by Moe Zilla

Created on: March 01, 2010

"A Turkey for Thanksgiving" is full of all the symbols of the holiday. Mrs. Moose has prepared a paper turkey decoration, along with two paper pilgrims for each end of the table. But Eve Bunting recognizes another important Thanksgiving tradition: coming together with friends and loved ones. The book opens with Mr. and Mrs. Moose carefully setting their table for the arrival of their Thanksgiving visitors

They've invited Sheep, Rabbit, and Porcupine, along with Mr. and Mrs. Goat. (Mr. Moose seems very kind, since he's helping out his wife, and picking special chairs for each of his friends.) But the story really begins when Mrs. Moose announces that she really wants a turkey. Kind Mr. Moose puts on his cap, and heads out in the woods to find one!

Diane DeGroat drew some wonderful illustrations, with warm autumn colors on the forest's ground in nearly every picture. And Bunting helps to set the November-y scene, noting that Moose's breath hung white in front of him. There's even some icicles on the roof of the shack where Mr. Goat lives. And soon goats and the rabbit have joined moose for a wintry trek down to the turkey's nest by the riverbank.

Talking animals appear often in children's books, but in this story they have a special meaning. It's really a book about friendship, and they represent one of the holiday's special joys. As the turkey-hunting party passes by, the porcupine shouts "Pick me up on your way back."

"Who'd want to pick you up," the sheep teases gently...

There's more humor in the book as they arrive at the turkey's nest. "No turkey here!" says a sign. (And "Come back after Thanksgiving" adds another one...) Mr. Moose shouts out that the turkey shouldn't run, because they just want him for Thanksgiving dinner. And Eve Bunting supplies the perfect description of its reaction.

"Turkey ran faster."

Mr. Goat is holding a fork, and Mr. Moose puts a boot on turkey's head. "My wife won't mint that you're too fast," the moose says with a smile, adding that it's getting close to dinner time. Mr. Moose acknowledges that the turkey doesn't want to come, but insists that he's already made a promise to his wife. The turkey's scared expression is very funny. And Mrs. Moose ultimately surprises him - by bringing out a chair for him to sit on.

The turkey is delighted, and wishes everybody a happy Thanksgiving.

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