Quincy Moves to the Desert — Camille Matthews

The Quincy the Horse Books, for K- 4, are a wonderful series for children who love animals and want to learn more about them. In the second book, Quincy Moves to the Desert, Quincy and his friend, Beau, leave the comforts of home and go on a big trip across the US in a huge horse van. This is a journey of self-discovery. Quincy has his doubts about the trip until Beau explains that they are going West where there are "Trails as far as a horse can see." He is soon soaking up the sights and, to his amazement, learns that "Horses are everywhere." On the way, he sees all the jobs horses can do and dreams about his own possibilities. By the time they reach the desert, he has learned something important about himself. Full of energy and imagination, the beautifully illustrated book includes a map of the US with nine highlighted states. Author Camille Matthews encourages young readers to get to know Quincy on a personal level by exploring his attempts to sort out the world around him in more depth than might be usual in a children's picture book. She does this through discussions of his feelings, his concerns and observations, his use of imagination and fantasy, his tendency to ask questions, and by permitting him to ask important questions of his mentor and friend, Beau. In keeping with the theme of in depth experience, the artistic style of illustrator Michelle Black is realistic but at the same time rich with color and detail. Her illustrations fulfill the concept of the picture book as a child's first experience of art. She successfully alternates soothing still life images, sensitive depictions of Quincy's emotions, and complex and dramatic paintings of action and landscapes. If there is one aspect of the Quincy the Horse Series that makes it worth a look, it is the vibrant artwork of the illustrations. The series is also appropriate for children bridging the gap between picture books and chapter books. Winner of the Mom's Choice Gold and Tillywig Toy Award for 2011.