Arthur's Thanksgiving

Arthur Adventure Series

by Marc Brown

BESTSELLING CLASSIC SERIES! More than 5 million Arthur Adventure books sold!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Arthur! When Arthur is picked to direct his school's Thanksgiving play, all his friends beg him for the lead role. But not everyone can be the star, and someone has to be the turkey! Can Arthur find the perfect lead, the perfect turkey, and save the day?

Genres: Thanksgiving, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, School, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 1983

About the author

Marc Tolon Brown is perhaps best known for his series of children's books about Arthur the aardvark, which was turned into an animated television show on PBS. Brown is a three-time Emmy Award winner, for his role on the television show inspired by his books.

He lives on Martha's Vineyard and in New York City with his wife, Laurie Krasny Brown. He has three children, sons Tolon and Tucker, and daughter Eliza. The names of his two sons have been hidden in all of the Arthur books except for one: Arthur's Tooth.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's talk Turkey. My first ever Arthur book.

Arthur's school is putting on a Thanksgiving play. Who will be the turkey? Everyone is embarrassed to put on the feathers. Arther is the director so he has to get someone to do it.

I love the support Arthur's family gives him at the end. A sweet and fun little book.
Happy Turkey Day

[Mr. Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tip my hat to anyone attempting a Thanksgiving play. Arthur puts this show together all by himself in like 6 days. Total boss.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was instantly surprised at the drawings. Dif from the last hardback book I read.
The Metric Moose drawing is cute.
It says Why are books delicious? Because they're ___, and we can't see the answer!!!
Never heard of vomitrocious.
It's funny how Francine said she had the loudest voice, and Arthur was like 'no doubt about that. Francine would be the narrator.'
It's crazy how they all wanted to be different characters. That worked out nice!
I'm surprised he asked his dad. Isn't the play just for the kids?
The turkey costume is all brown! It needs colors!
That's cute Francine kept her glasses on and couldn't see where she's painting, so she was painting the guys butt.
& buster said "we sailed to America on the cauliflower.'
I like that the illustrator adds details, like in the principles office. There are notes and things on the board.
It was funny hearing them in rehearsals, everything sounded so wrong!some things idk who said becuz it's kind of all crammed together. "&the pilgrim men went off to hunt for a turkey." Did Sue Ellen say that?
Then there was "oops! & the Indian braves went on their own turkey hunt." I realized after reading the next page and then looking at the pic that Muffy had fallen. It should have said she fell so we knew what the oops was for.
'Today when we think of thanksgiving, we think of TURKEY.' Haha! However I didn't know why she glared at Arthur, until he said they'd fine a turkey in time, so obviously she was missing her prop.
'As a last resort Arthur decided to rent a turkey. But that wasn't such a good idea.' Haha!
The footstool was funny cuz it had three steps on it! & he had spilled water and his sisters like if u want something done u gotta do it yourself.
I like how they asked Arthur if they had a turkey, and he just smiled.
It's cute how they said "OOOoo!" Said the kids when the lights went out.
"Shhhh!" Said the teaches as the curtain went up.'
It was funny how buster gets his line correct and Arthur is like "phew!"
The Brain looks too much like Arthur.
I like the improvements, buster gets his line right, the Brain had his costume on right(it wasn't addressed he had it on wrong during rehearsal). Sue Ellen said her lines loud and clear, Francine lost the glasses.
Aw I thought Arthur might be the turkey. The audience laughs and he turns bright red. Poor thing!
Omg everyone dressed as a turkey!!
When he said let's hear the last line, I thought he meant the one he just said, not happy thanksgiving, so I was surprised it ended like that.
I think it could have ended better, but overall it was a cute little book. Not so much about thanksgiving. It should be called Arthur’s Thanksgiving Play, because it was all about the play, and not about thanksgiving dinner.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am no fan of Arthur, this is a better one. Arthur is selected to be the director of the play. Surprise! Everyone bribes Arthur to secure the role he wants. Not a particularly good lesson, eh? Arthur struggles to find a turkey. Yes, it is telegraphed, but Arthur steps up to be the turkey in the end after disastrous rehearsals. He does so after D.W. shares with him, "If you want something done correctly, do it yourself." That old adage is good advice. Of course, the others rally too and the audience is delighted with the flock of turkeys onstage.

