Cover image of How to Catch a Turkey
How to Catch a Turkey
Adam Wallace
Quick Take
A New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale!A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with this hilariously zany children's picture book that combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations!Thanksgiving time is here again, but there's a turkey on the run!Can you catch this tricky birdbefore the school play has begun?Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a UnicornHow to Catch the Easter BunnyHow to Catch an ElfHow to Catch a MonsterHow to Catch a Leprechaunand more!
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: How to Catch a Turkey

Introduction

"How to Catch a Turkey" is a delightful children's picture book by Adam Wallace, part of the popular "How to Catch" series. This book follows a turkey's adventure in a school leading up to a Thanksgiving play. With its hilarious story, engaging illustrations, and STEAM concepts integrated throughout, it promises to be a fun and educational read for young readers.

About Adam Wallace

Adam Wallace, the author of "How to Catch a Turkey," is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling author known for his "How to Catch" series. With a passion for bringing excitement and humor to children through his books and videos, Wallace spends his non-writing time attending live music shows and playing golf. He also teaches himself piano and is constantly exploring new creative endeavors.

Analysis of Views

  1. Unique twist: Readers appreciate the book's unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving story, as the turkey is not being chased for the purpose of being eaten, but rather for a school play. This adds a fresh perspective to the holiday narrative.
  2. Engaging rhyme scheme: The book's rhyming scheme is praised for its entertaining and fast-paced nature, making it an enjoyable read-aloud for young children. The rhymes are deemed cute and well-executed in most cases.
  3. Educational elements: Readers appreciate the incorporation of STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) throughout the story. This adds an extra layer of learning and makes the book more appealing to parents and educators.
  4. Age-appropriate content: While some readers find the book suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school students, others believe it is more suited for children in the 4-10 age range or those attending a school setting. The inclusion of school settings and cafeterias may require additional context for younger readers.
  5. Humorous illustrations: The illustrations in "How to Catch a Turkey" are praised for their humor and ability to capture the whimsical nature of the story. They add to the overall entertainment value of the book.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Unique take on Thanksgiving: The book's unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving story makes it a refreshing addition to holiday reading lists. It offers a new perspective on the holiday and provides an alternative to traditional narratives.
  2. Engaging rhyme scheme: The book's rhyming scheme is praised for its entertainment value, making it a fun read-aloud for children. The rhymes are deemed cute and well-executed, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.
  3. Educational value: The incorporation of STEAM concepts in the story makes it an educational and appealing read for parents and educators looking for books that combine learning with entertainment.
  4. Age-appropriate content: While some readers find the book suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school students, others believe it is more suited for children in the 4-10 age range or those attending a school setting. The inclusion of school settings and cafeterias may require additional context for younger readers. However, many readers agree that the book is worth reading regardless of age.
  5. Humorous illustrations: The illustrations in "How to Catch a Turkey" are praised for their humor and ability to capture the whimsical nature of the story. They add to the overall entertainment value of the book and make it visually appealing to young readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Limited readability for classroom setting: Some readers find that the small size of the book hinders its ability to be read aloud to a classroom setting, especially with younger children who may struggle with comprehension due to the book's size.
  2. Contrived plot: A few readers express disappointment with the book's plot, finding it contrived or unrealistic. They feel that it relies too heavily on coincidences and lacks depth in character development.
  3. Historical inaccuracies: A few readers express concern about the inclusion of pilgrims in the story, as it perpetuates stereotypes and perpetuates historical inaccuracies related to Native American representation. However, many readers are not overly bothered by this aspect of the book.

Conclusion

"How to Catch a Turkey" by Adam Wallace is a delightful children's picture book that combines humor, STEAM concepts, and traps in a festive turkey tale. With its unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving story and engaging rhyme scheme, it offers a fresh perspective on the holiday while providing educational value through its incorporation of STEAM concepts. While some readers find it more suitable for elementary school students or those familiar with school settings, others appreciate its age-appropriate content and overall entertainment value. The humorous illustrations add to the book's appeal and make it visually appealing to young readers. Overall, "How to Catch a Turkey" is a recommended read for those looking for a fun and educational holiday book for children aged 4-10 years old or preschool through 6th grade.