkey decided to join the friends for Thanksgiving dinner. The story portrays a sense of humor that children will love. This would be a fun book to read to a class or your own children right before Thanksgiving. The class could do an activity on what they would do if they were Turkey and how this story relates to their Thanksgiving traditions.
December 3, 2007
Summary: Mrs. Moose is inviting everyone over for Thanksgiving, and tells Mr. Moose that she really wants a turkey, so Mr. Moose goes out on a search in order to have a turkey for dinner. On his way he finds all the other animals that are coming over for the feast and they all go on a search for a turkey together. When they find the turkey he is hiding and tells them all to go away. But Mr. Moose does not want to disappoint his wife and forces the turkey to come back to his house for dinner. When the turkey gets there he doesn’t find a tray to be cooked on, instead he finds a seat at the table with the rest of his friends.
Response: This is a great book for young grades. The illustrations are beautiful and it has a great emphasis on the importance of including everyone. I will read this book to my students every Thanksgiving holiday.
Response: This is a great book for young grades. The illustrations are beautiful and it has a great emphasis on the importance of including everyone. I will read this book to my students every Thanksgiving holiday.
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December 2, 2008K-4
This book is super fun. Two moose (husband and wife) are preparing their table for Thanksgiving dinner. They have all places ready for all the animals to join them, a rabbit, goat, sheep, etc. expect for one animal, a turkey. The wife moose is extremly sad a turkey will not be there, so her husband sets off to find one. Along the way,he picks up all the animals that are going to join them for dinner and they attempt to find the turkey they want. They finally find one, and the turkey takes off running in the other direction. Mr. Moose grabs him, and takes him back in preparation to make Thanksgiving dinner complete. When they all get back, mr.turkey is shocked to see and extra chair for him to sit in. They began their meal, and the turkey realized they weren't going to eat him, they really did want him to join them, and he thanked them for that.
This book is super fun. Two moose (husband and wife) are preparing their table for Thanksgiving dinner. They have all places ready for all the animals to join them, a rabbit, goat, sheep, etc. expect for one animal, a turkey. The wife moose is extremly sad a turkey will not be there, so her husband sets off to find one. Along the way,he picks up all the animals that are going to join them for dinner and they attempt to find the turkey they want. They finally find one, and the turkey takes off running in the other direction. Mr. Moose grabs him, and takes him back in preparation to make Thanksgiving dinner complete. When they all get back, mr.turkey is shocked to see and extra chair for him to sit in. They began their meal, and the turkey realized they weren't going to eat him, they really did want him to join them, and he thanked them for that.
March 9, 2009
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Moose have invited all of their forest friends for Thanksgiving dinner, but one thing is missing-the turkey. They find one , and he becomes part of the dinner, but in an unexpected way. The wintery holiday illustrations compliment the text and humorously capture the turkey's emotions.
Audience: K-3
Uses: Could be used as an example of personification and use of irony. Could be used for story sequencing and plot development. Late early readers for guided reading, early transitional for independent reading.
Additional Notes: These animals seem to represent middle class rural American life, yet the different animals living peacefully together symbolizes a sense a diverse, but close-knit community. It highlights the American tradition of Thanksgiving Day meal.
Audience: K-3
Uses: Could be used as an example of personification and use of irony. Could be used for story sequencing and plot development. Late early readers for guided reading, early transitional for independent reading.
Additional Notes: These animals seem to represent middle class rural American life, yet the different animals living peacefully together symbolizes a sense a diverse, but close-knit community. It highlights the American tradition of Thanksgiving Day meal.
April 30, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Moose are on a search for a turkey to complete their table at Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey is expected to be a guest for dinner NOT part of the feast. This would be a fun book to read before Thanksgiving. The class could do an activity on what they would do if they were Turkey. This begins as a sweet story but has an interesting turn and depends on the age of the reader. If the reader is a little more mature they will be able to comprehend that real live turkeys are the same things as the turkeys we eat for Thanksgiving. This a good book to teach kids the importance of the tradition and that there is a reason we kill turkeys, not to be killers but because it is meat and it is a tradition within our culture.
November 15, 2014
This adorable book is a great twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. All the animals are invited to sit down and have dinner but the turkey has never been invited. I can't imagine why?
I found the books illustrations to be bold and quite eye catching as I would expect from a Scholastic book. Watching Mr. Moose's interactions and search for a turkey with his animal friends was humorous enough but once they found him, I wanted to laugh out loud.
I won't give away the ending here but this book is well worth the purchase price and a great book for kids 5-8 to read alone or with family.
5 stars!
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own use. The views expressed here are 100% my own.
I found the books illustrations to be bold and quite eye catching as I would expect from a Scholastic book. Watching Mr. Moose's interactions and search for a turkey with his animal friends was humorous enough but once they found him, I wanted to laugh out loud.
I won't give away the ending here but this book is well worth the purchase price and a great book for kids 5-8 to read alone or with family.
5 stars!
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own use. The views expressed here are 100% my own.
