Rus and moose

A moose embarks upon an unexpected long-haul road trip in this buoyant portrayal of a trucker's day-to-day life. As Rus, portrayed with dark hair and pink skin, maneuvers an 18-wheeler through Maine's woods, Moose leaps into the road, getting "tangled up in the truck's engine." The surprisingly unhurt beast recovers in the cab's bunk, and upon awakening agrees to accompany Rus down I-95 to Georgia. Colorful scenery--depicted with carefully inked geometric detailing--wows the animalian traveler, who readily assists along the way. Logistically oriented text describes the simple process of unloading cargo ("They use a forklift to fill the container with pallets and boxes"), and before long the duo heads south to Florida. Loosely sketched florals burst along the bottoms of pages and seep into scenes, communicating the expedition's breezy exuberance. When Rus makes a daily call home to his wife, their playful rapport generates a bout of homesickness in Moose, which the always-on-the-go Rus gently rectifies. The camaraderie between Rus and Moose makes for a winsome picture book debut. An author's note concludes. Ages 5--8. (Oct.)

A trucker and a moose take a journey together. While driving through Maine in the dark of night, Rus sees a moose and brakes to a stop. Moose faints and gets tangled up under the truck's front hood but miraculously is unscathed. In a moment of kindness, Rus pulls him out and tucks him into bed in the truck's cab. Moose awakens to find himself cruising down the road in an 18-wheeler bound for Florida. Serving as both road buddy and cheery pet, Moose helps Rus navigate sticky situations and switch containers at the shipper's warehouse but also licks Rus' face and sticks his enormous antlered head out the cab window to enjoy the breeze. A delightful surprise, this story celebrates the work of long-haul trucking, often considered an unglamorous, even rough profession. Rus' cab contains exquisite blankets and pillows and occasionally fills up with fanciful cascades of flowers. The truck passes through rain and bright sun, through cities and to the sea, depicted in seamlessly presented, often breathtaking sequences. The story's success is due in no small part to Wang's creative experimentation; she even makes the delivery of freight and the workings of a container depot appear colorful and compelling. Pale-skinned, dark-haired Rus presents East Asian; the author draws affectionately from her experiences traveling with her truck-driver husband. A simple and unique road trip tale, at once jubilant and calming.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.