When I Was a Turkey

A middle-grade adaptation of the true story of a naturalist who raised a flock of wild turkeys using imprinting: “Young nature lovers will gobble this up.” —Kirkus Reviews

After a local farmer left a bowl of wild turkey eggs on Joe Hutto’s front porch, his life was forever changed. Hutto incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. Deep in the wilds of Florida’s Flatlands, Hutto spent each day living as a turkey mother, taking on the full-time job of raising sixteen turkey chicks. For two years, Hutto dutifully cared for his family, roosting with them, taking them foraging, and immersing himself in their world. In return, they taught him how to see the world through their eyes. Here is the remarkable true story of a man with a singular gift to connect with nature.

“Fascinating . . . Guiberson has written many good science books for children. Hutto’s precise, shaded pencil drawings illustrate his story along with two maps and a section of photos. An unusual, engaging choice for animal-lovers.” —Booklist

“The text reads easily and is liberally illustrated with his excellent pencil drawings . . . Well done, and should be a first choice for libraries.” —School Library Journal (starred review)