TURKEY'S SANDTASTIC BEACH DAY

Will Turkey ever be able to enjoy the beach?

Farmer Jake has set up a petting zoo on the beach boardwalk for the Summer Children’s Festival. All the animals are “happy to be there….Mostly.” But Turkey wants to leave the enclosure and explore. “I’ve never even had a chance to walk on a beach!” he exclaims. “So…long time, no sea?” chuckles Rooster. “Baaaad joke!” says Sheep. More delightfully groanworthy puns are sprinkled throughout the story as Turkey, helped by his farm friends, attempts to sneak onto the beach. First, Turkey disguises himself as a crab with beach ball eyes, a life-preserver body, and toy shovel claws. “Turkey looked just like a crab…almost.” Turkey scuttles to the water but is soon discovered by the lifeguard and guided back to the petting zoo. Turkey also becomes a seashell, a surfer, and a shark. Unfortunately, his costumes don’t fool the lifeguard or Farmer Jake. When Farmer Jake falls asleep, Rooster has the “gobbledy-great idea” of entering the sand-sculpture contest. Turkey’s dream comes true when the animals’ “Turkey Town” sculpture wins the grand prize—a free stay at a house on their own private beach. Cartoon illustrations featuring sandy beiges and ocean blues add humor through exaggerated facial expressions and the details of Turkey’s costumes. Farmer Jake and the lifeguard present White; other humans are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Beachgoers will appreciate this funny, punny day by the shore.