
In Desert Friends Rodney, a roadrunner and his best friend, Quincy, a Gambel’s quail, spend days racing each other through dry creek beds called arroyos. One day Rodney and Quincy meet two hunting dogs–Gator and his three-legged buddy, Tripod. Danger surrounds the four friends as a thunderstorm sends tremendous amounts of muddy water down the arroyo.
This second edition of Desert Friends includes fun and educational activities for teachers and parents to share with their readers! First edition is also available.
Reached #1 Rankings on Amazon for:
Children’s survival story e-books
Children’s animal action and adventure
Children’s bird books (Kindle store)
Listen to the Audiobook at Barnes & Noble!
About the Illustrator – Mike Minick
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mike Minick is a skilled graphic designer and illustrator. Mike's collaboration with Linda Harkey in "Desert Friends" showcases his knack for capturing the essence of adventure and friendship through engaging visuals. Mike is currently residing in Tulsa with his wife, Joey, and his two children.
Publisher: Story Monsters LLC (September 6, 2023)
Language: English
Paperback: 45 pages
ISBN-10: 1589852966
ISBN-13: 978-1589852969
Reading age: 6 - 10 years
Item Weight: 5.1 ounces
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.11 x 8.5 inches
PRAISE
5 Stars! “I just love the illustrations in Desert friends travels with the pack. The 3D look accents the characters on each page. Who are the desert friends? A roadrunner and a quail learn all about each other as they travel through the Sonoran Desert. They are each very different as Rodney the roadrunner loves to dine on a Blonde Tarantula and Quincy the Quail dines on his special honey mesquite tree in which he calls his bean pod delight. What do the two do when their friends the hunting dogs Gator and Tripod show up with the Great One? You'll have to read Desert Friends to find out how they handle the sudden weather change in the Arroya. I highly recommend Linda Harkey's adventure book for your home and classroom library. She has enclosed lesson plans and vocabulary building in the back of the book to help build lessons about the desert.
—Dr. Dawn Menge,
“A cute story and delightful characters. I learned some things about hunting, quails and Roadrunners that I didn’t know. The illustrations were well done. The story was fun and exciting, especially when poor Tripod, a hunting dog was swept away by rushing water. Looking forward to more stories by this author and illustrator. Quite educational “
I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. My review is unbiased and my own opinion.”
—Susan F, Reviewer
A desert adventure with your best pals. I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out with Rodney the roadrunner and Quincy the quail? These two are like the coolest desert buddies ever, and their adventures are so much fun!
What I love about this book is that it's not just a story; it's like a lesson in friendship, courage, and unity. Linda Harkey's storytelling is so cool, and the way she teaches us about roadrunners and quails is awesome. But the best part? Mike Minick's illustrations are amazing! They make the desert and the characters come alive. So, if you're a kid (or a kid at heart) and want to go on a desert adventure with some awesome friends, you've got to read Desert Friends" It's like a treasure hunt for fun and learning!
—Sue E, Reviewer
“A delightful children's book that offers a heartwarming journey into the Sonoran Desert. Through the charming characters of Rodney the roadrunner and Quincy the quail, young readers are introduced to the themes of friendship, courage, and unity. Linda's storytelling is engaging and filled with valuable life lessons, making it a perfect read for children aged 6-10.
Mike Minick's illustrations are amazing, which bring the characters and the desert landscape to life in a vivid and captivating way. Desert Friends is not just a story; it's an educational adventure that teaches kids about the unique individuality of roadrunners and quails, all while entertaining them with memorable escapades.”
—Abigail L, Librarian
AWARDS
• Next Generation Indie Book Awards // Finalist: Activity Book (all ages)
• Next Generation Indie Book Awards // Finalist: Animals/Pets
• NYC Big Book Award // Distinguished Favorite: Children's-Animals/Pets Category
• Switzerland Film Fest and Screenplay Competition // Best Original Story
• Independent Press Award // Distinguished Favorite: Children's-Animals/Pets
• Lyons International Film Festival (Lyon, France) // Best Original Story