Over the River: A Turkey's Tale

Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale
By Derek Anderson, lyrics by Lydia Maria Child

From the Preschool Book

“Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother’s house we go
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.”

About the Preschool Book

The illustrations tell the story in Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale. Based on the traditional song by Lydia Maria Child, Derek Anderson brings the story to life with his painted illustrations. The journey of a family of turkeys to grandmother’s house includes a ferocious dog, a sledding horse, and a peaceful ending at Thanksgiving dinner!

From the Reviewer – Shelley Frost

The familiar lyrics of Over the River and Through the Woods spring to life on the pages of Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale. Lydia Maria Child surely never expected her poem to become a picture book when it was first published in 1844. Yet Anderson uses the lyrics as a launching point for his detailed illustrations to weave a story full of humor and excitement. It is a fun way to welcome the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!

Illustrations Tell the Rest of the Story

Simply reading the lyrics only offers half the story in Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale. Derek Anderson spins a humorous tale with his illustrations based on the lyrics. Preschoolers will enjoy scouring the illustrations to discover the details of this story. Subsequent readings will reveal details missed in prior readings. The illustrations provide an excellent opportunity for preschoolers to assist in telling the story, even without being able to read the words on the page. It will enable them to improve their vocabulary and story telling skills.

Suspense Around Every Corner

The turkey family unwittingly stumbles upon a hunting dog in training, just waiting to capture a turkey to earn treats from his master. The ensuing chase involves disguises, a sledding horse, and one angry grandma turkey whose prize pumpkin pie is destroyed in the melee. Preschoolers will be on the edge of their seats until the very end. They will be relieved to discover that all of the creatures make amends and share a delicious, meat-free Thanksgiving dinner at the Gobblers’ table.

Humorous Twist to Serious Lyrics

While the lyrics themselves aren’t meant to be humorous, Derek Anderson fills his illustrations with elements of humor. “The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow” is depicted quite literally with a horse walking on his hind legs, wooden sled under his “arm”. A shy scarecrow covers himself with his arms after the turkey family steals his clothes as a disguise. The turkey family lives like we do, with a table, newspapers, card games, and toys. Adults and preschoolers alike will laugh at the creative illustrations in Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale.

Educational Opportunities

Because the text of Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale is a song, this book can be either read or sung. It is a great way to teach preschoolers a traditional holiday song. This preschool book is also a great way to get preschoolers involved in telling the story. Since most of the action takes place within the pictures, preschoolers can make up the story. This helps develop their language and cognitive skills, as well as stretching their imagination. At first glance, Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale is a humorous holiday romp through the forest. Upon further inspection, a wealth of educational opportunities exist between the covers!

Book Details

Title: Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (2005)
Language:English
ISBN: 9780689876356

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