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Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy
Turk's parents are proud of him, the biggest, strongest, most graceful bird at Wishbone Farm. "He's a dancer," says his mother. "He's an athlete," says his father. "He's a goner," says his little brother, Runt. But no one ever listens to Runt -- even after people with seasonal plans and roasting pans begin showing up at Wishbone Farm, or even after the juiciest turkeys are chosen, one by one. "Chosen for what?" Turk asks. No one wants to hear Runt's answer. But you will laugh at what he has to do to get the family's attention. They are, after all, turkeys. And rarely has a story about them been told with such warmth and cleverness. Or with such witty pictures.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 11, 2018
This is not much to look at, but it's a great story. This is about appreciating the talents you have and respecting people who have different talents. How often being smart and knowing what's going on in the bigger picture is not as well thought of as people who do things or actions. It's so easy to see talent. We need all of it and not just one kind of person in the world.
This is very humorous. Of course my nephew loved this odd little story. He got the humor and quirky-ness of it. He gave it 5 stars. The niece didn't like the art and I think it biased her on the story and she gave it 2 stars. oh well.
Runt is a little smart guy that no one listens to in his family because his big brother is an athlete his father is proud of and a dancer his mother is proud of. Still, Run saves his life two times so he's not eaten. At the end Runt is in danger of being eaten by a single old lady looking for a small bird and Older brother saves his life. They start listening to runt after that. It's cute and funny. See how your kids feel about the story.
This is very humorous. Of course my nephew loved this odd little story. He got the humor and quirky-ness of it. He gave it 5 stars. The niece didn't like the art and I think it biased her on the story and she gave it 2 stars. oh well.
Runt is a little smart guy that no one listens to in his family because his big brother is an athlete his father is proud of and a dancer his mother is proud of. Still, Run saves his life two times so he's not eaten. At the end Runt is in danger of being eaten by a single old lady looking for a small bird and Older brother saves his life. They start listening to runt after that. It's cute and funny. See how your kids feel about the story.
November 10, 2017
This is a funny picture book that tells the story of a younger brother (turkey) helping his other brother not be eaten.
November 30, 2010
My favorite Thanksgiving read for 2010! I loved this book!!! It's about a handsome big-brother turkey named Turk and how his parents have big plans for him for Thanksgiving (he could be a dancer, or a sportsman!) but his little brother, Runt, warns them that big, plump turkeys actually meet an awful fate at Thanksgiving. But, "no one ever listens to Runt." Of course, he is right, and the ensuing drama (told, none the less, with a great deal of humor and charm) involves him trying to rescue Turk. But, there's a surprising twist at the end!
I don't think it's giving away much to say that these turkeys make it through Thanksgiving without ending up as a roasted centerpiece. The fun of the story is in how they do it. In a world where picture books about Thanksgiving often feature turkeys as dinner, I think this offering is one that vegetarians and vegans could appreciate. But, really, I just love all the different layers to this story--that a boy could be a dancer and/or an athlete, that the littlest ones in the family are often ignored even though they are often the most perceptive, and that brotherly love can triumph. I thought the text was just right and the illustrations added the right amount of humor and drama. Hooray for "Turk and Runt"!!!
I don't think it's giving away much to say that these turkeys make it through Thanksgiving without ending up as a roasted centerpiece. The fun of the story is in how they do it. In a world where picture books about Thanksgiving often feature turkeys as dinner, I think this offering is one that vegetarians and vegans could appreciate. But, really, I just love all the different layers to this story--that a boy could be a dancer and/or an athlete, that the littlest ones in the family are often ignored even though they are often the most perceptive, and that brotherly love can triumph. I thought the text was just right and the illustrations added the right amount of humor and drama. Hooray for "Turk and Runt"!!!
November 18, 2010
Turk and Runt are brothers. Their parents think people come to Wishbone Farm to find turkeys for ballets and football games. Runt knows this is crazy and endeavors to keep his family alive.
Goofy, definitely goofy. After reading this and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie I asked the kids to tell me which they liked better. All but two choose this book. That surprised me.
It's odd, unlikely, and a bit of a hoot. Turk and his parents truly believe someone will cast him in a ballet or add him to their football team. When a Madame and Coach show up, they push Turk to demonstrate his skills. Meanwhile, Runt's in the background acting like a jester. He even has a line about basting. So yeah, worth a read, even if it's a little longer than I'd like.
Plus, you get to pull out zee French accent for three lines.
3/4 stars
Goofy, definitely goofy. After reading this and I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie I asked the kids to tell me which they liked better. All but two choose this book. That surprised me.
It's odd, unlikely, and a bit of a hoot. Turk and his parents truly believe someone will cast him in a ballet or add him to their football team. When a Madame and Coach show up, they push Turk to demonstrate his skills. Meanwhile, Runt's in the background acting like a jester. He even has a line about basting. So yeah, worth a read, even if it's a little longer than I'd like.
Plus, you get to pull out zee French accent for three lines.
3/4 stars
March 22, 2017
We loved this one!
November 9, 2016
Turk is the athletic and graceful older turkey brother. Runt is the smart one, who know why people are visiting the farm to "pick out a turkey". Lots of fun.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
December 10, 2008
I have a string of Thanksgiving books that I read to my daughter and my second graders. These will be quick reviews based on the reactions of my daughter and students. I put the date the same for each book, but I really read them in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day. Under the how many times I've read it category, that will be how many Thanksgivings I've used this book.
This one was funny. Every child laughed. It can also lead to great discussions about feeling left out or ignored because you are little or younger or not as talented. Reminded me of Howay for Wodney Wat, one of my favorite books ever.
This one was funny. Every child laughed. It can also lead to great discussions about feeling left out or ignored because you are little or younger or not as talented. Reminded me of Howay for Wodney Wat, one of my favorite books ever.
December 26, 2015
My daughter (5) and I both really liked this story....it was fun!
About two young turkeys and their parents who are fairly delusional in thinking that people that come to the farm to pick turkeys are looking for anything besides a meal for their tables. But Runt the youngest son is not deluded.....he knows and time and time again comes to the rescue....but nobody ever listens to him when he warns them so he just keeps coming to the rescue...but suddenly its his turn to need rescuing. Will his crys for help be answered....
Really fun story...easy to read and the pictures are pretty fun as well.
About two young turkeys and their parents who are fairly delusional in thinking that people that come to the farm to pick turkeys are looking for anything besides a meal for their tables. But Runt the youngest son is not deluded.....he knows and time and time again comes to the rescue....but nobody ever listens to him when he warns them so he just keeps coming to the rescue...but suddenly its his turn to need rescuing. Will his crys for help be answered....
Really fun story...easy to read and the pictures are pretty fun as well.
December 5, 2010
This book is about Turk and Runt. Both of them are brother but Turk was always the famous one in his family because he was big and strong. Vise versa nobody would listen to Runt. All day long Turk would practice to be big and strong, and Runt warned him that people would eat big turkey only but nobody listen to Runt. Finally they realized what Runt was saying was true when the old lady came and try to eat Runt. At last their whole family get together and thanks for a delicious dinner together. This book is good for teaching children to repect other opinion when they say something to us.
November 21, 2011
Runt is the small one in the family, while Turk is big and strong. People keep coming to visit the farm and Turk and his parents believe it is to give Turk awesome oppurtunities. Runt knows that the people are visiting to find a delcious turkey for Thanksgiving. No one believes him until almost the end of the story where he saves the day. The is would be a wonderful book to read for Thanksgiving. It is funny book that children will appreciate.
January 15, 2011
Thanksgiving picture books are not overly abundant, so I was pleased when I ran across this in a local book store. Lisa Wheeler has turned out one of the most uproarious read-alouds you can imagine. This tale of the unappreciated, heroic nerd who repeatedly saves his parents and athletic big brother will have listeners rolling with laughter when you share it aloud!
November 21, 2010
What a great book to read to children in honor of the thankgiving holiday. This book is great for second graders. This book can be used when teaching second gaders to ue their thinking stems when they read.
November 15, 2012
Loved Turk and Runt! I used this book for a main idea lesson in my second grade class. The students loved the story because it is so captivating! I could also see this book used in a beginning middle and end lesson very well because there is a clear distinction between the different parts!
November 20, 2015
This is my favorite Thanksgiving book ever! I read this during preschool story time, and I read it to our home school group, which had all ages, even teenagers, and everyone loves it. The humor throughout is appreciated by adult audiences, too!
November 20, 2012
A cute story to read with students during Thanksgiving time. My cooperating teacher read it to her students this week, and then typed-up a readers theater script to go along with it that they will perform the day before Thanksgiving. It had great illustrations and is easy to follow!
December 22, 2017
The snowmen at the end were too funny!! Also read for Thanksgiving 2014 and we look forward to reading it again next year.
Fast forward to 2015, it is still a very funny and enjoyable book. It has become a family tradition to read it for Thanksgiving.
Fast forward to 2015, it is still a very funny and enjoyable book. It has become a family tradition to read it for Thanksgiving.
April 28, 2015
Wow, this book! I read this to my kids and was very surprised how it went. This was not only fun, but adorable as can be! And those pictures were fabulous, the colors and design. We had a lot of fun with this book, I'm glad I read it.
February 8, 2015
This is a cute read aloud for Thanksgiving suitable for K-4. It's funny and has great funny pictures. It can be read in 15 minutes. Older children can look for figures of speech and explain the meanings of the phrases. Fun story.
April 30, 2008
This was a humorous Thanksgiving tale. I love it when the turkeys win.
November 9, 2009
If you're looking for something humorous for the holiday, this is one of the funniest Thanksgiving picture books out there.
