Illustrated Western fantasy adventures for early chapter book readers.
Golden Wizard Book Prize 2025 and the Heirloom Book Club’s Adam Award for genuine human authorship
Pick up the trail at Book 1
Each book is its own adventure with one virtue at its heart, and twelve are planned. Illustrated by Leo Hartas.
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Book 1
The Lost Chick
One of Mrs. Hen’s chicks goes missing, and the tracks lead straight to the quarry and the Hissy Gang.
Self-control -
Book 2
The Mystery of the Broken Towers
The towers that keep wolves and coyotes out of Cluckton Gulch are failing, and nobody knows why.
Faithfulness -
Book 3
The Stolen Necklace
A hooded thief takes Darlin’s moonlight necklace, and the trail ends in the lizard kingdom of Baskstone.
Forgiveness -
Book 4
The Thief of Floatstone
Bo and Mr. Quillery’s next case is on its way. Newsletter readers hear about it first.
Coming 2027 Get first word →
All the Bo and Mr. Quillery books, in reading order →
If your family loves Magic Tree House, Hank the Cowdog, or The Boxcar Children, we’d probably get along.
Buying for a grandkid? Signed copies with a gold seal and a note to your reader
Bo was a real dog. Mr. Quillery was a real quail.
In March 2020 we moved to the rolling plains outside Waco to help with my parents’ farm, the day before the lockdown was declared. Soon after, a stray Great Pyrenees wandered onto the property. We called him Bo. Around the same time I started raising bobwhite quail, and one quirky male stood out from the flock: Mr. Quillery.
A few years later I started telling my kids bedtime stories about the two of them. One day my daughter said, “Daddy, you must tell other children about Bo and Mr. Quillery!” My five kids are still the first audience for every story.
Kody
You screen every book. Here’s what you’ll find in this one.
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Good is good and bad is bad
Bo and Mr. Quillery stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. The outlaws are real trouble, and the stories don’t blur the line between light and darkness.
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One virtue in every book
Self-control in Book 1, faithfulness in Book 2, forgiveness in Book 3. The lesson lives inside the story, so nobody gets a lecture at the end.
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Faith that’s part of the world
The stories come from a Christian worldview, and you’ll see it in how the characters choose. Free discussion guides help you take it further at the table.
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Built for reading aloud
Easy-to-read text, pictures throughout, and enough action and humor to keep the little ones and the big ones on the same couch.
Want to hear it before you buy?
Listen to Book 1 freeWhat readers are saying
As a mom of six, I am constantly on the lookout for wholesome books that are good for the whole family. The story of Bo and Mr. Quillery hits the spot. My kids devoured this captivating animal fantasy story.
Megan BensonHomeschool mom of six, @readingmommaof6
“A powerful message about finding courage in the face of fear, standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and the importance of friendship and teamwork. A perfect introduction to chapter books.”
The International Review of Books
“A heartwarming, action-packed tale of bravery, friendship, and teamwork… perfect for fans of Hank the Cowdog and Redwall.”
NewInBooks
“An endearing sheriff team, rowdy outlaws, and larger than life legends weave a virtue teaching tall-tale that will leave young readers wanting more.”
Paris MaeBookstagrammer, @parismaereads
“I haven’t read a book this cool since The Magic Treehouse.”
Aven, age 7
“It was really really good! My favorite part was between Rattlin’ Red and Big Jake. I loved Bo too!”
Graham, age 8
Get the Bo & Quillery Adventure Pack
Join the newsletter and I’ll send your family The Lost Chick audiobook, narrated by me, plus a few things for the kitchen table. Queue it up for the next car ride.
- The Lost Chick audiobook
- Coloring pages
- A faith-based discussion guide
Your Adventure Pack arrives by email.
Send my Adventure Pack We don’t sell your data :)
More from the Riverdill Lands
- Discussion guidesFree faith-based prompts for each book, plus a crossword and games for Books 2 and 3.
- Round-Up! card gameThe official card game of the Riverdill Sheriff Force. Two regular decks, a race to 20, and an easier version for little deputies.
- Guides, curriculum & signed booksColoring books, guides, and author-signed copies.
- The blogNews and notes from Kody.
Hi, I’m Kody.
I’m a dad of five, a registered nurse, a tech company owner, and a former Texas A&M football player. I live in Waco, Texas, with my wife, Erin, and our kids. My story ideas come out of my devotional life, and I write the kind of books I want on my own kids’ bookshelf.
I write as Andrew K. Johnston.