Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy - Softcover

Wheeler, Lisa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1416907149 ISBN 13: 9781416907145

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005

Synopsis

Turk's parents are proud of him, the biggest, strongest, most graceful bird at Wishbone Farm. "He's a dancer," says his mother. "He's an athlete," says his father. "He's a goner," says his little brother, Runt.
But no one ever listens to Runt -- even after people with seasonal plans and roasting pans begin showing up at Wishbone Farm, or even after the juiciest turkeys are chosen, one by one. "Chosen for what?" Turk asks. No one wants to hear Runt's answer. But you will laugh at what he has to do to get his family's attention. They are, after all, turkeys.

About this title

About the Author:

Lisa Wheeler has written many books for children, including The Pet Project, illustrated by Zachariah OHora; Spinster Goose, illustrated by Sophie Blackall; and People Don’t Bite People and People Share with People, both illustrated by Molly Idle. She lives with her family in Addison, Michigan. Visit her online at LisaWheelerBooks.com.

Frank Ansley has illustrated four other books by Lisa Wheeler: Turk and Runt (starred in Booklist), Wool Gathering (starred in Publishers Weekly), and the first two books in the Fitch & Chip series, New Pig in Town and When Pigs Fly. Mr. Ansley and his wife, Pat, live in St. Helena, California.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-Turk is "the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm." His younger brother, "Runt," has figured out why people come to the farm in November, but no one wants to listen. Their mother thinks that a young turkey will be singled out to be "the lead dancer in Swan Lake," and their father believes the chosen one will "play in the Thanksgiving Day football game." Runt remains the voice of reason throughout, humorously hinting at the truth, while being disregarded by the others. Much to his parents' dismay, Runt is able to drive away customers who are interested in his tasty-looking big brother. One November day, a little old lady comes along who decides Runt is just the right size for her holiday table. As usual, nobody pays attention to his cries for help, until his burly brother finally catches on. Safe for the Thanksgiving holiday, the birds finally acknowledge Runt's intelligence, and work together come Christmastime. Ansley's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons are a riot and elevate the simple plot to high drama. A silly, but thoroughly enjoyable holiday selection.
Melinda Piehler, North Tonawanda Public Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1416907149
• ISBN 13: 9781416907145
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Ansley Frank