Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.Com
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Mr. Ratburn chooses Arthur for the prestigious job of Director for the Thanksgiving play. Arthur's first job will be to assign parts. Everyone has his own idea of which part they want, but no one wants the Turkey part. With the reputation that Turkeys have, who would want to be a Turkey? One kid says, "I wouldn't be caught DEAD in that outfit." Arthur is going to have to think fast. Thanksgiving is almost here, and all the other parts in the play are filled.

He tries everything, even announcing over the school PA system that "the best part in the Thanksgiving play is still open,'' but, no one comes to the office to claim the part.

He has other problems with the play too: one girl is a whiner, and a boy can't remember his lines. Arthur finally gets everything under control...and the Turkey part of the play is a big surprise to everyone.

Marc Brown's illustrations are fanciful and expressive animal children, and his Arthur is a favorite character of children everywhere. You can count on Brown to give kids a good story with just enough suspense and laughs galore. It's so much fun to read together, and try to figure out what is going to happen next.