The Picture Book Perspective: A Plump and Perky Turkey

 


Hello, book lovers!

This week, let’s waddle into the delightful and humorous world of A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a turkey decided he was too fabulous for a Thanksgiving feast, this book is your answer. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of clever thinking and a touch of turkey-tastic charm!

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

The Plump and Perky Turkey brings a refreshing twist to traditional Thanksgiving tales. While many Thanksgiving books focus on the feast itself or the history of the holiday, Bateman’s story flips the script, showcasing a turkey who’s keen on escaping the dinner table. Published in 2012, the book adds a playful and modern twist to holiday storytelling, engaging readers with its humor and creativity. The story taps into the idea of cleverness and self-preservation, something that’s been a part of folklore and tales throughout history, but with a feathered, festive flair.

Social-Emotional Content

At its heart, A Plump and Perky Turkey is about resourcefulness and self-preservation, with a humorous touch. The turkey in question is not just plump but downright perky, using his wits to avoid becoming the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. This book teaches kids that thinking on their feet and using creativity can help solve problems—whether that’s avoiding a sticky situation or navigating everyday challenges. It’s a fun reminder that sometimes, a bit of cleverness and humor can go a long way.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Problem-Solving Skills: Discuss the turkey’s clever plans with your kids. How did he use his wits to avoid the dinner table? Encourage children to come up with their own creative solutions to everyday problems.

  2. Thanksgiving Discussions: Use the book to start a conversation about Thanksgiving traditions. What are the different ways people celebrate? How does this story differ from what they know about Thanksgiving?

  3. Creative Writing: Invite children to write or draw their own stories about a character who uses clever tricks to avoid a tricky situation. It could be about anything from a mouse escaping a cat to a superhero dodging a villain.

  4. Interactive Storytime: Have fun with interactive storytelling. You can act out the turkey’s escape plan with kids, incorporating props or costumes to make it even more engaging. Maybe even let the kids come up with their own escape plans for the turkey!

  5. Art and Craft Projects: Extend the book's fun with arts and crafts. Create turkey masks or hats, or design a “plump and perky” turkey with colorful feathers and accessories. Kids can use their creations to reenact their favorite parts of the book.

Humorous Takeaway

In a world where turkeys have become all too familiar as Thanksgiving dinner, A Plump and Perky Turkey flips the bird, so to speak. It’s a delightful reminder that even the plumpest and perkiest among us can use a bit of cleverness to avoid becoming the center of attention—whether it’s a feast or just a tricky situation. So, the next time you find yourself in a sticky spot, channel your inner turkey and think outside the (cranberry) box!

Until next time, keep your feathers unruffled and your minds sharp, and remember:

Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way.

Happy reading and gobbling!

Adam

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) click here

Do you have a picture book for Adam to review? Email us your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Adam Williams is a dedicated elementary school teacher with a passion for literacy and children's literature. Married to Leigha, Adam is a proud father to a son named Tate and a daughter named Emery. He is known for his engaging read-aloud videos on his YouTube channel, "Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way," where he brings picture books to life for his audience. The Picture Book Perspective is published every Sunday. In his blog, he explores the historical and cultural contexts of picture books, delves into their social-emotional content, and offers insights for parents and teachers on how to use these books effectively with children. 

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