November 28th is Thanksgiving. I have several special books to celebrate with:
I was substitute teaching, and the kids asked me to read this book. I then had to add it to my library. “Turkey Troubles” by Wendi Silvano, 2009. It is a wonderful tale of how Turkey dressed up to avoid being eaten for Thanksgiving.
A little bit older is “Turkeys and Geese” by Herbert Howes, published in 1949. A book from England on how to raise these birds for some good eating!
A few more years back in time is “Profits in Poultry…Useful and Ornamental Breeds” by Orange Judd Farm Publishers, published 1887. There is a whole chapter on raising turkeys. There are many tips on turkey nests or roosts, how to fatten, how to survey the brood, how to keep from foxes, how much weight is lost after dressing…to then fill with dressing.
An even rarer treasure is “Little Nellie’s Bird Cage” by Mrs. R. Lee, published in 1860. This is a favorite book of mine. There are descriptions, illustrations, and stories of fourteen birds: ranging from Turkeys, to Hummingbirds, to Bald Eagles. A beautiful book at 164 years old!
If I may quote the author, Mrs R. Lee:
“We have been accustomed for many years to sit down…with a party of children and grandchildren, when the enormous roasted turkey, big enough to give each one a slice, is set before grandmamma, and carved by the eldest boy. No one looks more happy than the dear old lady, with her grey hair, supported on each side by a tiny grandchild, to whom she attends much more than the others, who can take care of themselves.”
“These are the remembrances which the turkey brings, and long may they continue. For although, like all others, they are connected with the lost and the absent, who are missed with sorrow and regret, the sight of the youthful, happy faces is refreshing: and the meetings thus established, form a most appropriate feast to celebrate that day.”
Thanksgiving wishes could not be stated any better. Unless…
What sound does a limping Turkey make?
Wobble, wobble.
What did the Turkey say to the computer?
Google, Google.
How did the butter(ball)finger Turkey act?
Bobble, bobble.
What did the space Turkey say?
Hubble, hubble.
What did the Turkey say to the Thanksgiving hunter?
Quack, quack.
“It’s not the minutes spent at the dinner table that makes us put on weight, it’s the seconds.”
Happy Thanksgiving.
Librarytomes 