Desert Friends: Travels With the Pack, Second Edition

by Linda Harkey, Mike Minick (Illustrator)

Second Activities included for parents and teachers

Animal friends in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona are found in all sizes, shapes, and colors. 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. The force of the water sweeps Tripod away. Who will come to his rescue? What will happen when the Great One (the dogs’ human hunter) arrives?

Genres: Childrens

45 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2023

Reviews

[Pamela Rappaport morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning about desert animals has never been so fun! Ms. Harkey creates an information-packed story about two desert creatures who are great friends and enjoy time together. A roadrunner and a gambles quail have a wonderful day spending time together, learning about adaptations they have in order to survive the harsh desert landscape. During their adventures, listeners learn about these birds’ chosen diet, ways they stay safe and reasons why they walk a certain way or where for that matter.
Sharing food? No way. One is a vegetarian and one is a carnivore. Safety? Let’s help each other! The animals learn from each other about desert anomalies, new animal encounters, and so much more.
Ms. Harkey really creates a great opportunity for kids to learn about the desert in a fun and exciting adventure. No memorizing facts here! Jeremiah Acevedo’s narration is fun and lively, keeping the listeners engaged as the story unfolds. This is a fun book for children to learn about desert animals.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out in Desert Friends is not just the talking animals but the sense of place. The Sonoran Desert isn’t background scenery—it’s an active character, shaping every choice the animals make. Rodney and Quincy’s exchanges are lighthearted yet reveal practical truths about adaptation, food, and safety in a tough environment. The story blends real desert science with imaginative voices, creating a bridge between fact and wonder. This book is ideal for children who love learning about animals through playful storytelling, and for adults who enjoy sharing nature’s lessons in a way that feels both authentic and fun.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rodney, a roadrunner, and Quincy, a Gambel’s quail, are best friends and live in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. They spend the days racing and learning about each other.
One day, they meet two hunting dogs, and one of them has an accident.
I loved this book because it teaches us about two very different animals being friends. Besides that, it also teaches us about their customs, what they eat, how they keep warm on cold nights, the different kinds of cactus, etc.
I like the end of the book with the vocabulary and fun facts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Lambkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two different types of birds who may live in the same state and areas but have learned how to be buddies, pals.

I found this book to be interesting, informative and showing people how they could learn how to better get along with others if different tastes and backgrounds. Therefore, I believe others, young or older could learn how to better get along with one another. So, I figured this should be rated as a five star book. Terrific work author and illustrator.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book that is full of interesting facts. The pictures are wonderful and fairly true to the desert color. Great vocabulary builder.

[Hyacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with adventure. Rodney and Quincy had me crying tears of laughter when they were not moving while thinking the hunter could not see them. I t reminded me of a movie that I watched years ago, lol! So funny. I also liked that the Tripod was also useful even though he was missing a leg.