Turkeys in Disguise

Platt’s jaunty rhymes chronicle a group of kids’ efforts to save a local flock of turkeys from becoming dinner in this message-forward Thanksgiving book about “our friends of beak and feather.” Kids worried about the fate of a farm’s googly-eyed fowl enact a plan to disguise the threatened birds. Dressed as “Auntie June” with a string of pearls, astronaut “Beak Aldrin,” and a “sparkly unicorn,” the turkeys each miss detection. Finally, the enterprising youths wheel a suspiciously turkey-like “Farmer Byrd” around to deliver a transparent message: “All out of turkeys this year!” Crayon-like detailing gives Cleland’s over-the-top digital renderings a grade-school vibe as expressive children of various skin tones gleefully pull off their ruse. Luckily, all seem to agree: “Vegetarian-style meal?/ Think that has some great appeal!” Ages 4–8. (Sept.)