Book Review: A Cozy Read for Thanksgiving – Run, Turkey, Run!
As the leaves turn golden and the holiday season approaches, I often find myself on the hunt for special books to share with my little ones during those magical moments before bedtime. This year, I stumbled upon Run, Turkey, Run! by Dav Pilkey, and let me tell you, it immediately became a family favorite! My kids, aged 3 and 5, can sometimes be a whirlwind of energy—so finding a book that holds their rapt attention is a small miracle.
In this delightful picture book, we follow a clever Turkey who’s on a mad dash to avoid becoming the star of the Thanksgiving feast. With only a day until the holiday, he hops from hiding spot to hiding spot—first with the pigs, then the ducks, and finally the horses—trying desperately to escape the farmer’s watchful eye. The suspense is palpable (in a fun way, of course!), leading to giggles as my kids eagerly joined in on every “Run, Turkey, run!” with their own silly twists and sound effects.
The illustrations are bursting with charm—bright colors, expressive characters, and cheeky details that spark conversation each time we open the book. My 5-year-old was particularly taken with the illustrations of the animals; one moment he’d be laughing at Turkey sneaking around a fence, and the next, he was asking questions about what the pigs might be doing in their pen, or what the ducks were quacking about. It’s amazing how a simple story can stimulate so much imagination and dialogue!
One of our favorite lines is when Turkey thinks he’s safe but then runs into the humorous chaos of the farm life. My youngest couldn’t help but burst out laughing every time Turkey caught sight of the farmer—his giggles were infectious and ended up turning our reading session into a little comedy show.
What I love most about Run, Turkey, Run! is how it weaves humor with a light-hearted narrative, making it perfect for those cozy November evenings. It also opens up great avenues for discussions about Thanksgiving and the spirit of giving thanks, without delving too deeply into concepts that might be difficult for young kids to grasp. We always make it a point to talk about what we’re thankful for—our simple family tradition during this time of the year.
I would absolutely recommend this book for children aged 3 to 6, particularly as a delightful read-aloud for stories before bedtime or cozy afternoons. It’s perfect for any little one with a love for animals, humor, and interactive storytelling. Run, Turkey, Run! has quickly woven itself into our holiday traditions, providing not just laughs, but a reminder to cherish the silly moments amid the hustle and bustle of family life.
And if you find yourself caught in a post-dinner, couch-cuddling moment with your little ones this Thanksgiving? Grab this book and enjoy the giggles together—I promise, you won’t regret it!
