"Life in the Neck: New Friends" is a children's book that tells the story of a fawn, a rabbit, and a cardinal meeting in a place called the Neck, where they learn about each other's habits and ways of life, and become fast friends. They learn about cooperation and the busy world around them, and when danger comes to the Neck, they must rely on their strong bonds of friendship to overcome it​.

The book is the first in a series by Diane Davies, and the series focuses on the animals that make their home in this neck of the woods in Minnesota, as well as the meaning of friendship and cooperation​. The author was inspired by her own surroundings in southern Minnesota, particularly a long narrow strip of land known as the neck, teeming with wildlife, where she would walk to help manage her blood sugar. She would observe the wildlife and let her imagination take hold, creating the story in her head​.

While writing the book, Davies struggled with how to portray the character of Old Coyote, who is present throughout the story watching for an opportunity for lunch. She wanted to make him an ally instead of an adversary. She found the personalities of the characters easy to create, and while they are fictitious, she occasionally sees traits and behaviors from people she knows in them​.