Thelonius Turkey Lives!

This book really relates to the little people interested in the subject of Thanksgiving. It's PERFECT for a fall read-aloud to children or by children. The art work looks like some very creative little hands helped to design the book. Words are all over the pages in many different sizes to add interest and appeal to young audiences. Thelonius the turkey's countdown to Thanksgiving and all his antics will entertain and delight your children year after year.

We gave the book to a niece and everyone thought it was a beautifully done, creative spin on Turkey day. The kids loved the real pictures combined with the drawings. Very clever.

Like TAPPLETONS THANKSGIVING, this one should be a read-aloud every year before the meal begins. The artwork is an appropriately goofy mix of realia, typography, paints with lively movement on the page, but best of all there are TWO recipes at the end of the book--Sweet Potato Casserole and Thelonius' Feather Cookies (plus lots of inspiration for feather-based art, not to mention making hats with Thelonius Feathers. Keep this one in your turkey roasting pan so you remember to read it every year! Teachers will love it as an alternative to pilgrims and parades. Best of all, kids will like knowing that they are NOT munching on Thelonius.

Just when you thought you saw it all, here comes marching in Thelonius Turkey Lives!(On Felicia Ferguson's Farm) written and illustrated by Lynn Rowe Reed. It is an adorable book and the surprise comes not in the eating of the Turkey but into something else. No, I won't divulge its secret, however, it is resolved in a satisfying conclusion. Without giving too much away, the story revolves around Thelonius the turkey, who believes one week prior to Thanksgiving that he is going to die. The countdown begins and Thelonius becomes jittery and nervous before discovering that he is a famous hat designer, triggering in him hardy laughter. The tale, with its zany characters flying off the pages, is effective in building tension, while adding in a good dose of fun and humor. And if you are a vegetarian, the plot even seems plausible, provided you are petrified of the Avian Flue. Reed is super in her rendering of simplicity in her bright and energetic illustrations, which at times, may be silly, are nonetheless good for a chuckle. This title is a great addition to Thanksgiving literature and it will surely linger on in the minds of young listeners and readers. One last comment-you even have vegetarian recipes added at the end of the book. Highly recommended for the little and BIG people. Believe Thelonius! Lily Azerad-Goldman, Artist & Bookreviewer for Bookpleasures.