Quail Trail

by Bonnie Kelso

Roxie is an independent-thinking quail chick who just has to find out what’s over that hill! Topknot is her bossy troop leader who pecks the fun out of adventures with all her silly rules. When Roxie takes her own path, gets lost along the quail trail and can’t remember the special call that will reunite her with her brood, she learns the hard way that a little listening can go a long way. Quail Trail is a funny, informational fiction picture book that will engage even the most reluctant reader. Parents and teachers will appreciate the gentle messaging regarding the importance of listening, self-awareness, and making good choices.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Bonnie is an author, illustrator, and art facilitator living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is the mother of two young boys, whom she credits for endless inspiration during the creation of her books.

Bonnie studied Fine Art at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI. While she completed her BFA she also worked as a teacher assistant for the RISD Printmaking Department, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, The Boston Children’s Museum, and United Cerebral Palsy.

After college, Bonnie began a twelve-year career as an Exhibit Designer, Design Director, and Independent Contractor. She designed visitor centers and museum exhibits for high-profile organizations such as The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, NASA, and The Newseum, as well as many others.

In 2004, Bonnie decided to make a shift in her life path to being an independent artist, author-illustrator, and creative workshop facilitator. She self-published six titles prior to her debut picture book, NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, © April 2023. It was selected to represent Nevada at the Library of Congress's 2023 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Bonnie illustrated Heather Ferranti Kinser's book, In a Cave, ©October 2023. She has several other book projects in the works, including Sea Smiles (February 2024), Wonder of the Woods (November 2024), Quail Trail (Fall 2024), and Sleepy Sea (Spring 2025).

BonnieKelso.com

Reviews

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story about community and cooperation told from the point of view of a quail covey. I loved the adorable illustrations and the fun dialog between the quails! My teacher's heart was so happy when I saw the beautiful back matter that includes a glossary, more information about quail behavior, and specific information about California Valley Quail.Recommended for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Luciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute & informative story about quails.

A brood of quails go on a hike; however, one of the quails, Roxie, wants to go a different way than the leader, Top Knot, is suggesting. So, Roxie goes on her own way, gets lost & desperately tries to recall the call that will reunite her with her brood.

It's fun, has some valuable lessons & provides informational tidbits on quails.

A great read for young or reluctant readers!

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUAIL TRAIL is a story about a covey of young quail and their leader as they go out for a hike. Along the way, readers learn about these birds and valuable lessons about listening and making safe choices. There’s also a subtle message that when you make a mistake, you have the chance to start fresh. Bonnie Kelso’s illustrations are fresh and eye-catching, and add humor that kids will love. The characters are also so relatable for kids. This book is ideal for kids who love learning about animals and also has applications for teaching social-emotional skills. A fantastic addition to all children’s bookshelves!

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out on the trails with her covey and troop leader Topknot, Roxie the quail yearns to explore on her own. Why do they all have to stay together whenever they go out? And what’s with all the rules they have to follow? As Roxie’s rebellious spirit leads her off the beaten path, she gets lost and when danger strikes, she struggles to remember the quail distress call. Will she find her way back to her friends? Bonnie Kelso’s graphic-style illustrations and peppy dialogue make for a fun and informative read, while also adding a socio-emotional layer. And adults will love the back matter too. A great addition to any library.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quail Trail, written and illustrated by Bonnie Kelso, is an adorable, entertaining book with an important point about listening. It is an informational picture book, as it uses real information about quail behavior to make a point about human behavior, too. Roxie is a little quail who won’t listen to the quail troop leader. Because of that she leaves the quail trail to go see what’s up a hill. She gets lost and can’t remember the special call word to get the quail leader’s attention. It takes her a few funny tries while she hides from crows. She manages to remember, and from then on, she knows that safety first requires listening.

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quail Trail is a clever informational picture book featuring a covey of young quail hiking with their leader, Top Knot. One quail is a rebel who wants to do her own thing and finds herself in a dangerous situation. This fun story is told with humor but also includes information about quail, their habitat, the dangers they face, and the importance of listening and sticking together. The witty dialogue is written in speech bubbles making this an accessible book for young readers. The illustrations show the beauty of the desert environment. Back matter gives more information about quail.

[Jilanne]

QUAIL TRAIL is about paying attention and sticking together for the common good. After all, your covey has your back. Along with the humorous story featuring the antics of a few rebellious siblings, the narrative incorporates interesting details about quail behavior. Some kids will identify with the rebel, others with those who listen. But all will worry when the rebel finds itself in danger from an attacking crow. Thank goodness it remembers how to call for help! CHI-CA-GO!!

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUAIL TRAIL is a lovely story about a covey of young quail, Roxy, who longs for independence. One day, a covey of young quail and their leader, Topknot, go out for a hike. The readers learn about these beautiful birds, as well as the importance of listening and remaining safe. Furthermore, it teachers young readers that if you make a mistake, you can always start again. The text is paired with lively illustrations.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book about California quail has a lot of important words for quail food and their activities. The story includes their calls, their foods, and how to signal for danger as a quail. And when little quail finds herself in danger she calls for help and remembers the rules for the covey she has left behind. And there is a glossary at the back for each new word in the story, a page for quail behavior and their body parts. Very good for science lessons.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about absolutely adorable quails in QUAIL TRAIL! I think young readers will be fully invested in Roxie’s journey. There are so many opportunities to make educational connections to this layered book. And did I mention the quails are ADORABLE?! Another great addition to home and school libraries from author/illustrator Bonnie Kelso.

[Brenna Jeanneret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a funny informational fiction book about quails that highlights community, adventure and working together? Quail Trail is it! Packed with info that will hook even the most reluctant readers and paired with deeply humorous yet accurate illustrations Quail Trail is bound to win you over.

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young children will love joining this brood of quails on their journey through the wilderness. One chick, Roxie, has an independent streak but soon learns why it's so important for birds of a feather to flock together. The backmatter describes quail behavior and the protections they provide one another.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a little assistance in explaining to your child how important it is to listen and pay attention in life, then this adorably humorous and informational fiction book about quails is for you. This story is filled with valuable information disguised to attract all kinds of readers. Add a little humor, fun illustrations, and watch readers realize the importance of listening!

[Rosanne Kurstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In QUAIL TRAIL, Bonnie Kelso seamlessly marries the words and illustrations. In this humorous picture book about following directions and learning from mistakes the reader also learns all about quails. A fun read for all.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darling story about an independent little quail who wants to go off alone and break the rules. Could be a good way to talk about leadership. Could also be a good way to talk about rules and why they are important.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as a DRC. This book is clever, cute, and educational! It was fun reading Quail Trail, and I am confident that children of all ages would enjoy this book too.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Marzieh Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes curiosity gets the better of us... this comic-like PB is sure to delight young readers, with a relatable story and lots of interesting backmatter

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable. I especially love the illustrations.

[Stephanie Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie Kelso has done it again. Her books always educate - in the best way - and make the reader smile. Gorgeously illustrated, too.

[Josh Peatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has backmatter with quail facts! Also a glossary, which is helpful in a couple cases.