From Kirkus Reviews:
Gobble, gobble! Grab this farmyard story full of Valentine’s Day puns.
The animals on Farmer Jake’s farm are exchanging valentines. Delighted by a card from a secret admirer (“You are like no otter!”), Turkey decides to make clever valentines and surreptitiously deliver them to the other animals. Luckily, he has some punny inspiration for perfect Valentine’s Day messages. “You’re purr-fect.” “You’re dog-gone delightful.” “You’re toad-ally awesome!” As Turkey dons a different disguise for each delivery, the story offers a refrain that young listeners will soon chant. “His costume wasn’t bad. In fact, Turkey looked just like a cat…almost.” (The refrain changes slightly with each disguise.) Unfortunately, the other animals always recognize Turkey and greet him with a pun. But the animals also compliment his valentine and help to create a pun for his next one. Sadly, the animals always know who the valentines are from, so Turkey decides to “gobble, gobble, give up!” Returning home to read his own valentines, Turkey has an idea, and he quickly creates a festive and delicious surprise for the Valentine’s dance. Readers will have to decide if Turkey has finally managed to surprise the other animals. Boldfaced puns within the story are easy to spot, and Turkey’s cards also feature puns along with adorable illustrations. Detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations bring to life a farm filled with loving friends and highlight Turkey’s clever and ever changing costumes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community. (Picture book. 4-7)
From School Library Journal:
PRES-GR 1—This sixth book in the “Turkey Trouble” series contains humorous scenes from a wintry farmyard. It’s Valentine’s Day, and Turkey has been inspired to give all the animals on Farmer Jake’s farm anonymous, punny Valentine cards. Using materials he finds around the farm, Turkey disguises himself as different animals so his friends won’t know who put the cards in their mailboxes. Unfortunately, due to lost tail feathers and other unexpected developments, Turkey’s true identity is revealed. But his friends don’t mind. They want to help him succeed, so they offer their assistance in the form of puns, delivery, and ideas on who Turkey should surprise next. Each animal is adorable and created with unique, memorable facial features and bodies. The animals’ acceptance of and love for each other is obvious in their expressions and dialogue. This book works as an introduction to puns, as well.
VERDICT A must-have for any size library: school, public, or home.
