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A Plump And Perky Turkey
When the people of Squawk Valley find themselves without a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast, they plot a way to lure one into They’ll advertise for a "model" turkey to pose during an arts-and-crafts fair, and gobble the bird when they’ve finished the artwork. But they don’t plan on meeting up with Pete—a turkey so clever, he outsmarts them all!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2001
82 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Bateman
38 books54 followersTeresa Bateman was born in Moscow, Idaho, but moved to Washington State when she was three-years-old and that's where she has lived most of her life.
An avid writer and reader, Teresa has been making up stories and poems since she was in grade school. "To me it was as natural as breathing," says Teresa.
In school Teresa would drive her teachers crazy by 'creatively' completing assignments. She always met the letter of their assignment, if not the spirit. She worked hard to inject some humor into her work, knowing that the teachers would be reading hundreds of papers and wanting hers to stand out. It worked.
Teresa took English classes for fun in college and when she applied for a Washington State Teaching credential, the state looked at her transcripts and added an endorsement to teach English through the 12th grade!
Teresa cites her teacher Donnell Hunter at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, as having a big influence on her and her writing. He published a class magazine to which the class submitted their work under pen names. Their grades depended on how many stories were included in the magazine. Teresa submitted under about 15 different pen names--just to be annoying! But she knew her work was being judged on its merits alone. Mr. Hunter encouraged her journal writing and instilled in Teresa good writing habits that she continues to this day.
Teresa served an 18-month mission for her church in Argentina, and taught school for a year in Honduras. She also taught school briefly in St. Mary's, Alaska -- a little bush village with a population of 500 in the winter and 50 in the summer. She has been a librarian in the Federal Way School District in Washington for over 30 years.
Teresa writes every single day. She also works full-time, so that means some days she doesn't write much, but she always writes. When at home, Teresa's special spot for writing has a good view of the lilac bushes outside. A picture of a winding path through gentle rolling hills and meadows hangs on the wall. She tells herself, when stuck for an idea, that the story lies at the end of that path.
Teresa lives in Tacoma, Washington.
An avid writer and reader, Teresa has been making up stories and poems since she was in grade school. "To me it was as natural as breathing," says Teresa.
In school Teresa would drive her teachers crazy by 'creatively' completing assignments. She always met the letter of their assignment, if not the spirit. She worked hard to inject some humor into her work, knowing that the teachers would be reading hundreds of papers and wanting hers to stand out. It worked.
Teresa took English classes for fun in college and when she applied for a Washington State Teaching credential, the state looked at her transcripts and added an endorsement to teach English through the 12th grade!
Teresa cites her teacher Donnell Hunter at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, as having a big influence on her and her writing. He published a class magazine to which the class submitted their work under pen names. Their grades depended on how many stories were included in the magazine. Teresa submitted under about 15 different pen names--just to be annoying! But she knew her work was being judged on its merits alone. Mr. Hunter encouraged her journal writing and instilled in Teresa good writing habits that she continues to this day.
Teresa served an 18-month mission for her church in Argentina, and taught school for a year in Honduras. She also taught school briefly in St. Mary's, Alaska -- a little bush village with a population of 500 in the winter and 50 in the summer. She has been a librarian in the Federal Way School District in Washington for over 30 years.
Teresa writes every single day. She also works full-time, so that means some days she doesn't write much, but she always writes. When at home, Teresa's special spot for writing has a good view of the lilac bushes outside. A picture of a winding path through gentle rolling hills and meadows hangs on the wall. She tells herself, when stuck for an idea, that the story lies at the end of that path.
Teresa lives in Tacoma, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 24, 2015
Cute illustrations!
