This often underappreciated bird gets his due in Arnosky's funny homage. Tom is part of a large flock of wild turkeys ("We putt and peep and squawk and squabble. Talking turkey. Gobble, gobble"). Turkey life has its downsides (" 'cuz lots of critters find us... tasty!"), but Arnosky's naturalistic acrylics imbue the birds with, if not quite majesty, lots of personality. Though Tom does suggest "the very next turkey that you see/ might be from my flock. It might be me!" no allusions are made to Thanksgiving-this is a treat for any time of year. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Like his previous book-and-song combo, Gobble It Up! (2008), Arnosky's latest picture book brings together the author-illustrator's love of nature, music, and accurate depictions. For this outing (the song is downloadable from the Scholastic Web site), Arnosky takes the role of a young wild turkey named Tom. Accompanied by acoustic-guitar strumming, he sings about life in his flock of 102, imparting both facts (his weight, his flight speed) and a cheerful mood ( But not to worry, we keep surviving, / And our numbers keep on multiplying ). Arnosky's illustrations manage to be both autumnal and bright, except when he shows the birds huddling together on one spread, wary and on the lookout for predators. But they generally are a friendly bunch, and Arnosky gives them personality and charm. On the last page, Tom invites his audience to introduce themselves next time they see a wild-turkey flock We'll be talking turkey. Children may well be singing turkey, too.--Nolan, Abby Copyright 2009 Booklist

Although not a Thanksgiving book per se, this title is seasonally timed to find its way onto many a display. Following on Gobble It Up: A Fun Song About Eating (2009), Arnosky delivers another picture-book folksong, "sung" to the tune of the classic "Talking Blues" (available via download). The amiable turkey narrator emphasizes turkey communication"We PUTT and PEEP and SQUAWK and SQUABBLE / Talking turkey. / Gobble, / Gobble"along with other turkey facts. The master's sense of humor and fine eye for wildlife detail is evident in every ruffled feather as the birds strut, snooze and even fly (at 50 miles per hour). The information slides down oh-so-easily in this good-natured nature romp. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.