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Rus and Moose
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 17, 2025
An unusual friendship brings smiles, while insights into the world of trucking bring readers new impressions of the occupation.
Rus drives a semi truck and delivers things across the entire country. One day, a moose crosses right in front of him and before he can stop, the moose lands in his engine. Luckily, Moose isn't badly hurt. Instead, Rus gets an unique partner to accompany him on his runs. Moose gets to see all sorts of new sights and helps Rus with his loading and deliveries as much as possible. While their friendship blossoms and blooms, Moose begins to miss his family, and the tale take on even more heart.
There are several lovely aspects to this book. First, it centers around an unexpected friendship and shows how very different personalities can still become close friends. Second, it introduces readers to the trucking profession and brings to light the life and duties of a trucker. Last, it highlights the importance of family, and in this case, shows the problem truckers have due to the regular and longer separations. In other words, there's all sorts of goodness in these pages.
The artwork is colorful and holds...hmmm...more realistic aspects and details while working in artistic attributes as well. For example, Rus isn't portrayed with unrealistic features, but rather, carries nods toward more natural details as do the surroundings. Moose, on the other hand, maintains a more cartoony direction. Add in fantastical elements, such as flowers and grass in the truck, and it's an unique melding, which leaves an impression. And it works.
My own husband currently drives a semi, so this read put a smile on my face as it shows aspects of the job, which most readers haven't seen before. I appreciate this direction and found it a nice way to open up the profession beyond the impressive, big rig image. The first scene with Moose stuck in the engine had me raising an eyebrow or two, since this was, actually, ridiculous in every way. While I do wish there was a bit more reality to this situation, readers will be completely fine with it.
Both Moose and Rus are wonderful characters, and the story flows quickly to make this a lovely read-aloud.
Rus drives a semi truck and delivers things across the entire country. One day, a moose crosses right in front of him and before he can stop, the moose lands in his engine. Luckily, Moose isn't badly hurt. Instead, Rus gets an unique partner to accompany him on his runs. Moose gets to see all sorts of new sights and helps Rus with his loading and deliveries as much as possible. While their friendship blossoms and blooms, Moose begins to miss his family, and the tale take on even more heart.
There are several lovely aspects to this book. First, it centers around an unexpected friendship and shows how very different personalities can still become close friends. Second, it introduces readers to the trucking profession and brings to light the life and duties of a trucker. Last, it highlights the importance of family, and in this case, shows the problem truckers have due to the regular and longer separations. In other words, there's all sorts of goodness in these pages.
The artwork is colorful and holds...hmmm...more realistic aspects and details while working in artistic attributes as well. For example, Rus isn't portrayed with unrealistic features, but rather, carries nods toward more natural details as do the surroundings. Moose, on the other hand, maintains a more cartoony direction. Add in fantastical elements, such as flowers and grass in the truck, and it's an unique melding, which leaves an impression. And it works.
My own husband currently drives a semi, so this read put a smile on my face as it shows aspects of the job, which most readers haven't seen before. I appreciate this direction and found it a nice way to open up the profession beyond the impressive, big rig image. The first scene with Moose stuck in the engine had me raising an eyebrow or two, since this was, actually, ridiculous in every way. While I do wish there was a bit more reality to this situation, readers will be completely fine with it.
Both Moose and Rus are wonderful characters, and the story flows quickly to make this a lovely read-aloud.
July 25, 2025
Rus is a long haul trucker, delivering pallets of goods and making roundtrips between Maine and Florida. Long drives could be lonely. He would welcome a partner to ride shotgun. His unlikely companion is a Moose he accidentally grazes when the Moose suddenly “leaps” into the road. Kind fellow that he is, Rus helps Moose into the truck’s bunk bed and allows him to sleep. Upon awakening, Moose explores his digs and makes a grab for Rus's pizza!
Moose, never having left the forest, is thrilled to be asked to accompany Rus on an eye-opening journey which includes a drive down Highway I-95 from Maine to Florida. After lessons on how to unload a truck and pack up new cargo going north, the two “truckers” take a refreshing buddy swim at a Florida beach. Although being a trucker is fun, Moose has a bout of homesickness and realizes that there is no place like home.
Rus and Moose is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young readers. The grayscale illustrations convey a wide array of emotion. Moose is truly expressive! It was wonderful to see the budding friendship between a gentle man and his new animal helper. The diagram of the parts of an 18 wheeler was very informative. The author notes that she accompanied her trucker husband on routes all across the country during her school vacations.
This reader was uneasy with Moose’s readiness and agreement to go on a road trip with a virtual stranger and without permission from a parent. Remember stranger danger! The read came to a satisfying conclusion, however, the author chose to indicate the story was “to be continued”. Perhaps this insight would encourage a classroom teacher or parent to use sentence starters for written or verbal student responses to the question: Where should Rus and Moose travel next?