I was rooting the turkey all the way, of course! But it may cause a conflict in real life, before or after you eat your own turkey :(
I was rooting the turkey all the way, of course! But it may cause a conflict in real life, before or after you eat your own turkey :(
November 30, 2008
This is a great book to read to an elementary class during the Thanksgiving season. It is long enough to read to students while they are completing Thanksgiving projects, or while they are eating a mini Thanksgiving dinner for a class party (corn bread and pumpking pie). It has a cute storyline about a town trying to find a plump and perky turkey to eat for Thanksgiving dinner, after all the other turkeys ran away. The pictures are fun and colorful. After reading the story, the students could make their own turkeys out of various materials/art supplies that are in the classroom, or that the students brought from home.
November 18, 2009
A humorous tale about a town that has no turkey for Thanksgiving dinner--so they set about finding a creative way to entice at turkey to visit (and, ahem, stay to dinner!) However, they didn't bet that a pump and perky turkey is also a clever turkey!
While this tale has a "happy ending" for the turkey, it is stories like this that made little-kid-me wonder why we were all rooting for the turkey in the story and then ate turkey for Thanksgiving! So, if you have a similarly sensitive/observant child, you may want to be ready for a discussion!
While this tale has a "happy ending" for the turkey, it is stories like this that made little-kid-me wonder why we were all rooting for the turkey in the story and then ate turkey for Thanksgiving! So, if you have a similarly sensitive/observant child, you may want to be ready for a discussion!
March 13, 2016
I have a string of Thanksgiving books that I read to my daughter and my second graders. These will be quick reviews based on the reactions of my daughter and students. I put the date the same for each book, but I really read them in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day. Under the how many times I've read it category, that will be how many Thanksgivings I've used this book.
This is another funny Thanksgiving book that is a huge hit with the kids. We all like the crafy, wiley turkey. A great lesson tie-in is to have the class participate in their own turkey art contest. If you read the book, you'll see what I mean.
This is another funny Thanksgiving book that is a huge hit with the kids. We all like the crafy, wiley turkey. A great lesson tie-in is to have the class participate in their own turkey art contest. If you read the book, you'll see what I mean.
November 11, 2009
When the townspeople can't find a turkey to cook for their Thanksgiving feast, they hold an art contest, and advertise for a turkey model. When a proud turkey sees the signs he accepts the job as a model. The citizens make turkey art using all sorts of media. At the judging ceremony, after hiding among turkey sculptures paintings, the model makes his escape ruining the town's plan to cook him. In the end the turkeys are seen on a remote beach relaxing. One turkey is even seen surfing the waves on a custom board. The townspeople have to be satisfied eating shredded wheat, since the turkeys were smart enough to get out of town.
July 23, 2013
It was funny and cute. Enjoyed reading it.
July 6, 2017
This book is so stupid it's funny!
November 24, 2018
Cute
My 2 year old liked the rhymes in this picture book. The turkey outsmarts the townsfolk and doesn't become Thanksgiving dinner.
My 2 year old liked the rhymes in this picture book. The turkey outsmarts the townsfolk and doesn't become Thanksgiving dinner.
November 22, 2018
I've read this book many, many times and will again today - Thanksgiving. It's the best! I've also read it to 2nd graders as a "secret reader." So fun!
November 16, 2018
This book gets 3 stars partially because there are so few great Thanksgiving books out there. I generally was disappointed. The text, while rhyming, did not create a good rhythm, and was superficial and just stupid. The ending was predictable and without a nice twist, and there was no "thankful" message. The illustrations, though bright and colorful, were to my taste foolish rather than fun. The myriad of tongues were a bit much though I must admit they might appeal so some children.
November 14, 2018
Nice illustrations! I like how they didn't end up eating the turkey-just wished they weren't sad about it. You can be thankful and celebrate without turkey!
November 4, 2018
Copyright 2001. My youngest got this book as a gift from his teacher & he ADORED it! Except the first time we read it, he started crying, thinking the turkey was going to get wacked. Never fear!
Told in rhyme, it features a town in need of a turkey for Thanksgiving & one very clever turkey.
Preschool through elementary, but I have to admit, I thought it was hilarious!
Told in rhyme, it features a town in need of a turkey for Thanksgiving & one very clever turkey.
Preschool through elementary, but I have to admit, I thought it was hilarious!
November 21, 2017
Upon seeing the cover for A Plump and Perky Turkey by Tessa Bateman, I made the incorrect assumption that it was going to be a children's story about a plump and perky turkey who has a grand Thanksgiving day feast. I couldn't be more wrong. Instead the story takes place in the small town of Squawk Valley and the village people don't have any turkeys for Thanksgiving! All of the turkeys seem to have left the area once the leaves had started to fall. The people of Squawks Valley were devastated that there would be no turkey to eat on Thanksgiving.
However, Mr. Ebenezer Beezer has a plan to get a turkey for the townspeople. He announces that they shall have an arts and crafts fair that is "turkey themed" and that in order for people to create "turkey art", they will need a model turkey. Therefore Beezer and the townspeople go out and put "turkey model wanted: plump and perky" signs in the nearby woods hoping a turkey will come forward. Along comes Pete, a very plump and perky turkey who is very cocky and feels he would be a great model, and so the townspeople hire him to "model" for their "artwork". (Little does Pete know they are all looking at him as the perfect Thanksgiving dinner and not as a turkey model).
As Pete poses, the townspeople create turkey sculptures out of oatmeal, wheat, soap and rope. Upon completion of the sculptures, Pete is lead around by Ebenezer Beezer to judge the art work and after he makes a decision as to who the winner is, Pete hides amongst the artwork, blending it perfectly. Next think you know, the townspeople see that Pete fled Squawk Valley with what he feels is his grand prize (the oatmeal turkey sculpture) and the townspeople have been outsmarted and once again are left turkey-less. The story ends with Pete on the beach in Florida devouring his oatmeal turkey with all the other plump and perky turkeys who fled South for the winter. Low and behold the townspeople of Squawk Valley are left with munching on wheat for Thanksgiving.
In conclusion I am a bit disappointed at the lack of concrete story development, as I feel the plot was good but the resolution was lacking depth and abrupt. Why did the townspeople have to resolve only to wheat? Why not fish or ham or beef? Why give up after all that effort? I also feel deceived with the plot because as stated in the beginning of this review I made the assumption that the story was something different. All in all, it is a short and simple children's book with delightful illustrations, but not my top pick for a Thanksgiving children's book. (2/5 stars - it was okay)
However, Mr. Ebenezer Beezer has a plan to get a turkey for the townspeople. He announces that they shall have an arts and crafts fair that is "turkey themed" and that in order for people to create "turkey art", they will need a model turkey. Therefore Beezer and the townspeople go out and put "turkey model wanted: plump and perky" signs in the nearby woods hoping a turkey will come forward. Along comes Pete, a very plump and perky turkey who is very cocky and feels he would be a great model, and so the townspeople hire him to "model" for their "artwork". (Little does Pete know they are all looking at him as the perfect Thanksgiving dinner and not as a turkey model).
As Pete poses, the townspeople create turkey sculptures out of oatmeal, wheat, soap and rope. Upon completion of the sculptures, Pete is lead around by Ebenezer Beezer to judge the art work and after he makes a decision as to who the winner is, Pete hides amongst the artwork, blending it perfectly. Next think you know, the townspeople see that Pete fled Squawk Valley with what he feels is his grand prize (the oatmeal turkey sculpture) and the townspeople have been outsmarted and once again are left turkey-less. The story ends with Pete on the beach in Florida devouring his oatmeal turkey with all the other plump and perky turkeys who fled South for the winter. Low and behold the townspeople of Squawk Valley are left with munching on wheat for Thanksgiving.
