A Heartfelt Review of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the scent of pumpkin spice and roasting turkey, I find myself craving cozy moments with my little ones. It’s that beautiful time of year when everything feels more festive, and I think back to those evenings when bedtime stories were our sanctuary. Recently, during one of our nightly reading rituals, we picked up There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! by Lucille Colandro, and it was just the delightful escape we needed.
This charming book is a fun twist on the classic “Old Lady” series that I adored as a child. The old lady in question decides to swallow a turkey (because, why not?), but her appetites get wilder as she gobbles up a ball, a hat, a balloon, a boat, some wheels, and even a horn of plenty! Each turn of the page brought giggles from my children as the old lady’s antics grew more and more outrageous. The playful rhythm and rhyme made it a joy to read aloud—the kind of book that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable adventure.
Illustrated by Jared Lee, the pictures are vibrant and whimsical, capturing the chaos of this quirky tale perfectly. My preschooler was drawn to the colorful images—pointing at the turkey and shouting, “Look, Mommy! She’s so silly!” Meanwhile, my toddler clapped and laughed at the absurdity of the old lady attempting to swallow a boat. The combination of humor and rhythm held their attention throughout, prompting them to chime in with the repeating lines and the inevitable “Why?” questions. We ended up having a lovely discussion about what they would never want to swallow (thank goodness!), creating bonding moments that warmed my heart.
One of my absolute favorite pages was when she swallowed the horn of plenty—the kids went wild trying to name all the fruits and veggies spilling out. Their excitement told me that this was more than just a story; it was an experience. Watching them engage with the book transformed our reading time into an interactive lesson in gratitude and plenty—perfect themes for Thanksgiving.
I would wholeheartedly recommend There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! for families with kids aged 3-7. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates a good laugh, loves stories filled with silliness, or is looking to create cherished Thanksgiving memories. Whether you have a little one who needs a giggle or a family favorite that will make you all chuckle every year, this book surely finds a cherished spot on our shelf.
In a world filled with stress, the joy of sharing this humorous narrative reminded me to embrace the quirks—and sometimes chaos—of family life. It’s moments like these that make parenting so wonderfully unpredictable and rewarding. So grab a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and get ready for a delightful read that will have your kids laughing and joyfully guessing what the old lady will swallow next!