November 17, 2010
Nice twist on a Thanksgiving tale. Mr. & Mrs. Moose are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for their friends--but something is missing--a turkey. Mr. Moose determines that he will find her a turkey. Joined by his friends, Mr. Rabbit, Mr. & Mrs. Goat, & Mr. Sheep, Mr. Moose locates a turkey, who is none-too-pleased at being asked to dinner (be sure to point out the signs Mr. Turkey has posted around his nest). When Mr. Turkey and all the friends show up at the house for dinner, Mr. Turkey is surprised to be offered a chair and asked to join them in eating dinner (not being dinner). Cute story that has some of the younger ones on the edges of their seats till the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2010
Thanksgiving books are so hard to find. I would really love to have a whole collection of them that we could read all through the month of November, but there are just not a ton of great ones out there. One that I do have, that is an absolute favorite is called "A Turkey for Thanksgiving", by Eve Bunting. The story is sweet without being sappy. There are some humorous twists and best of all, the illustrations are amazing! Mr. and Mrs. Moose want a turkey for Thanksgiving, so Mr. Moose sets out to find one. It doesn't take long before all his forest neighbors are helping him. The story ends with what happens when the animals find a turkey.
November 18, 2022
I have a string of Thanksgiving books that I read to my daughter and my second graders. These will be quick reviews based on the reactions of my daughter and students. I put the date the same for each book, but I really read them in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day. Under the how many times I've read it category, that will be how many Thanksgivings I've used this book.
I love the surprise of this book. So do kids. And the illustrations are amazing. When I got this one out, the kids who had heard it before actually applauded. Love it!
I love the surprise of this book. So do kids. And the illustrations are amazing. When I got this one out, the kids who had heard it before actually applauded. Love it!
April 21, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Moose's Thanksgiving feast is almost ready--but where is Mr. Turkey?
Humane-minded adults will love that this is a book about having a turkey over for dinner--rather than having a turkey on the table! While the herbivorous animals chow down on their hearty meal of vegetables, the guest of honor--Mr. Turkey--is both relived and VERY thankful they didn't have other plans in mind!
Veg*n families who are searching for Thanksgiving stories that aren't all about cramming your face with poultry will especially want to add this one to their shelves.
Humane-minded adults will love that this is a book about having a turkey over for dinner--rather than having a turkey on the table! While the herbivorous animals chow down on their hearty meal of vegetables, the guest of honor--Mr. Turkey--is both relived and VERY thankful they didn't have other plans in mind!
Veg*n families who are searching for Thanksgiving stories that aren't all about cramming your face with poultry will especially want to add this one to their shelves.
November 27, 2011
This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving book for toddler storytime...it has lovely pictures, animals, humor and a happy ending. When Mr. and Mrs. Moose are putting the finishing touches on their Thanksgiving table and she wistfully expresses a wish for Turkey for Thanksgiving, since everybody has a turkey, Mr. Moose sets out to find one for her. All the other guests join him and help him find the perfect turkey for Mrs. Moose - the kids, worried about Mr. Turkey, love the twist at the end.
November 5, 2013
I have been reading this book to my lower elementary classes this week and it's fun to see their reaction to the story at the end of the book. Mr. and Mrs. Moose are having a Thanksgiving feast for all of their animal friends, but there is one guest missing, Mr. Turkey! Everyone has a turkey for Thanksgiving, so Mr. Moose promises to get Mrs. Moose that turkey she so desires for their feast. Does she want a turkey to prepare or one to just dine with them?
November 12, 2014
Mrs. Moose really wants to have a turkey for her Thanksgiving dinner. After all, everyone else had one. Mr. Moose promised to find one for her. He passes by all the other animals who are coming to dinner on his quest to find a turkey. He finally finds the turkey and brings him quite unwillingly to the house as promised. The turkey is very pleasantly surprised that he ends up being a guest for Thanksgiving instead of the main course.
Good for preschool storytimes.
Good for preschool storytimes.
November 18, 2014
Of course I picked this book up because of the wonderful illustrations by Diane de Groat.
Also because I do not have many Thanksgiving themed books and this one, featuring animals, makes for a beautiful display item for the season.
Eve Bunting's tale about needing A Turkey For Thanksgiving works wonderfully with the beautiful illustrations and shows how ideas can be misunderstood. It is a nice tale about the power of friendship and kindness.
Also because I do not have many Thanksgiving themed books and this one, featuring animals, makes for a beautiful display item for the season.
Eve Bunting's tale about needing A Turkey For Thanksgiving works wonderfully with the beautiful illustrations and shows how ideas can be misunderstood. It is a nice tale about the power of friendship and kindness.
January 13, 2010
Another book chosen by my daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Moose are preparing for the Thanksgiving feast and Mrs. Moose is upset that she only has a paper turkey for Thanksgiving and her husband goes out with their friends to find a turkey to bring her for Thanksgiving. Poor turkey thinks that he is the main course and not a guest and is pleasantly surprised.
February 6, 2011
One of my favorite Thanksgiving stories though younger children need it explained in the end. It can be perfect for older students as they will get the ending better. I like doing this book with multiple voices as a read aloud as it lends itself well to teaching voice and character in the text.
September 27, 2011
Kids love this book! When Mr. Moose goes out looking for a turkey for Thanksgiving, you automatically think that he is going to eat it. Little do you know that he wants to have Turkey as a Thanksgiving guest. I just love the expressions on Turkey's face. A must read for Thanksgiving!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews