Did you know that a turkey’s snood can change color depending upon their emotions? I didn’t either until I read local Lake County author Lori Armstrong’s children’s book Bubbly Jock and the Thanksgiving Fallacy. It’s the story of Bubbly Jock Jack, a turkey living on an organic farm complete with corn mazes and goat yoga. There Jack spends his days following the farmer on his rounds, playing with the farmer’s children, and pecking grain from the visiting kids’ hands. He leads an idyllic life until he overhears something that makes him question everything.
“Too bad he’s going to be the main course for Thanksgiving dinner,” a girl casually laughs to her friend. Bubbly Jock Jack’s terrified. Could it be? Is he really destined to be eaten? The thought shakes him to his core.
He heads off to his relatives. “I am telling you,” Jack says desperately, “The only reason we live on this farm is because they want to eat us.”
“Nonsense!” they reply. “We have lived on this farm for two years, and not one of us has been eaten for dinner! Stop this foolish talk! You are frightening the poults.” (Poults are baby turkeys, something else I learned in this book.)
Confused and angry, Jack flies up to roost in a tree. There he visualizes all the different types of animals on Cluck Cluck Farm: the chickens, the goats, the dogs, and the bees all have special purposes. But what’s the purpose of Bubbly Jocks? That’s the question that the book answers; you’ll have to read it to find out.
Author Lori Armstrong wrote this book with intention: “Through struggles, judgment and doubt from others may Bubbly Jock leave you feeling inspired, strong and capable. Realize you have your own unique talents and direction,” she writes. “You always have.”
Bubbly Jock Jack and the Thanksgiving Fallacy is more than just a story about Thanksgiving. It’s a story about finding out who we are and how we fit into the world.
To that end, Lori encourages thoughtful interaction with her book. At the end, she provides a list of questions to promote discussion and links to resources and recipes. She provides worksheets and activities on her website as well. It completes the book and leaves room for self-discovery.
You can get a copy of Lori’s book on Amazon. But, as Lori says, “It is important to give back to the community.” So, if you have the chance, pick up a copy for $12.99 at any one of these local businesses. You can also borrow a copy from the Lake County Libraries.
1. Watershed Books
305 N Main Street, Lakeport
2. Infinity Boutique
568 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport
3. Under the Sun Garden Supply: Lakeport
92 Suite F Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport ( forgot the Suite #)
4. Under the Sun Garden Supply: Upper Lake
9425 Suite B Main Street
