Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy

From Publishers Weekly Wheeler and Ansley return to the comical family dynamics they related so successfully in Wool Gathering for this turkey tale set on Wishbone Farm. While Turk's parents cluck with pride over him, little brother Runt sees Turk's assets as liabilities (" `He's a dancer,' said his mother. `He's an athlete,' said his father. `He's a goner,' said... Runt. But no one ever listened to Runt"). The younger fowl continues his sarcastic asides as he scares off a football coach and a ballet instructor who admires Turk's legs ("Look at zee size of zose drumsticks!"), until finally his family sees the light. This funny tale may well make readers consider the fowl's side of the holiday; they may even spare the turkey. Ages 4-7.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2-Turk is "the biggest, strongest, and most graceful bird on Wishbone Farm." His younger brother, "Runt," has figured out why people come to the farm in November, but no one wants to listen. Their mother thinks that a young turkey will be singled out to be "the lead dancer in Swan Lake," and their father believes the chosen one will "play in the Thanksgiving Day football game." Runt remains the voice of reason throughout, humorously hinting at the truth, while being disregarded by the others. Much to his parents' dismay, Runt is able to drive away customers who are interested in his tasty-looking big brother. One November day, a little old lady comes along who decides Runt is just the right size for her holiday table. As usual, nobody pays attention to his cries for help, until his burly brother finally catches on. Safe for the Thanksgiving holiday, the birds finally acknowledge Runt's intelligence, and work together come Christmastime. Ansley's pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons are a riot and elevate the simple plot to high drama. A silly, but thoroughly enjoyable holiday selection.