[Alex Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

The kids didn’t care for it that much, and honestly neither did I. It’s rather dated.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The little girl with the pointy ears and curly hair was cute. Not sure what animal she was supposed to be. It was a waste to have the poster on the wall of a dinosaur eating a book, with the caption “Why are books delicious? Because they’re” and have the end disappear behind a student. I wanted to know the answer!

The page of Arthur at his desk was cute. He was writing down parts for the play, because Mr. Ratburn made him the director. There was the turkey and Gov. Bradford. There was a whole trash can full of wadded-up papers he had discarded. His ankles were crossed and his little shoes were so cute.

I didn’t understand the Nip N Tuck brand of milk. I also didn’t understand the problem, because every one of his friends requested a different part. He kept trying to get everyone to be the turkey, but he could have just assigned them to be the parts they wanted to be.

Kids would find it funny the mishaps they had on set. Francine was wearing movie-star glasses and ended up painting someone rather than the display. Buster messed up his lines and said we sailed to America on the cauliflower.

I didn’t understand the problems with their lines. I even read it twice and still couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
“When the Pilgrims and Indians decided to celebrate their friendship,” said Francine, “they began to hunt for a turkey.”
“We cooked beans and pumpkin pies,” whispered Sue Ellen.
“And the Pilgrim men went off to hunt for a turkey.”
“We made corn bread and picked cranberries,” said Muffy. “Oops! And the Indian braves went on their own turkey hunt.”

They can’t refer to the turkey during their rehearsal because Arthur hadn’t found anyone to play that part. He decided to rent a turkey but it wrecked the scene and everyone was mad and threatened to quit if he didn’t fill the part.

Buster was cute standing inside the model of the Mayflower. It was pretty obvious that Arthur would be the turkey, since no one else wanted to be. I felt so bad for him when he came walking out on stage and the audience laughed at him and he turned red. He stuttered on his lines, couldn’t think what the turkey was a symbol of. Until voices behind him said that it is a symbol of togetherness and Thanksgiving. His parent, sister and all of his friends were dressed as turkeys, except Francine who was dressed as a Pilgrim. He realized that his mom was right; the world is full of turkeys. He instructed them to say “Happy Thanksgiving” all together.

This was a pretty good story about Arthur. It wasn’t as long as I would have liked and I expected more from it. I wish there was more words to go with the illustrations, because a lot of it is up in the air. I didn’t know what the girl said “Oops” for when she was running her lines until I read my sister’s review that said she fell. We weren’t told she fell in writing, she was just on the ground in the picture so her saying oops didn’t correspond to her falling, which was a mistake. Also, I’ve noticed the author crams all of the writing together, like having the same character speak on the next line with no indication that it’s the same person speaking. It’s really confusing to keep up with who’s talking. There needed to be a way of separating the dialogue. When Arthur said let’s hear that last line, I thought he wanted everyone to repeat the turkey is a symbol of togetherness and Thanksgiving, but I flipped the page and learned they were saying Happy Thanksgiving, so that was unexpected.

Rather than having the lesson be that everyone is a turkey, which seems to be implying everyone’s silly or something, it should have been hit home that it’s about everyone supporting each other and helping each other out or something, and being thankful for family and friends. It definitely needed more and ended too soon. The play was so incomplete.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Arthur’s Thanksgiving” is another classic holiday story from the creative mind of Marc Brown and this time, Arthur has his hands full when he is the director of the Thanksgiving school play and he must find someone to play the role of the turkey before the day of the play comes. “Arthur’s Thanksgiving” is a lovely book for children who love the “Arthur” series and will remain to be one of the most memorable books out of the “Arthur” series ever created.

Marc Brown’s success on his “Arthur” series knows no bounds as he once again makes this a cute story about the tough trials that Arthur has to face with being the director of the school play. Marc Brown’s story is cute and dramatic at the same time as he brilliantly relates the story of how Arthur must make everything right as the director of the school play to how a child in real life feels so much pressure from his or her peers when he or she is doing something important for the school. Marc Brown’s illustrations are as creative as before as the characters in this book are styled the old fashioned way that were found in the earlier “Arthur” books such as “Arthur’s Eyes” and “Arthur and the True Francine.” The image that stood out the most in this book was the image of Arthur bringing in a real turkey for the role of the turkey; however that was met with disastrous results as you can see the turkey running wild across the stage and Sue Ellen screaming at the scene.

