I’m a Turkey

Review By JESSICA ALMY

This lighthearted picture book gives kids a realistic view of what the lives of wild turkeys are like. If you’ve ever been to a farm or farm sanctuary, you might be surprised to learn that wild turkeys — who have not been fattened up to be someone’s dinner — can fly at 50 miles per hour over treetops.

This book reminds us that turkeys have families (“I’ve got a turkey dad/ And a turkey mom./ I’ve got a turkey brother/ And sister, too.”); that they communicate, using a variety of sounds instead of words; and that they have emotions, including fear of those who find them “tasty.”

This would make a great read around Thanksgiving, but it’s really perfect anytime. Kids who enjoy the book will delight that Jim Arnosky performs a spoken word version of the text on the Scholastic website.

Ages 2-5.