Desert Friends: Travels with the Pack, Second Edition, Available on Amazon

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?

About the Author – Linda Harkey

Linda Harkey is an accomplished author with a rich background in education and storytelling. Over a span of 22 years, she devoted her time as a volunteer docent at two esteemed museums in Oklahoma – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa. Through this commitment, she designed programs tailored for children and interacted with numerous young minds during engaging presentations at museums and local schools. Linda's impressive body of work includes ten children's books, including "Desert Friends," which has earned her a series of notable awards. She has also been featured in renowned magazines like American Kennel Club Gazette, OKC Pets Magazine, Tulsa Pets Magazine, and Story Monsters Ink. With multiple accolades to her name, Linda's dedication to inspiring and educating young readers shines brightly in her writing. She and her husband, Michael, have two children and three grandchildren. They currently live in Ocate Mesa in New Mexico.

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.

About the Publisher – Story Monsters Press

Story Monsters Press, an imprint of Story Monsters LLC, is a publisher of children’s books that offer hope, value differences, and build character. Each book also includes a curriculum guide complementing the story for parents and educators to use with young readers.

What other folks are saying…

5 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟 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 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

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “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 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