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Not This Turkey
Although Mel and his family have lived in America for several years, they have never celebrated Thanksgiving, just the Jewish holidays. But this year, after Papa wins a live turkey at work and brings it home on the subway, Mama invites all their relatives to their Brooklyn tenement for dinner. There’s just one thing—Mel has a soft spot for the turkey!
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Published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 19, 2018
This story did make me laugh. It's a Fish out of Water tale.
An immigrant family in NYC wins a live turkey from a raffle at work. The father walks the bird home on a leash. The kids were laughing at this too. They get home and the boy starts bonding with the bird and names it. The next day at the butchers, they are told the bird is so old it will be tough and you can't eat it. They family had already invited relatives over for their first Thanksgiving turkey. They end up fixing food important to them and enjoying each other's company.
This is a humorous story. It's a new little twist on Thanksgiving and the kids were able to get into it. Walking a Turkey is somewhat funny. The nephew gave this 4 stars and the niece gave it 3 stars.
An immigrant family in NYC wins a live turkey from a raffle at work. The father walks the bird home on a leash. The kids were laughing at this too. They get home and the boy starts bonding with the bird and names it. The next day at the butchers, they are told the bird is so old it will be tough and you can't eat it. They family had already invited relatives over for their first Thanksgiving turkey. They end up fixing food important to them and enjoying each other's company.
This is a humorous story. It's a new little twist on Thanksgiving and the kids were able to get into it. Walking a Turkey is somewhat funny. The nephew gave this 4 stars and the niece gave it 3 stars.
May 25, 2023
I’m just going to say it. The best, ‘the turkey didn’t get eaten after all, Thanksgiving book on the market.
November 1, 2018
Mel's family is newly arrived in America, and considering celebrating their first Thanksgiving when his father wins a huge turkey in a raffle at work. Bringing this unexpected largesse home with him on the subway, Mr. Silberklang discovers that such a large bird makes a lot of noise and attracts quite a bit of attention. For his part, Mel finds that Indik - a name taken from the Yiddish word for turkey - is an interesting companion, and not at all what he wants to have for his holiday dinner. When Mr. Cohen, the local butcher, informs Mel and his father that Indik is too old and tough to eat, Mel is relieved, and his family discover that they can bring their own food traditions to the celebration of this new holiday...
I enjoyed Not This Turkey!, which works very well as both a Thanksgiving and as an immigrant story, and which is apparently based on the real experiences of a family named Silberklang, with whom author Jessica Steinberg is friends. As someone who spent a few years living abroad, moreover, I identified with the little author blurb on the rear dust-jacket, informing the reader that Steinberg, who currently resides in Israel, must go to great lengths to celebrate this holiday that is all but unknown in her current country of residence. This is a tale that would work especially well for vegetarian children and their families, as Indik is spared in the end, and Mel's family celebrate a turkey-less Thanksgiving. Recommended to anyone looking for new Thanksgiving tales, or stories about newly arrived Americans adjusting to life in their new country, and adopting its traditions in their own unique ways. There's even a recipe for Cranberry Apple Kugel at the rear!
I enjoyed Not This Turkey!, which works very well as both a Thanksgiving and as an immigrant story, and which is apparently based on the real experiences of a family named Silberklang, with whom author Jessica Steinberg is friends. As someone who spent a few years living abroad, moreover, I identified with the little author blurb on the rear dust-jacket, informing the reader that Steinberg, who currently resides in Israel, must go to great lengths to celebrate this holiday that is all but unknown in her current country of residence. This is a tale that would work especially well for vegetarian children and their families, as Indik is spared in the end, and Mel's family celebrate a turkey-less Thanksgiving. Recommended to anyone looking for new Thanksgiving tales, or stories about newly arrived Americans adjusting to life in their new country, and adopting its traditions in their own unique ways. There's even a recipe for Cranberry Apple Kugel at the rear!
November 28, 2017
I'm a sucker for new immigrants in a city, the story of many families including my own. I was touched by the vulnerability of the newly arrived family and the hapless turkey. It surprisingly turns out well for the turkey and the author resides in Israel, which begs the question is America such a great refuge after all.
October 16, 2018
3.5 stars --An immigrant family who has always eaten "old country" foods for Thanksgiving is bowled over when Father wins a large and very much alive turkey at his workplace raffle.
The rest of the family is on the fence about eating the turkey, however, and the youngest boy develops a special friendship with the animal and wishes to protect him. Unfortunately, Father is adamant the turkey will get the chop, and he, the son, and the turkey head to the butcher shop on Thanksgiving morning.
In a surprising twist, the butcher becomes the turkey's hero when he proclaims the bird too big, old and tough for eating, and releases him into a small poultry yard he keeps in the back of his shop. The family realizes that Thanksgiving is first and foremost about family, friendship, and love--and that they don't need to Americanize their beloved stuffed cabbage and noodle kugel holiday--they enjoy those foods just fine! There's a sweet scene where the boy is feeding his happy turkey pal the day after Thanksgiving.
There is a great sense of time, place and culture in this story, and the illustrations are a delight. Needless to say, I was extremely happy that the turkey wasn't killed and that the family realized that a turkey-free celebration can be wonderful.
On the other hand, it saddened me that Father completely ignored his son's bond with the bird and still insisted he take him to be slaughtered. A butcher's poultry yard still probably isn't the safest place for a turkey, but I get that this was long before the era of farm sanctuaries!
The rest of the family is on the fence about eating the turkey, however, and the youngest boy develops a special friendship with the animal and wishes to protect him. Unfortunately, Father is adamant the turkey will get the chop, and he, the son, and the turkey head to the butcher shop on Thanksgiving morning.
In a surprising twist, the butcher becomes the turkey's hero when he proclaims the bird too big, old and tough for eating, and releases him into a small poultry yard he keeps in the back of his shop. The family realizes that Thanksgiving is first and foremost about family, friendship, and love--and that they don't need to Americanize their beloved stuffed cabbage and noodle kugel holiday--they enjoy those foods just fine! There's a sweet scene where the boy is feeding his happy turkey pal the day after Thanksgiving.
There is a great sense of time, place and culture in this story, and the illustrations are a delight. Needless to say, I was extremely happy that the turkey wasn't killed and that the family realized that a turkey-free celebration can be wonderful.
On the other hand, it saddened me that Father completely ignored his son's bond with the bird and still insisted he take him to be slaughtered. A butcher's poultry yard still probably isn't the safest place for a turkey, but I get that this was long before the era of farm sanctuaries!
September 6, 2017
Steinberg, Jessica Not This Turkey!, illustrated by Amanda Pike. PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2016. $16.95. Content: G.
A newly-immigrated Jewish family wins a turkey in a raffle, but the turkey turns out to be nothing but trouble. Will they have the heart to eat it for Thanksgiving, or will they return to their traditional stuffed cabbage and noodle kugel?
Holiday books are a welcome addition to our school catalogue, but I can't see this one being quite as popular as many on the Thanksgiving theme. It feels overly long and wordy. It does, however, have a nice historical feel to it for classes that may wish to discuss various Thanksgiving traditions.
EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
A newly-immigrated Jewish family wins a turkey in a raffle, but the turkey turns out to be nothing but trouble. Will they have the heart to eat it for Thanksgiving, or will they return to their traditional stuffed cabbage and noodle kugel?
Holiday books are a welcome addition to our school catalogue, but I can't see this one being quite as popular as many on the Thanksgiving theme. It feels overly long and wordy. It does, however, have a nice historical feel to it for classes that may wish to discuss various Thanksgiving traditions.
EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
November 19, 2017
This charming picture book tells the story of an immigrant family’s first Thanksgiving celebration in America. When Mr. Silberklang wins the Thanksgiving raffle at his workplace, the prize is a huge, living turkey. Getting the mischievous bird home on the train, was only the beginning of this family’s holiday. Young readers will have a good time finding out just how this family adjusts their expectations and starts their own special traditions. The humorous drawings support the story wonderfully.
December 12, 2016
Story of an immigrant family with no Thanksgiving traditions. Then one year, Papa wins a turkey in a company raffle and Mama invites the family for their first Thanksgiving dinner. But the turkey is too old to eat so the butcher keeps him in the backyard with the hens and the family eats the foods that make them happy to be in America, foods from their homeland.
May 13, 2017
An immigrant family who has never celebrated Thanksgiving with a turkey unexpectedly wins a live one and ends up creating their own Thanksgiving traditions. Some of the humor is similar to Pinkwater's The Hoboken Chicken Emergency. The sentiment is similar to Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules and Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen.
October 20, 2016
When an immigrant family from Germany wins a live turkey in celebration of Thanksgiving, they try to follow the ways to celebrate this new American holiday and it's traditions, things don't turn out like they were planned.
Colorful illustrations with much to look at in them.
Colorful illustrations with much to look at in them.
November 11, 2016
Cute story. Includes recipe in back.
December 6, 2017
Yes, a bit wordy, but I will just edit out bits as I read aloud. Perfect for my second grade teachers looking for a new book to read aloud during their immigration unit the week of Thanksgiving.
July 20, 2023
A charming book encapsulating different perspectives on culture, tradition, holidays, and celebrations.