“Arthur’s Thanksgiving” is a brilliant book for children who love reading books about Thanksgiving and about how to deal with peer pressure from other students when dealing with an important job for the school. I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate about this book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great thanksgiving book to read to your class. My practicum teacher read it to her first grade class and they absolutely loved it. It allows you to turn the story into an interactive story with the students you are reading it to, giving students the opportunity to make predictions about what is going to happen with the play Arthur is in charge of. This story is very cute and one of my favorites, I loved Arthur growing up and I think it is a great story to share with children and to read during the holiday or not. Arthur is a great role model for children and his stories, this one in particular shows Arthur's great character and his ability to be a great leader. He is a character that children can look up to and his stories are very easy to relate to. This book had a great storyline for children to stay engaged and put themselves in Arthur’s place.This was a great thanksgiving book to read to your class. My practicum teacher read it to her first grade class and they absolutely loved it. It allows you to turn the story into an interactive story with the students you are reading it to, giving students the opportunity to make predictions about what is going to happen with the play Arthur is in charge of. This story is very cute and one of my favorites, I loved Arthur growing up and I think it is a great story to share with children and to read during the holiday or not. Arthur is a great role model for children and his stories, this one in particular show Arthur's great character and his ability to be a great leader.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not well developed or as emotionally strong as other Arthur stories, but still a hit with my students who love the series. No one wants to be the turkey in the school's Thanksgiving play, for which Arthur was chosen as the director. ( Why is the turkey such an unpopular role? My students came up with "because he's going to get shot and eaten," but that didn't seem to play a part in this story. Why was Arthur chosen as director? No idea.)He asks and cajoles everyone, but each of his classmates is instead given their respective roles of choice, as a result of peer pressure and bribery. Not even his family members will help out (Father says he has a dentist appointment--what dad would schedule a cleaning during the performance of the play his son is directing?? Never mind that he is actually at the play in the end.) Then the play centers around the Pilgrims and "Indians" (hopefully a more culturally accurate term is being used in more recent printings of this book) hunting a turkey and rejoicing with a feast because they got one. Umm...no, that's not what happened. Overall, I found this to be a weak story that only earned 2 stars because my kindergarteners and 1st graders adore Marc Brown.

[Jennifer Velez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a Thanksgiving play where Arthur got choosen by Mr. Ratburn to be the director. Arthur had never been the director of a play, he was in charge of assigning the different parts of the play to the other students. Everyone the next day gave him stuff and told them who they wanted to be in the play. The problem was that nobody wanted to be the most important part of the play, the TURKEY!He asked everyone and nobody wanted to play the role of the turkey, so he had to make a decision, he played the role of the Turkey. To his surprise his family and other students helped him out at the end and there were a lot of turkeys. I believe I can use this book in my future classroom when its Novemeber and we are talking about Thanksgiving. I liked the illustrations on the book because it aligned very well to what the story was describing. I can also use this book to write about their traditions for Thanksgiving, creative writing.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little book that is at the 3rd Grade reading level.

It features the popular characters from the Arthur series and the plot ought to please most children.

The story begins with Mr. Ratburn assigning Arthur the role of director for his class' Thanksgiving Play. Arthur soon finds out that it's not a plum job. The role of narrator goes the quickest, and other duties and roles are picked up... all except for the one that involves wearing the silly turkey costume.

Goofiness follows as various solutions are found. It remains to be seen though how dear Arthur will get out of this dilemma.

Not an over whelming focus on the Holiday, but children will probably enjoy this book.

Pam

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For sample pages of this and other ' Popular Character Thanksgiving books ' see me post-list.

[Annie Zuckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great Arthur book by Marc Brown. Arthur is assigned to be the director of the school's Thanksgiving play. All of his classmates want specific parts and begin to bribe him with all sorts of goodies. However, there is one part that no one wants to play...the Turkey. Arthur tries his hardest to find someone to play the role, but he just can't find anyone. Eventually there is nothing left to do, but play the part himself.
This book does a great job of including some historical facts about Thanksgiving as well as teaching a lesson of responsibility and problem solving. It would be beneficial book to utilize around the holidays to teach the students about Thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks.