February 15, 2011
There aren't enough good Thanksgiving books out there--this one is a great one!
November 17, 2011
This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving stories. It's just funny enough to hold the students' interest. It also has a fun ending that I use to jump into a disguise-a-turkey project.
November 9, 2015
A darling children's story about a turkey family trying to survive the turkey harvest. Good opportunity to talk to siblings about listening to each other and protecting each other.
November 29, 2012
I didn't read it myself, but it was read to me every Thanksgiving since I was at least two. The story is about two turkey brothers who live at Wishbone Farm. Basically, Turk is the perfectly athletic-dancer big brother turkey. Runt is his tiny little brother, who is weak, but has some brains. Runt's problem is that his parents and brother ignore him. The story takes place during the time around Thanksgiving, when many people start coming to the farm to choose their turkeys.
Among the visitors are a ballet instructor, a football coach, and an old lady. Turk happens to specialize in ballet (thanks to his mom) and football (thanks to his dad). Turk and his parents think that the ballet instructor and football coach want to recruit Turk. Only Runt realizes that these people really want to eat Turk, and scares off the people. Of course, his family isn't too pleased with Runt after these encounters.
When the old lady drives along, Turk and Runt's parents immediately push Turk towards her hopefully. The only problem for the hopeful turkeys is that the old lady wants Runt, not Turk. She even makes it super obvious to the turkeys that she wants FOOD. To save his brother, Turk applies his football and ballet skills. The turkey family finally realizes that they should listen to Runt more. The story ends with Runt devising a way to save his family from becoming Christmas dinners by .
I'm giving this 3/5 stars because while it's a cute Thanksgiving read-aloud, the underdog-comes-out-on-top theme is beginning to get a little old on me.
Among the visitors are a ballet instructor, a football coach, and an old lady. Turk happens to specialize in ballet (thanks to his mom) and football (thanks to his dad). Turk and his parents think that the ballet instructor and football coach want to recruit Turk. Only Runt realizes that these people really want to eat Turk, and scares off the people. Of course, his family isn't too pleased with Runt after these encounters.
When the old lady drives along, Turk and Runt's parents immediately push Turk towards her hopefully. The only problem for the hopeful turkeys is that the old lady wants Runt, not Turk. She even makes it super obvious to the turkeys that she wants FOOD. To save his brother, Turk applies his football and ballet skills. The turkey family finally realizes that they should listen to Runt more. The story ends with Runt devising a way to save his family from becoming Christmas dinners by .
I'm giving this 3/5 stars because while it's a cute Thanksgiving read-aloud, the underdog-comes-out-on-top theme is beginning to get a little old on me.
November 4, 2022
One brother turkey is pretty clever and one ... well, brains aren't his specialty. But when they work together, they're quite the comical team.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
November 19, 2016
Turk's parents are proud of him, the biggest, strongest, most graceful bird at Wishbone Farm.
"He's a dancer," says his mother.
"He's an athlete," says his father.
"He's a goner," says his little brother, Runt.
But no one ever listens to Runt -- even after people with seasonal plans and roasting pans begin showing up at Wishbone Farm, or even after the juiciest turkeys are chosen, one by one.
"Chosen for what?" Turk asks.
No one wants to believe Runt until the tables are turned and he is in trouble.
"He's a dancer," says his mother.
"He's an athlete," says his father.
"He's a goner," says his little brother, Runt.
But no one ever listens to Runt -- even after people with seasonal plans and roasting pans begin showing up at Wishbone Farm, or even after the juiciest turkeys are chosen, one by one.
"Chosen for what?" Turk asks.
No one wants to believe Runt until the tables are turned and he is in trouble.
November 11, 2018
This story is a humorous and silly romp around the barnyard with a family of turkeys just before Thanksgiving. It has funny illustrations and a short, but entertaining narrative that kept our girls giggling.
It's a great story to read with children at Thanksgiving, especially if they aren't too squeamish about eating that turkey later!
It's a great story to read with children at Thanksgiving, especially if they aren't too squeamish about eating that turkey later!
November 28, 2009
Weird but in an amusing way...smart turkey realizes what folks want when they visit the farm and sets for distractions. His family won't listen to him. Illustrations are hysterical...and the ending will draw laughter from the audience. Good November readaloud.
December 2, 2012
This book is good to read for Thanksgiving. Very funny read aloud. Easy read. Good example of conversation. Life like animal characters. Good illustrations.Good to use for perdictions using pictures.
November 22, 2017
In this goofy Thanksgiving-themed story, reminiscent of the animated movie "Free Birds," a turkey listens to his younger brother at the last possible moment!
TURK & RUNT gets the message across that nobody wants to be dinner in a fun-loving way that won't turn off mainstream readers.
TURK & RUNT gets the message across that nobody wants to be dinner in a fun-loving way that won't turn off mainstream readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews