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Friday, April 11, 2014

Book Review: Quincy and the Buck by Camille Matthews; Illustrated by Michelle Black

Fears, we all have them it’s how we handle them and learn to overcome these fears that make us strong. People are not the only ones that fall prey to their own fears, bullies and wild animals that scare us. Animals sense danger and might shy away from snakes, alligators or coyotes or even deer. Meet Quincy as beautiful red horse whose coat is the color of a shiny new penny and whose mane and tail were long and shiny. Quincy was a special horse that belonged to Cam who loved riding him. His home was a small barn near a magnificent desert. Just like people have best friends so does Quincy. Quincy’s best horse pal is Beau. Their stalls were next to each other and they were able to share their thoughts with each other. Living near an apple orchard with three apple trees illustrated in the book you can practically smell the apples and yearn for a taste.

Trail riding is something that Quincy never did and hoped to learn really soon. But, he was fearful of what he might find when leaving the comforts of his farm. Next to the barn was a great place for trail riding but although he dreamed and imagined himself on a long dusty trail in the desert, hoping to feel the crunch of sand under his hooves, and the wind blowing on his mane, he was afraid. He thought long and hard about what could go wrong and what might happen when he left the safety of his corral. What would he do if he encountered a deer or even a cougar?

Friends confide in each other and Quincy confided in Beau. Beau is a really great friend and explained to him that he needed to go out and face the surprises or he will never become brave. Staying home would not make him brave and wild animals are often just as afraid of you as you are of them. So, go out and follow a more experienced horse and he should be fine.

Just like a small child or even a teen he asked himself what else could happen if he went out in the desert or even someone going away to school for the first time or taking riding lessons. Quincy had little time to ask more questions when Cam put Beau’s saddle on him and the next thing he knew he and Cathy’s with her horse Buck were on their way to a trail ride.

Quincy is a great horse and even though he was afraid he managed to follow Buck and imitate his movements. But, Buck was mean and when he realized what he was doing you have to see the look he gave him. Well you can when you go to the page opposite the word BULLY and see just what he did to make Quincy even more afraid. But, Cathy would not stand for it and Quincy learned a new word: Bully. Now, he would learn the meaning.

Enter the trail, see the Mushroom People, check out their faces and see how the tower over the desert and then watch Quincy try to walk on rocks trying not to trip or fall. Quincy really wanted to be friends with Buck but Buck would not have it and what he does will let young readers know just what happens when someone wants to be mean and is a real Bully.

Watch what Cathy does and how she tries to teach Buck a lesson and then find out what Cam does when Quincy’s bridle breaks. The magnificent illustrations tell the story in their own way for young readers that cannot read. Cathy made sure that the two horses stayed away from each other but Quincy just wanted to be friends. Friendships are special and Beau and Quincy prove to young readers that friends can help you understand your fears and overcome them. Quincy is anxious to get back out on the trail with Cam: Let’s hope she writes another adventure for him and maybe next time Buck will come along as his friend.

Fran Lewis: reviewer

  • 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: 978-0981924045

Available in Ebook and Hard Cover (only 5 available for review)

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