Turkey Hurly-Burly by Annelies Judson

Miss Burton's class is on the hunt for a perfect classroom pet - something quirky and fun. When they finally convince their teacher turkeys will be perfect, chaos takes flight. Soon the entire school is caught up in the mayhem, as the runaway flock causes mayhem.

This is an energetic and fast-paced rhyming adventure, bursting with fun. 

I read this to a new entrant classroom and there was a riot of giggles from start to finish. Author Annelies Judson uses rhyme and rhythm to great effect. There's a lot of lovely language features to explore too - with unknown words like devastation, monumental and immense, as well as plenty of alliteration.

Illustrator Nikki Slade Robinson brings the feathered frenzy to life with playful, energetic artwork. Each page bursts with charm and character with both birds and people captured in wonderful facial expressions and body gestures.

Slade Robinson captures the "breakneck bird ballet" perfectly in a bold graphic illustration repeated across three pages. 

The story won the 2024 Storylines Joy Cowley award, and it's easy to see why. It's a rollicking, fun and entertaining story that nails its audience perfectly. 

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic