In this sequel to Turkey Trouble (2009), a comical turkey again avoids being the main dish at a holiday dinner.
This time, Turkey decides to travel to the North Pole to deliver his Christmas wish to Santa in person. Turkey’s wish? A heartfelt plea that he not be eaten for Christmas dinner. On arrival at the North Pole, Turkey is prevented from seeing Santa by some protective elves, so the clever bird tries various disguises to get past the elf gatekeepers. He dresses up like a Christmas tree, a reindeer, a candy cane and Mrs. Claus, but the elves catch on to Turkey’s minimal disguises every time. Finally, Turkey hides inside a Christmas package and manages to talk to Santa, who provides Turkey with a Santa suit of his own. Santa delivers Turkey back to his farm, and Turkey delivers pizza, cookies and candy canes to his farm family on Christmas Eve. The plot is only mildly humorous, and the jokes are rather lame, although Turkey’s earnest, geeky personality and silly costumes are amusing. The cartoon-style illustrations are a bit washed-out, particularly Santa’s suit, which is painted in a muted burgundy that looks almost purple.
Not a complete turkey, but close. (Picture book. 4-8)
