Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Picture Book Review: Quincy and Buck

 When I was a kid I lived next to an empty field where my neighbors kept their horses. My favorite times were feeding, petting, and riding Applesauce and Apricot. Yes, I grew up where we had orchards.
I have always loved the beauty, intelligence, and grace of horses. I rode as a teenager with a friend of mine up and down The Virgin River, and with my foster kids on a ranch. It is a love I have wished my kids had, but hasn't been of much interest to them.
In Quincy and Buck, a picture book for 5-7 year old's, I was reminded of my love for the animals and the influence books can have on kids' interest in things.
A good friend of mine described the pictures in this book. The life-like animations of the horses, the colorful scenery, and the expressions of the horses. Yes animals have expressions and these horses conveyed the lessons the author was telling her readers about. The link between the horses and the real life trials of kids was well-done while teaching kids a little more about horses. Quincy's fears as well as his triumphs were clear through the telling of the story.
If you have a love of animals and want your kids to share it with you, "Quincy and Buck" is a great story.
Author Camille Matthews and Illustrator Michelle Black, Creators of the Quincy The children’s books,  follow Quincy as he navigates challenges that kids will find familiar.  Quincy often has self-doubts but his willingness to get out in the world and learn new things makes each of his adventures an exciting journey.

Camille Matthews and Michelle Black are equestrians and have done just about everything with horses; but they agree that the creation of the Quincy the Horse Books for kids is their favorite project.

The real Quincy who inspired the stories is an American quarter horse. He lives with Camille and does equine therapy at Pathfinder Farm near Reading PA. In Quincy’s third adventure, Quincy and Buck, Quincy tries to overcome his fears about “surprises waiting for horses out on the trail” by going on his first
trail ride. Quincy’s main concern is the wild animals he might meet but the real challenge turns out to be another horse.
Buck, the horse he hopes will be his trail buddy and guide him, turns out to be a bully who is dangerous!Quincy learns some important things about dealing with a bully.


Important details about this book are-
Age Range: 5 - 7 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
Series: Quincy the Horse Books
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Pathfinder Equine Publications (March 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981924042
ISBN-13: 978-09819240455
And as an added bonus...Here is the book trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqCWapSlSKo

2 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for your review of Quincy and Buck. I was very touched by your memories of Applesauce and Apricot. In New Mexico where we lived, a girl named Samantha used to come over
    after school and groom and ride Quincy. She is grown up now but still follows us on Facebook!

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    1. There is something magical and endearing about these beautiful animals. Reading the book was a pleasure, Thank You.

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