What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Catch
How to Catch a Turkey
A New York Times Bestseller! From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale!
A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with this hilariously zany children's picture book that combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations!
Thanksgiving time is here again,
but there's a turkey on the run!
Can you catch this tricky bird
before the school play has begun?
Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a UnicornHow to Catch the Easter BunnyHow to Catch an ElfHow to Catch a MonsterHow to Catch a Leprechaunand more!
A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with this hilariously zany children's picture book that combines STEAM concepts and traps with a silly story and fun illustrations!
Thanksgiving time is here again,
but there's a turkey on the run!
Can you catch this tricky bird
before the school play has begun?
Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a UnicornHow to Catch the Easter BunnyHow to Catch an ElfHow to Catch a MonsterHow to Catch a Leprechaunand more!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
102 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Adam Wallace
198 books282 followersAdam Wallace is a New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author of the How to Catch series!
Adam's passion is to bring excitement and energy and humour and joy to children (of all ages!) through his books and videos.
He spends his non-writing time thinking about writing and going to as many live music shows as he can. He's also teaching himself piano, and plays golf too.
Adam's passion is to bring excitement and energy and humour and joy to children (of all ages!) through his books and videos.
He spends his non-writing time thinking about writing and going to as many live music shows as he can. He's also teaching himself piano, and plays golf too.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 23, 2020
This is the first How to Catch book I haven't read to the kids. It's an action packed beginning book with a great rhyme scheme and the artwork is worthy of the series.
The set up is different. Turkey's aren't mythical, so the turkey starts out in a cage and is about to go onstage during a play. The turkey gets stage fright and takes flight and running from all the kids in the school. It's a little different from the other books as kids aren't setting traps for the turkey as much. There are a few rooms where the kids are trying to catch it, but mostly it is the chaos of school that is the danger to turkey.
The best part of this book is the ending. The turkey is running from the principal and ends up on stage in front of the audience and the turkey discovers he loves being on stage in front of people. It's such a cute ending. This is a great modern Thanksgiving book for kids. It's entertaining, fast paced and fun.
I don't have many Thanksgiving books this year, so this might be it. I'll hunt around on Open library and see if I can get another one. Happy Turkey day everyone.
The set up is different. Turkey's aren't mythical, so the turkey starts out in a cage and is about to go onstage during a play. The turkey gets stage fright and takes flight and running from all the kids in the school. It's a little different from the other books as kids aren't setting traps for the turkey as much. There are a few rooms where the kids are trying to catch it, but mostly it is the chaos of school that is the danger to turkey.
The best part of this book is the ending. The turkey is running from the principal and ends up on stage in front of the audience and the turkey discovers he loves being on stage in front of people. It's such a cute ending. This is a great modern Thanksgiving book for kids. It's entertaining, fast paced and fun.
I don't have many Thanksgiving books this year, so this might be it. I'll hunt around on Open library and see if I can get another one. Happy Turkey day everyone.
November 27, 2022
Thanksgiving plays are tricky performances due to how early it is in the year as well as students only having a few months of socializing and building report. I tip my hat to any who attempt such an endeavor. ;)
Read
June 19, 2025This book was very silly. We’ll definitely have to get it back out for Thanksgiving!
November 20, 2020
This was a cute, short, fun read to get us in Thanksgiving mode. The illustrations were colorful, and the sentences were short enough to keep my daughter’s attention.
This book was fun, but not really interactive or educational. It was very enjoyable, and perfect for November.
This was a good read for both of my littles.
This book was fun, but not really interactive or educational. It was very enjoyable, and perfect for November.
This was a good read for both of my littles.
September 30, 2018
Age: Preschool-1st grade
A turkey gets stage fright and tries to flee the school while in fast pursuit by students and teachers alike. The rhymes are cute (but sometimes stumble) and it's truly unfortunate that the small size of the book hinders its ability to be read aloud to a classroom.
A turkey gets stage fright and tries to flee the school while in fast pursuit by students and teachers alike. The rhymes are cute (but sometimes stumble) and it's truly unfortunate that the small size of the book hinders its ability to be read aloud to a classroom.
October 23, 2018
A tale told by a turkey on Thanksgiving day about an exciting adventure he had a year ago while at the school's Thanksgiving Day play. It's a merry chase throughout the school before he lands on the stage in front of an audience, and the rest is history.
October 19, 2019
How to Catch a Turkey is a children's picture book written by Adam Wallace and illustrated by Andy Elkerton. It stars a turkey and how through a wild chase and performance made it the school’s mascot.
Wallace's text is simplistic, straightforward, and lyrical. The simple poetic beat has a turkey retelling how it became a mascot a year prior. The verses are written somewhat well as there are some places where the beat is slightly off. Elkerton's bright illustrations have a cartoon aesthetic and is rather apropos to the text.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. A turkey retells how it became the school's mascot a year prior. It all started simply enough with a turkey being in the school's play, however it had stage fright and took flight. Through the science room, library, classrooms, playground, and gymnasium, the turkey is lured back onto the stage and ends up liking the attention.
All in all, How to Catch a Turkey is a wonderfully humorous children's book about how to catch a runaway turkey, which is rather more difficult than it sounds.
Wallace's text is simplistic, straightforward, and lyrical. The simple poetic beat has a turkey retelling how it became a mascot a year prior. The verses are written somewhat well as there are some places where the beat is slightly off. Elkerton's bright illustrations have a cartoon aesthetic and is rather apropos to the text.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. A turkey retells how it became the school's mascot a year prior. It all started simply enough with a turkey being in the school's play, however it had stage fright and took flight. Through the science room, library, classrooms, playground, and gymnasium, the turkey is lured back onto the stage and ends up liking the attention.
All in all, How to Catch a Turkey is a wonderfully humorous children's book about how to catch a runaway turkey, which is rather more difficult than it sounds.
November 21, 2018
While I have no experience on chasing down a turkey, I am a huge fan of the book How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton. A delightful little Thanksgiving tale of a turkey who realizes he will be part of a school’s Thanksgiving play and develops a horrible case of stagefright. He breaks free from his pen and begins a rather messy but humorous chase through the school trying to avoid capture. There is food, dancing and a glorious ending to the valiant turkey trot that kept our daughter laughing and engaged. The sing song rhymes of the story and the dynamic and comical illustration make this a captivating and enjoyable read for adults and children alike. Pick this one up when you head out to get your last minute Thanksgiving necessities and enjoy a little story with the kids before you slip into a turkey coma on Thanksgiving Day. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving bookworms! Happy reading!
November 25, 2021
Awwweee
November 12, 2020
Turkey's on the run, but not from what you think! He's being drafted to be in the Thanksgiving play, and suffers from stage fright! As he runs through the school trying to get away, he is chased by an assortment of different people there.
Although this book was lots of fun and had a different take on the Thanksgiving chase, it is a little more suited to children who are in elementary school (or at least attend a school setting). I read it to preschoolers who aren't as familiar with cafeterias and school libraries, and while it gave us lots to talk about, I think they would have enjoyed it even more if they had more context. However I was glad to be reading a turkey chase book that didn't focus on the turkey ending up as dinner, and the kids did enjoy it, so it was worth the time to read.
Although this book was lots of fun and had a different take on the Thanksgiving chase, it is a little more suited to children who are in elementary school (or at least attend a school setting). I read it to preschoolers who aren't as familiar with cafeterias and school libraries, and while it gave us lots to talk about, I think they would have enjoyed it even more if they had more context. However I was glad to be reading a turkey chase book that didn't focus on the turkey ending up as dinner, and the kids did enjoy it, so it was worth the time to read.
November 20, 2019
Who would have guessed that a turkey would be so good at running away?
The turkey in this tale had one major problem: stage fright! He was so frightened at the thought of being taken onstage that he had to figure out a way to avoid that fate. As someone who shares that fear, I totally understood why he wanted to avoid the spotlight. The fact that he worked so hard to avoid being brought onstage only made me like him even more.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to the ending. The beginning and middle really didn’t give any hints about why the turkey was going to be paraded in front of the entire school. My theory about what was happening there turned out not to be correct at all. While the author’s version did make sense, it would have been more meaningful if the audience had some idea of what to expect from the beginning. The final scene as it was written sort of came out of nowhere, and it made me enjoy the plot less than I had been before I reached that portion.
The human characters came up with so many creative attempts to get the turkey to slow down and hopefully return to his cage. Some of their methods made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed seeing how they tried to capture him and what happened when even their most clever traps and tricks didn’t seem to be working at all. I wasn’t expecting to laugh when I first started reading it, but I sure had a lot of opportunities to do just that.
