The Great Turkey Chase Begins
I avoid chaos whenever possible. Especially during the holidays when things can get out of hand. Yet there I was, chasing down a runaway turkey through the pages of Adam Wallace’s How to Catch a Turkey. As if the holidays aren't crazy enough. This festive picture book from the bestselling How to Catch series turns a simple school day into a full-blown turkey chase when the star of the Thanksgiving play gets a bad case of stage fright and bolts. What follows is a wild romp through the halls, classrooms, and gymnasium as students try to capture the clever bird before showtime. It’s a zany, rhyme-filled romp that captures the excitement (and slight madness) of pre-holiday classroom life.
Turkey on the Loose: My Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully chaotic about this story. It’s equal parts slapstick comedy and clever creativity. The rhyming text moves at just the right pace, inviting kids to guess where the turkey might dash next. I read in the reviews that one teacher’s students loved following the turkey around the school and guessing its next stop, using the story to practice who, what, when, where, and how questions. That’s the magic of a great read-aloud. It becomes a game everyone can play. Meet the Master of Mischief (About the Author) Adam Wallace has built a reputation for turning curiosity into comedy. With the How to Catch series, he invites kids to think like inventors and problem-solvers, while laughing all the way through. His rhyming rhythm is fast, funny, and easy to follow, making his books a favorite for classroom and bedtime alike. Wallace’s genius lies in his ability to turn chaos into connection. Kids recognize themselves in the resourceful (if slightly overzealous) characters who are determined to outsmart a turkey, unicorn, or leprechaun. Feathered Funnies in Full Color (About the Illustrator) Andy Elkerton’s illustrations are the heartbeat of this story—vibrant, animated, and full of humor. Every page bursts with motion: feathers flying, traps springing, students scheming. You can almost hear the giggles of kids who spot new details on every reread. His art is fun, adventurous, in motion, and perfect for the Thanksgiving season. Elkerton’s style makes the turkey feel like a character you’re rooting for, not running from. 
The STEM-y Side of the Story How to Catch a Turkey may be a silly chase story on the surface, but underneath the feathers lies a STEM goldmine. Teachers have used this book as a launchpad for engineering challenges, from building turkey traps from classroom materials to coding exercises in Makerspaces where students program robots to “catch” the runaway bird. The story naturally invites kids to think critically: What kind of trap might actually work? What materials would you use? What steps do you need to take to test and redesign? It’s hands-on problem-solving disguised as pure fun—and that’s exactly what STEM learning should feel like. A Lesson from a Flighty Friend (The SEL Element) Before the chase begins, our turkey isn’t running because of mischief—he’s running because of fear. Stage fright hits him hard, and every child who’s ever been nervous before a performance will recognize that flutter in their own chest. Through humor and empathy, the story shows that even the most fearful moments can turn into unexpected adventures. And in the end, the turkey’s courage, along with the students’ understanding, shine brighter than any Thanksgiving feast. It’s a gentle SEL reminder that fear is normal, laughter can soften it, and sometimes, being brave just means showing up. A Feathered Finish How to Catch a Turkey is a lively Thanksgiving read-aloud that blends humor, heart, and hands-on learning. It’s not meant to tug at deep emotions. It’s meant to spark imagination, laughter, and creativity, which it does beautifully. Perfect for ages 4 and up, this book is ideal for classrooms, family reading time, or anyone looking to mix a little science and silliness into their Thanksgiving traditions. It’s the perfect blend of feathers, fun, and festive STEM mischief—and a delightful way to celebrate the season with your little learners. No turkeys were harmed in the making of this review—though a few giggle fits were definitely caught. Gobble Up a Giveaway Want to bring a little turkey trouble to your own bookshelf? Enter for a chance to win a copy of How to Catch a Turkey! Just leave a message in the comments below about your favorite Thanksgiving activity or memory. Step into Story: Curious Minds, Feathery Finds Ready to chase down some fun of your own? Below, you’ll find a collection of hands-on activities, STEM challenges, and creative prompts that pair perfectly with How to Catch a Turkey. Each link leads to an external site where loaded with projects, crafts, and Thanksgiving fun to extend the story experience. Author Adam Wallace Illustrator Andy Elkerton I'm the Chef, Too: The Great Turkey Escape: Your Guide to a Trap a Turkey STEM Activity. Teacher's Wonderland: How to Catch a Turkey Stem Project Little Bins, Little Hands: Turkey Escape STEM Challenge Left Brain, Craft Brain: Thanksgiving Stem: Circuit Turkeys Friends Art Lab: Fizzy Turkey Thanksgiving Science Mama Smiles: Turkey Gobble Thanksgiving Science for Kids
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AuthorCindy Lynn Sawyer is an author with a passion for helping to build better futures for kids through STEM and SEL reading adventures. Subscribe
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