About the Book:
Title: Turkey Goes to School
Author: Wendi Silvano
Illustrator: Lee Harper
Pub. Date: August 1, 2021
Beagles and Books is excited to be share a review and giveaway for Turkey Goes to School published by Two Lions. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publisher’s Summary:
Turkey is off to school—or is he?—in this addition to the much-loved Turkey Trouble series.
School is starting soon and Turkey can’t wait. Each day, he and his barnyard friends practice their writing and math. But when the school bus rolls up, they are booted off. It turns out that animals aren’t allowed to attend school. Pig calls it “hogwash,” and Turkey agrees. All he has to do is find a way to show the students and the principal that turkeys—and their friends—do belong in school. With a gobble, gobble here; a gobble, gobble there; and a few clever costumes, he just might.
Review:
The start of a new school year brought excitement to not only Max and Millie but also all the barnyard nimals because “Farm Days” is the theme of the first week. But when the animals are told they are not allowed in school, Turkey and they hop in the truck determined to join the kids.
Once the animals arrive at school. they need to plan to get in. First, Turkey disguises himself as a backpack, next, a book, then a ball, and finally, a lunch assistant. Unfortunately, Turkey’s true identify is exposed every time.
When Rooster reminds Turkey of the “Farm Day” theme, Turkey sees the scarecrow outside the school and gets a brilliant idea dressing up as Farmer Jake and bringing in the rest of the animals as special guests to sing their own version of Farmer in the Dell. Luckily, the teacher had a change of heart allowing the animals to remain the rest of the day.
If you are ever in a foul mood, reading a book in the Turkey Trouble series will make you feel gobbledly good! A common thread is all the books is Turkey takes action when faced with a problem and will perservere when his first attempt is not successful. Turkey’s positive mindset is important to share with kids as well as his creativity and resourceful. Teamwork is also emphasized because the animals work together to reach a common goal.
Silvano’s text is chocked full of puns which makes it a fun read for both kids AND adults. Here are some of my favorites.
- “Tote-ally foolish” ” when Turkey is disguised as a backpack
- “We’ll create a little distraction out here while you book it inside” when Turkey is dressed as a book (My favorite, of course!)
- “I call a fowl!“ when Turkey pretends to be a soccer ball.
Harper’s playful and expressive illustrations are full of detail especially in the classroom. How fun is it to see tennis balls on the chair legs, a projector on a chart, the teacher reading Turkey Trouble for read aloud, and shelves full of bins of books!
Turkey Goes to School is on my list to share with students during the first week of school as well as the rest of the Turkey Trouble series throughout the year!
Praise for Turkey Goes to School!
- “A cute twist on both the farm and school themes.” ―Kirkus Reviews
About the Author:
Wendi Silvano was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has lived in Oregon, Colorado, and Peru. The author of the Turkey Trouble series, she has a BA in early childhood education and taught preschool and elementary school for eleven years. She is the mother of five children and the owner of an assortment of odd pets that are not nearly as clever as Turkey. She now writes from her home in Colorado, where she enjoys hiking, reading, and playing the piano. Visit her online at wendisilvano.com.
About the Illustrator:
Lee Harper is the author-illustrator of the books Coyote, The Emperor’s Cool Clothes, and Snow! Snow! Snow! Lee is also the illustrator of the Turkey Trouble series, by Wendi Silvano, as well as the Woolbur series, written by Leslie Helakoski. Lee has four children, a German shepherd, a Great Pyrenees, two barn cats, eleven chickens…but no turkeys. Yet. He lives with his wife in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Visit him online at leeharperart.com.
A Fantastic 5 Book Giveaway!
To celebrate this latest installment in the Turkey Trouble series, Two Lions is offering a set of all 5 books in the series: Turkey Trouble, Turkey Claus, Turkey Trick or Treat, Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter, and Turkey Goes to School to one lucky winner (U.S. addresses).
This giveaway is open Friday, August 6, 2021 to Monday, August 9, 2021 ending at 10:00 p.m. EST. Please note that book may take longer to ship so patience is appreciated. Enter below or head over to my Twitter account, @lauramossa and retweet my Turkey Goes to School post.
Beagles & Books 