In conclusion I am a bit disappointed at the lack of concrete story development, as I feel the plot was good but the resolution was lacking depth and abrupt. Why did the townspeople have to resolve only to wheat? Why not fish or ham or beef? Why give up after all that effort? I also feel deceived with the plot because as stated in the beginning of this review I made the assumption that the story was something different. All in all, it is a short and simple children's book with delightful illustrations, but not my top pick for a Thanksgiving children's book. (2/5 stars - it was okay)
March 30, 2018
All of the turkeys in Squawk Valley have left town to avoid being eaten on Thanksgiving. But for one clever, perky, turkey named Pete he decided to stay awhile. Because the townsfolk were having a hard time finding a turkey to prep for Thanksgiving dinner, they came up with a brilliant plan to advertise for a turkey model so they can host a craft fair and art contest in honor of the turkey in hopes of luring the turkey out and trick him, so they can catch him and eat him. However, their plan miraculously backfires, and they can't find Pete because Pete is hidden amongst all the turkey sculptures! Pete safely gets away with his payment (the oatmeal turkey sculpture) and joins his fellow turkeys on vacation.
Not only is this a really funny story, but it's very creative and original! Besides the plot being fantastic, the illustrations are also just perfect! I love how all the characters have big round eyes and very pointy noses. They are rather goofy looking which just further helps sets the mood and goes to show that the townsfolk aren't too smart. The illustrations are just truly fun to look at.
Absolutely love this story! Even though it's a little long, the I read this aloud to the kids at the library and they sat through the whole thing. They loved the story and thought it was really funny. After we read the story, the kids made their own Turkey in Disguise (see pinterest for images).
A perfect read aloud for Thanksgiving. I plan to read this again next year at the library!
Not only is this a really funny story, but it's very creative and original! Besides the plot being fantastic, the illustrations are also just perfect! I love how all the characters have big round eyes and very pointy noses. They are rather goofy looking which just further helps sets the mood and goes to show that the townsfolk aren't too smart. The illustrations are just truly fun to look at.
Absolutely love this story! Even though it's a little long, the I read this aloud to the kids at the library and they sat through the whole thing. They loved the story and thought it was really funny. After we read the story, the kids made their own Turkey in Disguise (see pinterest for images).
A perfect read aloud for Thanksgiving. I plan to read this again next year at the library!
March 10, 2010
Sean checked out A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman to read to me. He had read it in school and loved it. So we checked out a copy to share together.
Squawk Valley is preparing for Thanksgiving and all of the turkeys have flown the coop knowing that they will be on the menu if they stick around. Not wanting to go vegetarian for their feast the towns people decide to advertise for a "plump and perky" turkey to "model" for them.
In this case the book has a happy ending for the turkey. He quickly figures out what's going on and decides to play along while he figures out a way to trick them in turn. Sean thinks this book and the way the turkey is tricked and then tricks them back is hilarious.
My own thoughts on the book were obviously tainted by my current situation. I felt sorry for the turkey being scammed into such a bad "job." He's probably out of work and has been struggling for some time to find a job or even a part-time gig. Except since he's a plump turkey, many of his prospective bosses might want to eat him instead of pay him. I think I'll try re-reading the book once I have a job and see if I think it's funny.
Squawk Valley is preparing for Thanksgiving and all of the turkeys have flown the coop knowing that they will be on the menu if they stick around. Not wanting to go vegetarian for their feast the towns people decide to advertise for a "plump and perky" turkey to "model" for them.
In this case the book has a happy ending for the turkey. He quickly figures out what's going on and decides to play along while he figures out a way to trick them in turn. Sean thinks this book and the way the turkey is tricked and then tricks them back is hilarious.
My own thoughts on the book were obviously tainted by my current situation. I felt sorry for the turkey being scammed into such a bad "job." He's probably out of work and has been struggling for some time to find a job or even a part-time gig. Except since he's a plump turkey, many of his prospective bosses might want to eat him instead of pay him. I think I'll try re-reading the book once I have a job and see if I think it's funny.