[Michel Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second graders and I recently read this book in class, and it is pretty adorable. After Arthur is asked to be the director of the school Thanksgiving play, he cannot find anyone to play the part of the turkey. After searching and begging for someone to play the part, he takes the part himself. When it comes time for him to walk on stage, he is surprised to see so many of his friends and family on stage dressed as turkeys. This is a really adorable story that highlights how family and friends are there for you when you need them. This is a great story to read with kids around Thanksgiving time because it has an endearing theme.

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur’s Thanksgiving
By: Marc Brown
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Date: 1983
Ages:
Thanksgiving, Turkey, School play, Actors, Fiction, An Arthur Adventure

In Arthur’s Thanksgiving, Arthur has a dilemma. No one wants to play the part of the turkey in the school play about Thanksgiving.
Arthur becomes obsessed with finding a solution to this problem. Every time he thinks he has a resolution, it falls through.

In Arthur’s desperation, he even tries to get a live turkey to play the part. How will Arthur find a solution? Will your children figure it out before Arthur does?

The hijinks continue in this entertaining read! This is an enjoyable read!

[Gabrielle]

Such a cute book for kids that includes historical facts. It's a fun book because Arthur is in charge of the school Thanksgiving play, and no one was the be the turkey. Eventually Arthur has to play the Turkey in the play. It's one of my favorite Arthur books, I remember reading this growing up. It really is a great holiday book that kids will love. It will also introduce them to the rest of the Arthur books which are perfect for young readers. The language is sometimes challenging, but it's an excellent series for kids to read.

[Tracy Poff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The eighth Arthur book. Arthur is put in charge of the Thanksgiving play. Arthur's friends are extra nice to him, to be sure they get the parts they want. This is nice, until Arthur realizes that nobody wants to play the turkey--and he can't have a play called The Big Turkey Hunt without a turkey! I was expecting a lesson about leadership, or standing up to your friends, or something, but in the end Arthur just plays the turkey himself, and his friends are kind enough to join him in his embarrassment. Disappointing. Another average book.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Arthur is appointed director of his class's Thanksgiving play, he's relieved because he doesn't have to play the turkey. With his classmates all bribing him with goodies to get the lead parts, Arthur soon finds himself with a dilemma. Nobody wants to be the turkey. So, what is Arthur to do? Will he convince one of his classmates in time for the play to be the turkey?

Great read for the Thanksgiving holiday.

[Sydney Hall]

Had to pick another Arthur book because I love them so much. I haven't seen this one yet but it met all my Arthur expectations! Arthur is planning the Thanksgiving play at school and finds out quickly that he has too many people to please regarding who will play the star turkey. To overcome this dilemma, he allows everyone in the play to be the turkey. I think this shows problem-solving and perseverance, which is great for kids to read about!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for us to eat good food, spend time with family, and start to speak honestly with the young people in our life about the First Nations. This book misses the opportunity to provide respectful representations of Native Americans. Even though we love Arthur, we won't read it again.

[Holly Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was perusing my father's bookshelves and found this gem. I felt it would be a perfect read for this time of year, very suiting. And, it turns out that I was right.

Arthur found out the hard way that "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.". And, when he did, the play was a major success.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur has to find a turkey for the school Thanksgiving play. The story meanders a little, but it has a good ending.

It uses the word "Indians" if that offends you.

The illustrations date way before the PBS cartoon. They are much rougher, but still pretty funny and cute.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up with Arthur and in majority of these books have a message or lessons to be learned. Also, kids are fascinated with interesting animals and an aardvark is one cool creature to talk about. You could read any Arthur book and then be able to tie a lesson in about aardvarks.

[Joel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's cute enough and our son likes it, but be aware it still uses the term "Indians" a lot so you'll need to be vigilant changing it to "native Americans." Wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't gifted to us.

[Sam Wojtaszek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Arthur slowly realizes he'll have to play the embarrassing role of the turkey in the school's Thanksgiving play, since no one else is willing to. But in the end, his classmates don't let him go it alone-- a heart warming read.

[Simon Wojtaszek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Arthur slowly realizes he'll have to play the embarrassing role of the turkey in the school's Thanksgiving play, since no one else is willing to. But in the end, his classmates don't let him go it alone-- a heart warming read.

[Diana Pettis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander told me this is a great book and all the kids in kindergarten class loved it so it was ok to read it to him again.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute Thanksgiving book.

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library.

[Rachelolivia]

II

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a perfect book to read to the kids during Thanksgiving. The Illustration are just perfect. Loved the turnout at the end of the book.

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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