This is part of a series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone story.
How to Catch a Turkey is the funniest Thanksgiving picture book I’ve read in years. This is something I’d recommend to anyone who is in the mood for something lighthearted.
The turkey in this tale had one major problem: stage fright! He was so frightened at the thought of being taken onstage that he had to figure out a way to avoid that fate. As someone who shares that fear, I totally understood why he wanted to avoid the spotlight. The fact that he worked so hard to avoid being brought onstage only made me like him even more.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to the ending. The beginning and middle really didn’t give any hints about why the turkey was going to be paraded in front of the entire school. My theory about what was happening there turned out not to be correct at all. While the author’s version did make sense, it would have been more meaningful if the audience had some idea of what to expect from the beginning. The final scene as it was written sort of came out of nowhere, and it made me enjoy the plot less than I had been before I reached that portion.
The human characters came up with so many creative attempts to get the turkey to slow down and hopefully return to his cage. Some of their methods made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed seeing how they tried to capture him and what happened when even their most clever traps and tricks didn’t seem to be working at all. I wasn’t expecting to laugh when I first started reading it, but I sure had a lot of opportunities to do just that.
This is part of a series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone story.
How to Catch a Turkey is the funniest Thanksgiving picture book I’ve read in years. This is something I’d recommend to anyone who is in the mood for something lighthearted.
October 14, 2020
A turkey is supposed to go on stage for a school Thanksgiving Day play but he has terrible stage fright and runs away. The whole school tries to capture him and at one point he gets stuck in a football jersey. When he is caught he goes on stage and enjoys it and that was the beginning of being a mascot for the school.
November 5, 2018
What's good about it: In a deviation from much turkey-themed literature, there aren't any comments about eating the birds or "catching" them for dinner. The book ends on a happy note with the kids and very much alive turkey wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Also, the illustrations are vibrant and full of action, a bit like a classic Warner Bros. cartoon.
What's not so good: While the group of kids chasing the freaked-out turkey are not planning on roasting him, they do intend to put him in their Thanksgiving school play--and the bird decidedly isn't happy about his turn in the spotlight. A gang of kids and adults chasing a terrified turkey or other animal around isn't very funny or festive especially when one considers it has some real-world counterparts.
The bottom line: HOW TO CATCH A TURKEY is a cartoony book. By the end of the book, we see the turkey is anthropomorphic character who, when finally pushed on the stage, decides to swallow his stage fright and do his best, becoming the star of the show in the process. Humane-minded parents will want to weigh whether the book’s fantasy perspective overrides its more troubling themes.
What's not so good: While the group of kids chasing the freaked-out turkey are not planning on roasting him, they do intend to put him in their Thanksgiving school play--and the bird decidedly isn't happy about his turn in the spotlight. A gang of kids and adults chasing a terrified turkey or other animal around isn't very funny or festive especially when one considers it has some real-world counterparts.
The bottom line: HOW TO CATCH A TURKEY is a cartoony book. By the end of the book, we see the turkey is anthropomorphic character who, when finally pushed on the stage, decides to swallow his stage fright and do his best, becoming the star of the show in the process. Humane-minded parents will want to weigh whether the book’s fantasy perspective overrides its more troubling themes.
November 30, 2018
This is a different take on the usual Thanksgiving story; the girls and I enjoyed the story but...
It took me a long time to explain what a mascot is! The six year old finally understood but it was just beyond comprehension for the four year old.
Once Lexi understood what a mascot was, then she could really appreciate the story!
Both girls and I loved the illustrations and the ending is delightful!
I will read this again if the girls see it again and we check it out; although, unless this book is gifted to me, it probably won't make it to my ever growing collection of holiday stories.
It took me a long time to explain what a mascot is! The six year old finally understood but it was just beyond comprehension for the four year old.
Once Lexi understood what a mascot was, then she could really appreciate the story!
Both girls and I loved the illustrations and the ending is delightful!
I will read this again if the girls see it again and we check it out; although, unless this book is gifted to me, it probably won't make it to my ever growing collection of holiday stories.
January 27, 2020
The Thanksgiving pageant at school goes haywire when the Turkey gets stagefright and runs around the school. The principal and students do everything they can to catch the bird.
