Book Description

This illustrated children's book is based on the true story of a wild turkey who wandered into the town of Wethersfield, Connecticut in August of 2017 and who residents and tourists alike nicknamed Kevin. He migrated from one side of Old Wethersfield to another, and for several months paraded around the main intersection of the town's historic district. It is the largest historic district in the state. Kevin must have been looking for a mate, because he was constantly attracted to his own image reflecting in both the shiny wheels of trucks and cars, as well as reflecting his own image in glass windows of both vehicles and buildings. He was a source of frustration for some people, but most folks learned to be patient. He came to be loved by many people, both children as well as adults. He was photographed constantly, a Facebook page was created for him, and people even put out signs saying things like "Vote Kevin for Mayor" and the slogan "Eat more fish." He was eventually removed by the State of CT's Wildlife Management for the bird's own safety, before Thanksgiving of 2017. This was because he was nearly killed by a town's snowplow during an early snowstorm in November and close calls with other large vehicles as he began to wander occasionally past the Department of Motor Vehicles and towards the busy Silas Deane Highway. Kevin the Turkey, both the actual bird as well as our children's book, serve as an inspiration to both children and adults to learn to share the road, be patient, and appreciate the wildlife here in beautiful New England. Children can learn from this story and their parents about the importance of sharing, being thankful, and respecting wildlife, along with other life lessons. This book fills a huge void in the children's literature, for there are few if any inspirational, illustrated books tied to the special messages all kinds of people of all ages can learn based around the Thanksgiving holiday.