October 15, 2018
What would Thanksgiving be without a mouthwatering turkey on the table? The town folk of Squawk Valley would prefer not to find out, but all nearby turkeys have gone in to hiding. What can they do? The town decides to do a turkey art festival and to advertise for a model for the turkey art yet to be created. It is a clever plan. Sure enough a plump and perky turkey answers the call. But this poser may have a plan of his own that he is keeping close to his plump turkey breast.
Silly and enchanting with a twist in the end. What's not to love about this mouthwatering story? The well-meaning town's folk don't quite get what they were after, but it appears that everyone is able to celebrate Thanksgiving in the end. And isn't that what really needs to happen? The illustrations are comical and add to the humor of the story with bright colors and clever turkey art mediums portrayed. It is amazing how many ways there are to recreate the shape of the feathered fowl. Read this fun story while you wait for the temperature thingy to pop on your own. less fortunate bird.
Silly and enchanting with a twist in the end. What's not to love about this mouthwatering story? The well-meaning town's folk don't quite get what they were after, but it appears that everyone is able to celebrate Thanksgiving in the end. And isn't that what really needs to happen? The illustrations are comical and add to the humor of the story with bright colors and clever turkey art mediums portrayed. It is amazing how many ways there are to recreate the shape of the feathered fowl. Read this fun story while you wait for the temperature thingy to pop on your own. less fortunate bird.
November 26, 2015
What is a town to do when they can't find a turkey to eat? Well, hire or trick one. The only problem is, turkeys are clever and so is this book!
I had a little chuckle watching the town's folk do a bunch of art using the model of one very smart turkey. I had hoped that the turkey would win out but did he? Well, that my friends are to be determined when you read the book.
The rhyming was well done by the author while the illustrations were great. All the pictures were done in "Thanksgiving-y" and Fall colors. They were large and humorous. On the first couple of pages the turkeys were cleverly hidden within the picture, a fun hide and seek.
A cute book that would make any family around the Thanksgiving dinner table chuckle.
5 stars!
Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
I had a little chuckle watching the town's folk do a bunch of art using the model of one very smart turkey. I had hoped that the turkey would win out but did he? Well, that my friends are to be determined when you read the book.
The rhyming was well done by the author while the illustrations were great. All the pictures were done in "Thanksgiving-y" and Fall colors. They were large and humorous. On the first couple of pages the turkeys were cleverly hidden within the picture, a fun hide and seek.
A cute book that would make any family around the Thanksgiving dinner table chuckle.
5 stars!
Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
November 26, 2012
This witty, rhyming picture book is perfect for Thanksgiving! The people of Squawk Valley want a turkey to eat for Thanksgiving, so they hold a turkey art contest. Their plan is foiled by the clever and tricky turkey.
It is such a cute book! I bought the Kindle version for my kids and we read it on Thanksgiving. If you missed out on this book that day, you will have to pay a little more, but it is still a bargain at $3.99. Definitely worth the money!
The Illustrations: Loved the illustrations. The artwork was quirky and silly, just like the story. The cleverness of the turkey is beautifully rendered in these pictures.
Read more reviews on my blog: Books for Kids
It is such a cute book! I bought the Kindle version for my kids and we read it on Thanksgiving. If you missed out on this book that day, you will have to pay a little more, but it is still a bargain at $3.99. Definitely worth the money!
The Illustrations: Loved the illustrations. The artwork was quirky and silly, just like the story. The cleverness of the turkey is beautifully rendered in these pictures.
Read more reviews on my blog: Books for Kids
January 26, 2010
In this cute rhyming book the turkey finally gets one over on the humans. Pete the turkey answers an ad for a model. This is the human’s ploy to attain a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. However, Pete the smart turkey knows all about this plan and has a very different idea of how the day will go.
While the story is cute enough it is the illustrations and text print that I don't particularly care for. It is as if the typeset was set to light instead of normal. Is their a problem with just my copy or are all the books like that. Either way, I would not use it for a Thanksgiving read aloud.
While the story is cute enough it is the illustrations and text print that I don't particularly care for. It is as if the typeset was set to light instead of normal. Is their a problem with just my copy or are all the books like that. Either way, I would not use it for a Thanksgiving read aloud.
August 23, 2012
A wonderful rhyming book which hooked my son interest since he was 2 even though he probably understands only 30% of the words. Tom Selleck in Three Men and A Little Baby had it spot on when he said "it doen't matter what i read, it's the tone you use".
The book is fun and witty, and you could basically rap it to your child. It tells of how the people of Squawk Valley tries to lure and trap a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast by organizing a turkey themed arts and crafts fair, only to be outwitted by a plump and perky turkey. Go on and pick it up, have fun rapping!
The book is fun and witty, and you could basically rap it to your child. It tells of how the people of Squawk Valley tries to lure and trap a turkey for their Thanksgiving feast by organizing a turkey themed arts and crafts fair, only to be outwitted by a plump and perky turkey. Go on and pick it up, have fun rapping!
November 7, 2011
Thanksgiving is approaching and the townspeople of Squawk Valley have no turkey for their feast. So they scheme on how to lure a turkey into town. A cute caper results, and the reader is lured into wondering who will come out of the winning side, the turkey or the townsfolk. The story is written in rhyming verse and is easy to listen to. Recommended for read-alouds. There is also a moral at the end of this tale.
October 27, 2009
This is such a cute one for Thanksgiving. It's about a town that wants a plump and perky turkey to eat for the holiday, so they advertise for a turkey model, so they can make turkey art. The plan is then to eat the turkey after the arts fair, but the turkey is clever and hides amongst the created turkeys, and escapes with the turkey made of oatmeal (his modeling fee).
November 8, 2013
Cute story. My daughter is 3 and maybe it is just the way today is going, but she just wanted to look for Mr. Ebenezer Beezer on every page. She kept pretending she couldn't find him. When I pressed her she would find him and we could move on. Fun, rhyming text that I am sure she will enjoy when we read again.
April 19, 2012
This is a humorous story about a town that tries to capture a turkey for their Thanksgiving meal by appealing to his ego. The illustrations are colorful and cartoonish and the complement the story nicely. I read this book while visiting our girls' elementary school library and I enjoyed reading this book.
March 15, 2013
Great holiday book! I enjoyed that the story rhymed, and that the author was quite creative in the rhymes (no cliches or overused themes). The illustrations were fantastic! (I loved the way Jeff Shelly interpreted the human characters). I thought the story line was innovative, and I loved that the turkey came away a winner!
November 16, 2013
Warning: This little story lends itself to causing the adult reader to break out into a wide range of funny voices for the main characters. I can't read this book to my class without rolling the R's to the glee and amazement of the 5 year olds I'm hoping to entertain. I have three copies of this book and all of them are well-loved and falling to pieces.
November 17, 2014
This story is about a village of people who were seeking turkeys and made a plan to trick the turkeys to come around. Their plan worked only to get a turkey to come around and then the turkey disappeared. All the turkeys ended up at the beach.
I thought the turkeys were very clever. It's becoming cliche' to eat turkey only at Thanksgiving lol
I thought the turkeys were very clever. It's becoming cliche' to eat turkey only at Thanksgiving lol
March 24, 2010
D+ illustrations, but fun to read. In addition to a perky cadance and a good set of vocab words, there's an interesting subtext in the plot that is only accessible through the pictures -- why don't they eat the pig?
November 13, 2011
There are many rhyming words in this book and it is just great book to read with students during the week of Thanksgiving. The author is very creative in story making of how to complete a Thanksgiving events and is very artistic of making a turkey.
July 22, 2012
My kids enjoy this book so much I can't recall how many times it's been put back together from the wear and tear. It was originally a Thanksgiving read, but quickly came to be read any time of year. It reads easily and rhymes perfectly. And Pete, the perky turkey, is very clever indeed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews