The Know-Nothings Talk Turkey

by Michele Sobel Spirn, R.W. Alley (Illustrator)

The Know-Nothings have read that the way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to serve a turkey dinner. But how can they serve the turkey his dinner when he won't even sit down? The foolish foursome's misunderstanding of Thanksgiving traditions makes for uproarious fun. And through it all, Boris, Morris, Norris, and Doris never forget what they are most thankful good friends.

Genres: Thanksgiving, Picture Books, Kids, Humor, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Michele Sobel Spirn has written and published over 40 books for children. She began her writing career at age 16 when she won a state essay contest. Her prize included a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the President. Throughout her career, she has had writing jobs in public relations as well as freelance work in educational publishing, mass market and trade publishing. She became interested in writing for children when she and her husband had a son. Influenced by the work of children’s book authors Arnold Lobel and James Marshall, among others, she wrote The Know-Nothings, an “I Can Read” book about four foolish friends. The Know-Nothings series now includes four books about the silly four--Morris, Boris, Doris and Norris--and their dog, Floris. Her love of mysteries has led her to create three middle-grade mysteries about the Bridges family, The Bridges in London, The Bridges in Paris, and The Bridges in Edinburgh. Michele also enjoys writing biographies (Against the Odds: Jackie Joyner-Kersee), young adult novels (Racing Against the Light, Wait Till The Midnight Hour) and nonfiction (Cold-Blooded Creatures, Birth Celebrations, New Year Celebrations). Her latest book is an “I Can Read” book, I Am The Turkey. Michele teaches creative writing at New York University and the New School University. She has a B.A. degree from Syracuse University and an MFA degree in creative writing from the New School University.

Reviews

[Kathryn]

This is a fun picture book somewhat along the lines of Amelia Bedelia in that the Know-Nothings misinterpret or misunderstand various aspects of daily life, often to humorous results, and kids will probably enjoy being "in the know" about things the Know-Nothings know not ;-) This time, the Know-Nothings go about celebrating Thanksgiving. I was pleasantly surprise to find that this would work well for a veg*n Thanksgiving book as there is a fun misunderstanding about the turkey that vegans/vegetarians will probably appreciate: the Know-Nothings think that they need to "serve a turkey for Thanksgiving" and proceed to get a turkey (from a farm, some will not like that aspect, though) and bring it to dinner... and "serve" *the turkey* food (veggies) for dinner. So cute!

[Mariah Roze]

This would have been a great book if they didn't all have rhyming names. That confused my students.

[Arminzerella]

The Know-Nothings are a bit confused about their holidays, but thankfully, Doris has read up on Thanksgiving and its traditions. She convinces her friends Boris, Morris, and Norris to help her find a turkey, arrange a parade, and prepare a proper Thanksgiving dinner. Their turkey, when they find it, is not terribly cooperative (one might call it wild!), and the Know-Nothings are happy when they can sit down and enjoy their dinner (after the turkey has been served). A funny first-reader that should amuse beginning readers who are sure to know more about this holiday than the Know-Nothings do.

[Peacegal]

Young readers who giggle at Amelia Bedelia's antics are the target audience for the gentle, silly humor of this mixed-up family. Needless to say, I was pleased that the family decided to feed a turkey dinner rather than eat one for dinner--even when the bird wasn't on his best behavior.

[Michele Chapman]

Very silly, with an Amelia Bedelia feel of literal interpretations of turns of phrase.

[Danette]

9/20/18 Read with Julia & Simon

[Luisa Knight]

A pretty silly group of people get mixed up about Thanksgiving in good ol' Amelia Bedelia style.

Reading Level: 1st - 3rd

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Edward Creter]

A Thanksgiving treat for kids! The Know-Nothings are a family with names that rhyme with "chorus"...and some chorus! They seem so uneducated and, dare I say, naive in most things, even about the Thanksgiving holidays! They wonder why they should eat Turkey when the "country" so named is so big! Eventually they figure out through (much) trial and error that yes, it is a holiday involving the enjoyable consumption of rich food and thanks for being alive, and, YEEEEES, Virginia, last time: there is NO Santa Claus...only someone nicer than some fat boy in a dumb red suit judging kids as "naughty" and "nice" when the fact is: ALL ARE WELCOME TO GOD'S TABLE! Hope you like this bokk, and the holidays as well!

[Jessie Weber]

This was a fun book. I read this to my field experience class and they thought it was really funny. I loved that the kids got into it.

My summary,
The know-nothings are a group of four friends that know nothing about thanksgiving. One of them read in a book that there is a turkey and a parade and ships that came to America. They try to find a turkey for their parade in their parade there is the turkey and a ship. For dinner they think they are suppose to serve the turkey dinner not serve the turkey for dinner.

[Schmobes]

Excellent level 3. Entertaining, which is important, since Kiddo keeps saying "I won't read a book!"

[Kim]

Another good Thanksgiving book for vegetarians. Not my favorite but still enjoyable and the kids liked it.

[Cori]

This was a fun, cute, made my daughter laugh Thanksgiving book

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K]

Funny! If you are looking for some good holiday hahas, read this book. It totally reminds me of Amelia Bedilia.

[Linda]

Four goofy friends who are the American version of the fools of Chelm. These books are great for young readers.

[Carl Stallmann]

The books by Michele Spirn are wonderful. My niece's children all love them!

[Justin]

not as funny as you think and not as good.

[Nisha]

My almost 5 yr old was cracking up at this book! Cute.