Thanksgiving Turkey - Hardcover

Ronald Himler has illustrated many books for children, including "A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark" by David Adler, and "The Blizzard" by Betty Ren Wright. "School Library Journal" called his art "evocative" and pinpoints a "nostalgic appeal" that Himler "capture[s] so perfectly in...pictures." He lives in Arizona.

K-Gr 6-In this picture book, a 13-year-old and his mother move to his grandfather's farm in rural Virginia. Reluctant at first, the boy adapts to country life, finding there is much to learn from his granddad. Determined to track and shoot an old tom turkey that had been a worthy adversary for years, the grandfather takes the boy hunting. The seasons pass and they are never able to spot the bird, just hear him. One fateful day at Thanksgiving time, they corner the old turkey with his long beard, only to discover the joy in letting him fly free. After all, he had been in the woods as long as the old man and deserved their respect. Soft, watercolor illustrations and a story gently and respectfully told in the first person evoke memories of a time past (when a hard-earned dollar and eighty cents bought a fat turkey). It is a tale well told, reminiscent of sitting and listening to the old folks swap stories at a family gathering.

Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA

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