Being Jewish, Mel and his family have never celebrated Thanksgiving despite living in America for several years. Then one day, the father wins a live turkey from a raffle at work. A laugh riot ensues. The father leads the turkey home on a leash; Mel names the bird Indik, a Yiddish word for turkey, and even starts bonding with the new mate. The holiday dinner is announced, and Mel realizes the new friend is the last thing he wants on his dinner plate.
A stroll to the butcher brings the story to a humorous conclusion. Mel and his family discover a new holiday and put their own spin on it.
A book about adapting to a new country and new holidays but still being true to self! This one would appeal to all animal lovers and vegetarians too!
A recipe for Cranberry Apple Kugel at the end is an absolute treat!
Being Jewish, Mel and his family have never celebrated Thanksgiving despite living in America for several years. Then one day, the father wins a live turkey from a raffle at work. A laugh riot ensues. The father leads the turkey home on a leash; Mel names the bird Indik, a Yiddish word for turkey, and even starts bonding with the new mate. The holiday dinner is announced, and Mel realizes the new friend is the last thing he wants on his dinner plate.
A stroll to the butcher brings the story to a humorous conclusion. Mel and his family discover a new holiday and put their own spin on it.
A book about adapting to a new country and new holidays but still being true to self! This one would appeal to all animal lovers and vegetarians too!
A recipe for Cranberry Apple Kugel at the end is an absolute treat!
November 17, 2019
A great addition to my November books in the classroom. This picture book is geared towards grades 2-6. It is a bit wordy for younger readers. I have three ELL students in my classroom and I think this is a great "fish out of water" tale for them to listen too as it probably illustrates how they are feeling when they are inundated with some of the crazy American customs that we celebrate. This story begins with an immigrant family that receives a real live turkey from a raffle and brings him home. In an effort to try to fit in, they make arrangements to slaughter the turkey, only to find that they have grown close to the turkey and need to start their own traditions instead. This book is a bit wordy but has a great timeless feel that a lot of November books are lacking.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars
This book was challenging for my second grader to read aloud because of all of the names, some for people, some for places, but with support it was fine. In this story, similar to A duck for Thanksgiving, a first (or early) generation American child confronts his family's celebratory—especially culinary—traditions and how they clash with American Thanksgiving stereotypes. (This one also includes a very large turkey.... Not quite as comical as I thought it would be. Would have loved more of that since some of the situations had it naturally.) Overall, a sweet sermon on making new traditions your own and still treasuring those from the "old country."
This book was challenging for my second grader to read aloud because of all of the names, some for people, some for places, but with support it was fine. In this story, similar to A duck for Thanksgiving, a first (or early) generation American child confronts his family's celebratory—especially culinary—traditions and how they clash with American Thanksgiving stereotypes. (This one also includes a very large turkey.... Not quite as comical as I thought it would be. Would have loved more of that since some of the situations had it naturally.) Overall, a sweet sermon on making new traditions your own and still treasuring those from the "old country."
November 6, 2023
What a great book! This was a hilarious little tale (based on a true story!) about a family of German Jewish immigrants who receive a Thanksgiving turkey as a raffle prize. Unsure of what to do with a live bird, the family try to bring it home, but the young son (and our narrator) falls in love with it and doesn't want to see it end up on the dinner table.
The illustrations were great, the story was funny and heartwarming, and the resolution is one that all readers could get behind. Plus, there's a recipe for noodle kugel in the back, which I've never tried, but sounds really tasty!
The illustrations were great, the story was funny and heartwarming, and the resolution is one that all readers could get behind. Plus, there's a recipe for noodle kugel in the back, which I've never tried, but sounds really tasty!
June 8, 2021
This is a German immigrant Thanksgiving story - a family that moved to the USA 5 years ago still hadn’t celebrated Thanksgiving…until the dad wins a real live turkey at work. This is based on a true story and reads a bit like historical fiction.
The main character does not want to eat the turkey, who behaves like a pet and which the family has named Indik.
The main character does not want to eat the turkey, who behaves like a pet and which the family has named Indik.
November 27, 2018
Read this to my fifth graders. It was a great story about immigrants bringing their traditions and foods to Thanksgiving.
January 5, 2020
An interesting story about immigrants to the United States trying to celebrate Thanksgiving and the realization it’s not necessarily about the food.
May 17, 2023
Lovely illustrations.
August 2, 2025
Very funny and sweet. I always love a Jewish Brooklyn setting! Deals with themes of becoming an American, finding your own way of doing so, and compassion! V cute!
November 24, 2024
Mel and his family may have lived in America for a few years, but they had never celebrated Thanksgiving, only the Jewish holidays. When father wins a giant turkey, Mel's parents decide to have a big family Thanksgiving feast. But things don't turn out quite the way they expect. this is a charming Thanksgiving story with watercolor illustrations. although the main characters are Jewish, this is a story about individuality and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews