The Picture Book Perspective: A Turkey for Thanksgiving

 


Hello, book-loving friends!

Today, we're taking a clucking good look at A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting. This delightful tale of holiday chaos and feathered friends is as entertaining as it is endearing. Buckle up (or rather, buckle in your bibs) because we’re about to dive into a story that’s all about a turkey, a Thanksgiving feast, and a twist that’ll leave you chuckling.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Published in 1983, A Turkey for Thanksgiving reflects the era’s growing emphasis on inclusivity and animal welfare in children’s literature. Set against the backdrop of Thanksgiving, this book explores the themes of friendship, community, and the spirit of giving, all while offering a humorous take on the traditional holiday dinner. The story’s gentle humor and warm illustrations by Diane de Groat complement Eve Bunting’s narrative, creating a perfect blend of charm and wit.

Thanksgiving has long been a time for family gatherings and festive meals. This book plays with the holiday’s conventions, turning the usual turkey dinner on its head. Rather than focusing solely on the meal, it highlights the importance of kindness and friendship. It’s a timely reminder that the holiday is more about the people we share it with than the food on our plates.

Social-Emotional Content

In A Turkey for Thanksgiving, Mr. and Mrs. Turkey find themselves in a humorous predicament when they are invited to the Plum family's Thanksgiving dinner—only to discover that the dinner is meant to be turkey-free. Through the course of the story, readers see the turkeys’ anxiety, the Plum family’s heartfelt gestures, and the eventual resolution that underscores the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

The book provides a fun yet poignant lesson about being considerate of others’ feelings and the importance of making everyone feel included. It’s a great conversation starter for discussing how we can be thoughtful and empathetic towards others, especially during the holiday season.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Discuss Holiday Traditions: Use this book to spark discussions about Thanksgiving and other holidays. What are some traditions in your family? How do they differ from the Plums’ Thanksgiving?

  2. Empathy and Inclusion: Talk about how Mr. and Mrs. Turkey might have felt when they thought they weren’t going to be part of the dinner. How can we make sure everyone feels included in our own celebrations?

  3. Creative Writing: Encourage kids to write their own funny or imaginative holiday stories. What if their favorite animal was invited to their family’s Thanksgiving dinner? What kind of adventure might they have?

  4. Art and Crafts: Have children create their own turkey art or crafts to accompany the story. They could design their own Thanksgiving invitations or create a "thankful tree" where they add leaves with things they are grateful for.

  5. Role Play: Act out the story with your kids. Let them take on the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Turkey or the Plum family. This can be a fun way to explore the story’s themes and practice empathy.

Humorous Takeaway

If you’re wondering whether Mr. and Mrs. Turkey made it to the Plum family’s Thanksgiving feast, I’ll leave that as a fun surprise. But let’s just say, the Plums’ dinner was as memorable as it was delicious—without a single turkey being served. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is by embracing the quirks and unexpected twists that come our way. So, as you prepare for your own holiday meals, remember: a little humor and a lot of heart can turn even the most “fowl” situations into festive fun.

Until next time, keep your feathers fluffed and your hearts full, and remember:

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

Happy reading and happy feasting!

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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