Book Review: How to Catch a Turkey
A Wild, Wacky, and Wholesome Adventure: Review of How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace
🎯 Introduction: A Thanksgiving Tale Like No Other
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and—apparently—turkey-chasing chaos! If you’re looking for a hilarious, heartwarming, and action-packed children’s book to add to your holiday reading list, How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace is a must-read.
Part of the beloved How to Catch… series, this book delivers the same zany energy, clever traps, and laugh-out-loud moments that fans adore. But does it stand out in the crowded field of holiday-themed children’s books? Let’s dive in and find out!
📖 Plot Summary: The Great Turkey Escape
The story kicks off when a turkey, the star of the school’s Thanksgiving play, gets stage fright and bolts! What follows is a madcap chase as the kids (and readers) try to outsmart the clever bird with increasingly elaborate traps.
From giant pumpkin catapults to hidden nets in the library, the students pull out all the stops. But this turkey isn’t just any bird—it’s fast, it’s sneaky, and it’s determined not to become Thanksgiving dinner!
Wallace keeps the pacing tight, ensuring that each page turn brings a new surprise. The ending is satisfying without being predictable, making it a joy for both kids and adults to read aloud.
🦃 Character Analysis: Who’s Who in the Turkey Chase
The Turkey – A Feathered Fugitive
The turkey isn’t just a mindless runner—it’s a clever, almost mischievous character with personality. Its expressions (brilliantly illustrated by Andy Elkerton) range from panic to smug triumph, making it an endearing protagonist in its own right.
The Kids – Determined Trap Masters
The children in the story are resourceful and creative, embodying the spirit of teamwork. Their traps escalate in absurdity, making them fun stand-ins for the reader’s imagination.
The Teacher – The Calm in the Storm
A minor but amusing presence, the teacher watches the chaos unfold with a mix of exasperation and amusement, adding a layer of humor for adult readers.
✍️ Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Fast, Funny, and Engaging
Adam Wallace’s writing is rhythmic, rhyming, and packed with energy, making it perfect for read-aloud sessions. The short, punchy sentences keep young readers engaged, while the playful language encourages participation.
Andy Elkerton’s illustrations are vibrant, dynamic, and full of hidden details—kids will love spotting the turkey’s hiding spots and the kids’ ever-more-elaborate contraptions.
The book also uses repetition and callbacks, reinforcing key phrases that kids will eagerly anticipate.
🎭 Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Chase
Beneath the laughs, How to Catch a Turkey subtly explores:
- Teamwork & Creativity – The kids work together, brainstorming wild ideas to solve their problem.
- Overcoming Fear – The turkey’s initial panic mirrors real-life stage fright, making it relatable.
- Perseverance – Even when plans fail, the kids don’t give up.
It’s a great conversation starter for discussing problem-solving and resilience with young readers.
❤️ Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Sticks
As someone who’s read many children’s books (both as a parent and a reviewer), this one stands out for its pure, unfiltered fun. My kids giggled at every failed trap, and we all loved the turkey’s antics.
The rhyming text made it easy to read dramatically, and the bright, busy illustrations kept even my wiggliest listener engaged. It’s a book we’ve revisited multiple times—especially around Thanksgiving!
📚 Comparison to Other Books in the Genre
The How to Catch… series (including How to Catch an Elf and How to Catch a Leprechaun) follows a similar formula, but How to Catch a Turkey stands out for its holiday-specific charm.
Compared to other Thanksgiving books like Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, this one leans more into action and humor rather than a moral lesson. If your child loves silly, fast-paced stories, this is the winner.
✅ Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
👍 Strengths:
✔ Hilarious & Engaging – Kids will love the escalating chaos.
✔ Great Read-Aloud Flow – The rhymes and rhythm are spot-on.
✔ Stunning Illustrations – Elkerton’s art is colorful and full of personality.
✔ Encourages Creativity – Inspires kids to brainstorm their own traps.
👎 Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Predictable for Adults – If you’ve read others in the series, the structure feels familiar.
❌ Not Heavy on Plot – It’s more about the chase than deep storytelling.
Still, these are minor quibbles—the book does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver laughs and holiday fun.
🎯 Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?
- Ages 4-8 – Perfect for early readers and read-aloud sessions.
- Fans of the How to Catch… series – If they loved the others, they’ll adore this one.
- Teachers & Librarians – Great for Thanksgiving-themed storytime.
- Parents who love interactive books – Encourages kids to predict and participate.
📜 Memorable Quotes & Passages
“The turkey was quick, the turkey was sly,
It zigged and it zagged and it looked like goodbye!”
“We set up a trap with a net and a slide,
But that turkey just laughed and went for a ride!”
These lines capture the book’s playful energy and rhyming charm.
🌍 Cultural & Historical Context
While primarily a fun, fictional romp, the book lightly nods to Thanksgiving traditions (school plays, feasts) without delving into historical themes. It’s a safe, secular choice for classrooms and families.
🔍 Final Verdict: Should You Read It?
Absolutely! How to Catch a Turkey is a hilarious, high-energy addition to holiday bookshelves. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Adam Wallace’s work, this book delivers laughter, creativity, and festive fun.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
💬 Discussion Questions for Readers
- What was your favorite trap in the book?
- How would YOU catch a turkey?
- Do you think the turkey was really scared, or just playing along?
Have you read How to Catch a Turkey? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🦃📖
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