Thank you to Restless Books for a Print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Moose, never having left the forest, is thrilled to be asked to accompany Rus on an eye-opening journey which includes a drive down Highway I-95 from Maine to Florida. After lessons on how to unload a truck and pack up new cargo going north, the two “truckers” take a refreshing buddy swim at a Florida beach. Although being a trucker is fun, Moose has a bout of homesickness and realizes that there is no place like home.
Rus and Moose is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young readers. The grayscale illustrations convey a wide array of emotion. Moose is truly expressive! It was wonderful to see the budding friendship between a gentle man and his new animal helper. The diagram of the parts of an 18 wheeler was very informative. The author notes that she accompanied her trucker husband on routes all across the country during her school vacations.
This reader was uneasy with Moose’s readiness and agreement to go on a road trip with a virtual stranger and without permission from a parent. Remember stranger danger! The read came to a satisfying conclusion, however, the author chose to indicate the story was “to be continued”. Perhaps this insight would encourage a classroom teacher or parent to use sentence starters for written or verbal student responses to the question: Where should Rus and Moose travel next?
Thank you to Restless Books for a Print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
Rus and Moose by Chuchu Wang
Rus and Moose is a story of a lonely truck driver who hits a young moose while driving a route in Maine. Moose joins the haul and they travel about for a while until Moose becomes too homesick. In the end, Rus returns Moose home to Maine with the promise to reunite again. Their friendship blossoms much like the exquisite flowers seen on nearly every page in the book.
This would appeal most to ages 3-10 with the simple story line and colorful illustrations. The language is simple, but has a nice combination of speech bubbles, regular prose, and a back and forth phone conversation. There are other words throughout such a signs they pass as they travel. It is a book that can be read slowly with many details to observe. The truck diagrams in the beginning reminded me of a Richard Scarry book. Kids will love learning about all the parts of a big-rig. The intricate details such as seeing the engine up close will keep the reader focused on the page. The beautiful and bright floral patterns keep the mood positive and will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Besides the story of a brief friendship, it also teaches you about the long-haul truck driving process and paths traveled. I would have loved to see a map of the route Rus and Moose take on their trips, but it would be a fun extension for a teacher or parent to make.
Phone calls and flashbacks allow the reader to get glimpses into the home lives of both Rus and Moose. This book would be a good segue for kids to talk about friendships that were brief, but impactful, such as meeting a friend on a vacation. It also could be a good connection for a kid feeling homesick or with a parent who is a truck driver. This is a fun and imaginative book for a young reader.
Rus and Moose is a story of a lonely truck driver who hits a young moose while driving a route in Maine. Moose joins the haul and they travel about for a while until Moose becomes too homesick. In the end, Rus returns Moose home to Maine with the promise to reunite again. Their friendship blossoms much like the exquisite flowers seen on nearly every page in the book.
This would appeal most to ages 3-10 with the simple story line and colorful illustrations. The language is simple, but has a nice combination of speech bubbles, regular prose, and a back and forth phone conversation. There are other words throughout such a signs they pass as they travel. It is a book that can be read slowly with many details to observe. The truck diagrams in the beginning reminded me of a Richard Scarry book. Kids will love learning about all the parts of a big-rig. The intricate details such as seeing the engine up close will keep the reader focused on the page. The beautiful and bright floral patterns keep the mood positive and will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Besides the story of a brief friendship, it also teaches you about the long-haul truck driving process and paths traveled. I would have loved to see a map of the route Rus and Moose take on their trips, but it would be a fun extension for a teacher or parent to make.
Phone calls and flashbacks allow the reader to get glimpses into the home lives of both Rus and Moose. This book would be a good segue for kids to talk about friendships that were brief, but impactful, such as meeting a friend on a vacation. It also could be a good connection for a kid feeling homesick or with a parent who is a truck driver. This is a fun and imaginative book for a young reader.
January 28, 2026
Rus and Moose by Chuchu Wang
Rus and Moose is a story of a lonely truck driver who hits a young moose while driving a route in Maine. Moose joins the haul and they travel about for a while until Moose becomes too homesick. In the end, Rus returns Moose home to Maine with the promise to reunite again. Their friendship blossoms much like the exquisite flowers seen on nearly every page in the book.
This would appeal most to ages 3-10 with the simple story line and colorful illustrations. The language is simple, but has a nice combination of speech bubbles, regular prose, and a back and forth phone conversation. There are other words throughout such a signs they pass as they travel. It is a book that can be read slowly with many details to observe. The truck diagrams in the beginning reminded me of a Richard Scarry book. Kids will love learning about all the parts of a big-rig. The intricate details such as seeing the engine up close will keep the reader focused on the page. The beautiful and bright floral patterns keep the mood positive and will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Besides the story of a brief friendship, it also teaches you about the long-haul truck driving process and paths traveled. I would have loved to see a map of the route Rus and Moose take on their trips, but it would be a fun extension for a teacher or parent to make.
