Solitary Toes and Brown-Headed Cowbirds: A Hickory Doc’s Tale

By Linda Harkey and Mike Minick

Doc is the oldest and wisest of five hunting dogs at the Lazy Dog Hacienda. He’s expected to keep the rest of the pack in line, especially during hunting trips. But things get interesting when the Great One (our hunter) adds a new animal into the mix.

 

Solitary Toes and Brown-Headed Cowbirds shares a humorous story depicting the relationships between horses, cowbirds, and hunting dogs. Geared toward first through third grade readers, this young reader’s book helps children improve their reading skills while providing knowledge about animals, nature, and life lessons.

 

“These hunting dogs jump off the page and come to life through Linda’s tales of their adventures as they face challenges in life. I am a second-grade teacher in Eagle Nest, New Mexico, and I also organize our public library summer reading program. Linda’s stories engaged our students in the lives of these dogs, sparking great discussions and learning activities about character development, sequencing, and elements of the story. One student brought a stuffed puppy dog named after Zeke to join the fun every week.”

—Cindy Carr, NBCT

“A lovable bird dog points the way to outdoor fun in the country in this children’s book……A sweet slice of rural American canine life.” 

—Kirkus Review

“The Hickory Doc’s Tales book series is always a thrilling adventure by an author who writes from the heart.”

—Sondra Mullins, Gilcrease Museum Docent

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Feb 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781480873155

Linda Harkey

About the Author Linda Harkey’s experiences as a mother, schoolteacher, Sunday school teacher, volunteer docent, and hunting dog owner have inspired her to write the award-winning children’s book series Hickory Doc’s Tales. She dedicates all her books to her family—Michael, Owen and Carrie, Morgan, Austin and Mica, Averie, and Alec. She is the author of eight other children’s books: The Budding Staff (2005) Hickory Doc’s Tales (The Pack: First Generation) (2017) The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow (A Hickory Doc’s Tale) (2018) Solitary Toes and Brown-Headed Cowbirds (A Hickory Doc’s Tale) (2019) Doc, Willie, and the Pack: Secrets, Gifts, Family (A Hickory Doc’s Tale) (2019) Doc’s Dog Days (A Hickory Doc’s Activity Book) (2019) The Wayward Path of the Devil and Mr. Snake in the Garden of Eden (2021) Chatty the Hen Pheasant (Travels with the Pack) (2021) About the Illustrator Mike Minick is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He lives with his wife, Joey, and their two children.

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