Ultimately there is a happy ending for all!
Perfect read aloud for Storytime, Thanksgiving time frame (good read along with Turkey Trouble).
The How to catch series does a great job of "setting elaborate traps" for the bird
Ultimately there is a happy ending for all!
Perfect read aloud for Storytime, Thanksgiving time frame (good read along with Turkey Trouble).
The How to catch series does a great job of "setting elaborate traps" for the bird
December 2, 2018
This book was really funny and had a good twist at the end. The illustrations made me laugh. I love how it teaches young children that you cannot run from your fears. It even inspired me because you never know what opportunities lay behind closed doors.
This book is meant for children that are 4-10 years old or preschool - 6th grade.
The genre is modern fantasy.
This book is meant for children that are 4-10 years old or preschool - 6th grade.
The genre is modern fantasy.
October 10, 2019
There is supposed to be an actual turkey in the schools annual Thanksgiving play. But the turkey doesn't like this idea. The turkey escapes and runs amuck around the school causing chaos everywhere while being chased by children and staff.
So much better than Wallace's other rhyming stories. However the artwork still leaves much to be desired.
So much better than Wallace's other rhyming stories. However the artwork still leaves much to be desired.
October 12, 2018
How are these books still getting made? The rhymes are atrocious and the plot contrived. I'm also a little aggravated to see pilgrims in a book in 2018. At least there were no children dressed up as Native Americans?
November 19, 2019
This is such a cute story. I really like sharing this series with my niece and nephew. We have shared several of them and they never disappoint. This one is fun, the illustrations are great and it will be a huge hit on Turkey day.
November 22, 2019
So cute! The young kids love it. We laughed and laughed. Great illustrations too. It is funny to think of a turkey 🦃 being on stage! This is even better. He becomes the mascot. And why not!?
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
September 30, 2018
Hot off the press and just in time for the holiday season. The graphics had a lot going on, which made this book even more fun. Very cute read for kids.
October 8, 2018
Eh.... these are getting kind of repetitive.
October 13, 2018
This book is just okay, but it has some beautiful illustrations.
November 25, 2018
Fun, in rhyme, Thanksgiving book. Not all turkeys end up on the table.
December 6, 2018
Cute story for children, especially if accompanied by the book, because the CD adds sound effects, etc.
December 7, 2018
Would be good for a Thanksgiving/turkey themed story time.
A fun, lower to mid elementary age romp.
A fun, lower to mid elementary age romp.
December 25, 2018
Cute and rhyming, which I like.
May 28, 2019
Very cute story for Thanksgiving about a Turkey with stage fright! Get ready to laugh!
November 17, 2020
Well, since we're approaching Thanksgiving, I thought I'd kinda get with the program and brighten the mood by reading a Thanksgiving book. This book, as you'd expect, involves a turkey. However, the plot twists as the turkey is being chased around the school by the students and the teachers...but for what reason. You'd think they are trying to catch the turkey to eat, but the real reason the turkey is running is because he has stage freight...yeah, I totally saw that coming. Apparently there is going to be a Thanksgiving play and the turkey is supposed to be in it. Now along this little chase, he eventually finds himself running right in his trap, the big stage where he is greeted by a huge audience and in the midst of a performance. He sweats, gets nervous, and is unprepared. But then, someone in the audience yells out "he's so cute". After that moment, the turkey learns to relax and enjoy the moment. I guess the key message here is you can't really enjoy something until you try it, and encouragement always helps the confidence of others.
March 6, 2023
How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace is a picture book intended for the ages of 2 years old through 6 years old. How to Catch a Turkey is about a turkey who learns he will be part of a school play and quickly developed stage fright. In order to avoid going on stage for the school’s play, he brakes out of his pen and continues to try to avoid capture. I rated this book a total of 5 stars. I chose 5 stars because of the illustrations in the book. The illustrations throughout the book were so colorful and they were quite silly. I think this would be a perfect book to read with my daughter or even to future students. I think it has a lot of reading words but the illustrations help break it up. Young readers would most likely enjoy reading this book because of how silly it is to have a turkey as the main character and to have him making messes trying to avoid being captured for the play. I also think the color choice throughout this book helps make the illustrations pop and not look dull or boring, as well as the font of the words make it more fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews