This gorgeous book for young readers is set in the colourful American southwest. Quincy, a bright red Quarter Horse, is inexperienced and takes advice from an older friend at his stable. He is afraid of all the wild creatures that he might meet on a trail ride. The knowledgeable horse Beau tells him that rattlesnakes and coyotes would prefer to get out of his way than harm him, and the dangers come from other sources.

QUINCY AND BUCK go trail-riding one day; Buck is a grey horse that Quincy has not met before and their owners are friends. Buck knows all about the desert so Quincy decides to follow him and be safe. But Buck turns out to be a bully, and Quincy not only risks harm to himself and his rider, he finds himself with a broken bridle and nobody telling him what to do.

The paintings by Michelle Black which adorn every page warmly bring the characters and surroundings to life. The vibrant colours and textures jump off the page, while mushroom-shaped rock formations look sparkling by morning but sinister by evening. The trusting horse is a very sympathetic character. Young readers everywhere will love this series of adventures, which provide guidance on coping with the challenges of growing up. The author Camille Matthews suggests that this work will suit readers from kindergarten to fourth grade. Personally this adult would buy QUINCY AND BUCK just for the illustrations.