The Great Turkey Walk

The Great Turkey Walk: A Graphic Novel, follows the story of the great turkey walk book with the addition of fantastic illustrations to bring it to life. My memory of the original book is a little fuzzy as I haven't read it since I was a child, but I loved this edition. It was great to see the adventure of Simon and his crew as they take the turkeys across multiple state lines for a big payoff. I particularly liked the illustrations during the storm of locusts LOL.

Overall, this was a super charming story, and this adaption will appeal to middle grade readers today. Content warning for instances of racism, alcoholism, and general abuse.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kathleen Karr, and Helvetiq for the chance to review this advance copy!

This is an absolute treasure of a historical fiction story. Simon Green just isn’t good at school, but his teacher tells him that everyone has a talent, and he has to find his. Turns out he is good with animals, so decides to see what he can do with that information. When he discovers that a local farmer wants to get rid of his turkeys, he offers to buy them, and walk them from Missouri to Denver.

Full of evil people and good people, that he meets along the way, Simon may not be booksmart, but he is people smart, and reads them well enough to know when some are bad, and when some are good.

I love how he does this too. Talking through, exploring and letting each new friend he meets along the way to find out their special talent.
I thought, as I always do, that I would just peak at this book, and found I wanted to devour it in one sitting.

I love Simon, and cheer for him, all through the adventure.

This book is coming out on the 8th of October. Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

As far fetched as it seems this story is a work of historical fiction. In the 1800’s walking was the mode of transporting livestock, yes even huge flocks of turkeys.
Simon Green is not the greatest student as he’s just completed third grade for the fourth time. At this point Simon is promoted out of school. His teacher believes in him and tells him that everyone has a talent. He just needs to find his. Turns out he’s good with animals, so Simon decides to see what he can do with that possible talent. He learns a local farmer wants to get rid of his turkeys, so he offers to buy them, and walk them from Missouri to Denver. A thousand birds!

As life goes, he meets good and evil people along the way. Another talent of Simon is that even though he may not be book-smart, he is people smart, and reads them well enough to know when some are bad, and when some are good.

You will love and respect some of the characters and some you will loathe.

I love Simon, cheered for him, and held my breath for him in the sticky situations all through his adventure.

The artwork is engaging, heartfelt and hugely effective in conveying the messages of this story.

Tumble back in time to this crazy adventure of twists, turns and gumption! This graphic novel is quick to pull readers in and take them on a journey west with a motley crew of turkey wranglers, Indians, thieving circus performers, and faithful friends. 5 stars/3rd grade and up. The artwork is engaging and emotional. The lines that direct the dialogue to the character speaking is incredibly effective.

I have never read the original chapter book this graphic novel is based on; however, I cannot wait to get my hands on it after reading the graphic novel! It moved at a fast past while not rushing through pivotal scenes. It captured perfectly found family. I appreciated how student today can relate with it while also learning about life in the past.

This is a cute story, it's a redone of a classic story. It's about a boy who isn't very bright but his teacher thinks it's time for him to get out in the world because everyone has a talent and she doesn't think he will find his in the school house. He comes up with the idea of walking a lot of turkeys to Denver to sell them for a larger price and they face many challenges along the way.

Originally published in 1998, "The Great Turkey Walk" is being republished as a graphic novel this October. Set in the late-1800s, it begins as 15-year-old Simon has just finished the third grade for the fourth time, and his teacher politely "graduates him." After a series of chance meetings, unexpected events, and impressive negotiating skills on Simon's end, Simon sets out on an adventure with a rag tag group and 1,000 turkeys.

I love the educational value in discussing 19th-century Westward expansion and pioneer life. Beyond that, Simon's character is such an important role model for young readers. Despite facing doubt from others about his intelligence, Simon perseveres and ultimately triumphs.

Simon's journey is an inspiring narrative for young readers, particularly those who may be struggling to discover and reach their full potential.

Time to share my weekly children’s book reviews. My kids get so excited to see what books I have to read before naps, bedtime, or at breakfast. There are some really cute ones to add to your children’s summer reading book lists!

Scooper and Dumper and the Pumpkin Parade by Lindsay Ward comes out July 8th. My three boys loved the trucks adventures with the pumpkins.

A Rubbish Journey by Jonah Rideout was a really cute chapter book my daughter loved. The story was fun, and entertaining. It comes out June 24.

Keep Trucking by Raven Howell was an adorable book. The illustrations were super cute and my boys again loved the truck story. It comes out May 10.

Ain’t It Funny by Margaret Gurevich was another fun chapter book about following your dreams. My daughter really enjoyed this one. It comes out October 14.

What Are They Feeling by the School of Life is one that is so sweet and great to explain emotions. The kids and I had some fun conversations to follow this one. It comes out September 11.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Kar is a wonderful story of friendship, and takes you back to 1860. It comes out October 7.

Hailma Superhero Princess by Emily Joof was adorable. The storyline and illustrations were very exciting for the kids. It comes out September 2.

The Sun Never Hurries by Roxane Turcotte was my favorite. Such a precious story and the illustrations were darling. It comes out June 24.

Make a Little Wave by Kerry O’Malley Cerra is a really exciting story! My daughter said this was her favorite. She loved the characters. It comes out September 30.

To Mimi’s House We Go by Susan Meissner was another of my favorite. The story, the pictures, the adventure it took you on was absolutely precious. A fun one for the holidays. Comes out Sept 9.

Leonardo Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez-Vegara was a cute story! My kids love to learn new things and these are always so full of knowledge to take away. It comes out August 5.

Fall Feast by Sean Taylor made our family very excited for playing in the leaves. It comes out August 5.

Diwali by Sital Gorasia Chapman was such a good one for kids to learn about another culture. It comes out August 5.

I enjoyed reading this version of The Great Turkey Walk. I love how we are getting classics in a form that is more accessible and understandable for a younger crowd.