Phone calls and flashbacks allow the reader to get glimpses into the home lives of both Rus and Moose. This book would be a good segue for kids to talk about friendships that were brief, but impactful, such as meeting a friend on a vacation. It also could be a good connection for a kid feeling homesick or with a parent who is a truck driver. This is a fun and imaginative book for a young reader.
Rus and Moose is a story of a lonely truck driver who hits a young moose while driving a route in Maine. Moose joins the haul and they travel about for a while until Moose becomes too homesick. In the end, Rus returns Moose home to Maine with the promise to reunite again. Their friendship blossoms much like the exquisite flowers seen on nearly every page in the book.
This would appeal most to ages 3-10 with the simple story line and colorful illustrations. The language is simple, but has a nice combination of speech bubbles, regular prose, and a back and forth phone conversation. There are other words throughout such a signs they pass as they travel. It is a book that can be read slowly with many details to observe. The truck diagrams in the beginning reminded me of a Richard Scarry book. Kids will love learning about all the parts of a big-rig. The intricate details such as seeing the engine up close will keep the reader focused on the page. The beautiful and bright floral patterns keep the mood positive and will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Besides the story of a brief friendship, it also teaches you about the long-haul truck driving process and paths traveled. I would have loved to see a map of the route Rus and Moose take on their trips, but it would be a fun extension for a teacher or parent to make.
Phone calls and flashbacks allow the reader to get glimpses into the home lives of both Rus and Moose. This book would be a good segue for kids to talk about friendships that were brief, but impactful, such as meeting a friend on a vacation. It also could be a good connection for a kid feeling homesick or with a parent who is a truck driver. This is a fun and imaginative book for a young reader.
November 27, 2025
A colourful, light, silly and whimsical tale of a long-haul truck driver in his daily work life and his newfound friend, a wild moose. , it is a story of friendship and adventure, respect for nature and family relationships, and balance. Theresa cadence is great for setting the calm normality of the driver’s daily work day against the absurd idea of encountering, befriending and inviting a moose along for his truck delivery trips. The main characters are polite, friendly, and kind. They enjoy one another’s company and sharing of their lives with each other, and in the end, acknowledge the desire and necessity of the moose being back reunited with his family and his home terrain.
together and help a stranger-come-friend, a great book for a beautiful and silly read and for normalising and recognizing the work of a long-haul truck driver. Theresa book’s playful illustrations are just so wonderful, truly made the book what it is. In vibrant and charming colours and with a style lending humour and lightness to the story, the illustrations were really the cherry on top for me.
Thank you to author Chuchu Wang, Read Your World and 2026 MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY for having gifted us a copy of this book.
#ReadYourWorld
together and help a stranger-come-friend, a great book for a beautiful and silly read and for normalising and recognizing the work of a long-haul truck driver. Theresa book’s playful illustrations are just so wonderful, truly made the book what it is. In vibrant and charming colours and with a style lending humour and lightness to the story, the illustrations were really the cherry on top for me.
Thank you to author Chuchu Wang, Read Your World and 2026 MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY for having gifted us a copy of this book.
#ReadYourWorld
November 25, 2025
This is rage bait for anybody who lives or travels in moose country in the wintertime. An 18-wheeler hits a moose, who becomes "tangled up in the truck's engine, but luckily he is not hurt-- he just fainted." We then see the driver manhandling the fainted moose out of the engine and they become roadtripping pals. (Moose weigh between 800 to 1300 lbs and stand as tall as 6.5 feet at the shoulder.) Even though some truck drivers come away unscathed from crashes with moose, the moose almost always dies. Psychologically, humans require some semblance of truth or internal consistency to emotionally commit to fiction. Sure it's for kids and meant to be silly, but the cognitive dissonance here was too much.
January 11, 2026
The illustrations are bright and lively and fun to study. The story tells a friendship story that shows readers a bit about life of a big rig truck driver. The long days and hundreds of miles on the road to deliver cargo keeps drivers separated from their families for days. Both Rus and Moose miss their families and can't wait to get back to them. My only issue was how Moose and Rus met as I found the results of the accident unbelievable. This story is based on the author/illustrator's own experiences with taking long-haul trips with her truck driver husband (photo of the rig provided at the end).
December 2, 2025
This is a wonderfully imaginative and heartwarming story. Through a magical encounter, the author offers a charming glimpse into the life of a truck driver—a profession we don’t often see portrayed in children’s books. When I learned that the inspiration came from the author’s husband, who used to be a truck driver himself, the story felt even more touching and genuine.
The picture book’s style is lighthearted and joyful, with bright and lively colors that draw readers in. It’s a delightful read for children of all ages — and even for adults who appreciate a warm, uplifting tale.
The picture book’s style is lighthearted and joyful, with bright and lively colors that draw readers in. It’s a delightful read for children of all ages — and even for adults who appreciate a warm, uplifting tale.
January 2, 2026
May be good for a child interested in big mac trucks. Some good details about being a trucker. Cute story, but too long/weird for story time, IMO
January 23, 2026
Rus is a terrible driver with horrible instincts who should get his license revoked.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews