The Great Turkey Walk: A Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Classic Story of a Boy, His Dog and a Thousand Turkeys by Kathleen Karr, Léonie Bischoff (illustrator), and Michelle Bailat-Jones was not something I expected to like as much as I did. I assumed since the original book was around 25 years old that it would be dated. But either it was updated, or the common, familiar themes were done well enough to adapt to future readers.
I do not believe I have read the novel this is based on, but I am curious about a few details and possible changes that could have been made. Things are sweet, simple, and nothing bad happens. Well, “bad things happen” but you know it will work out and is not graphic. The setting is 1860 in Kansas territory. They mention slavery and the native peoples situations, but it is done in ways that all ages could read. This allows things to be a great talking point book (how slaves and the native populations are treated). Yet, it is also a good book about trying and doing your best in the face of difficulty. Our main character, Simon, might be thought of as “Simple Simon” but he is anything but. He has a brain in that head of his, even if it is not too tightly screwed on. And with the assistance of some new friends, Simon finds a way to make his mark in the world.
Fun and bright illustrations add to the enjoyment of what boils down to a safe and sweet book. The colors really bring out the prairie, the turkeys and the individual situations. They feel classic but keep the modern reader’s attention. Perhaps best for ages 8 to 10 (with younger readers being able to access the graphic novel with assistance), though there is some action that might not be for a more sensitive reader and/or listener.