Turkey Day! This is the Turkey...

We're stuck in the house... and I mean stuck. For two days a nor'easter has howled outside, essentially locking us in the house. The city is shut down and we're beginning to lose our minds. Needless to say, this situation called for a craft! And of course lots of books...

The Book - This Is the Turkey by Abby Levine

Max helps his mom pick out the turkey for Thanksgiving Day, a "turkey to shout about". Family and friends arrive at the house with all the fixin's and sit down at a beautifully spread table to share in the delicious meal. Everything is perfect until Max inadvertently causes the turkey to land in the fish tank! Is Thanksgiving ruined?

The rhymes are contrived and the illustrations are nothing special, but I like the message of this little story. Max is heartbroken over the ruined turkey, but his tears are quickly stopped by his grandfather's assurances that everything is okay. The table is still laden with food, friends and family stand ready to enjoy each other's company, and it may even be the "best Thanksgiving yet." With all the craziness that can occur during the holidays, and our own desires for things to be perfect, it's good to remind our kids (and ourselves) that it's all about quality time with those we love.

The Craft - Paper Bag Turkey



I found this craft in a magazine years ago. It's an easy project that makes a great centerpiece for the "kids table" on Thanksgiving.

What you'll need:

• 1 grocery-sized brown paper bag
• 1 lunch-sized brown paper bag
• newspaper
• feather duster
  
• construction paper
• 1 red balloon

1. Turn the large paper bag inside out to hide any writing on the outside. Stuff with crumpled up newsprint. (Little Page really enjoyed this part. She's a world-class crumpler!)
   
   
2. Tie the bag together inserting the feather duster for the tail.
   
   
   
3. Stuff the small paper bag with newspaper and tie off to create a head. Make a slit in the body of the turkey and insert the head. You might need to wiggle and smush to get it on just right.
   
   
4. Cut out circles for the eyes and a diamond shape for the beak. Hot glue on eyes, balloon and beak (in that order). You now have your very own turkey to shout about!
   
   

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