The Rudy the Rudster series by Diane Robbins Jones is an award-winning collection of children’s books that narrate the true adventures of Rudy, a charismatic horse, from his own perspective. Aimed at readers aged 6 to 11, the series combines entertainment with education, featuring engaging stories, beautiful illustrations by Karen Busch Holman, equine glossaries, anatomical diagrams, and fun horse facts.

The series includes:

1. Rudy: A Big Horse with a Big Heart – This inaugural book chronicles Rudy’s initial year with Diane, highlighting their journey of mutual trust and friendship. Readers follow Rudy as he makes new friends, bravely learns to go on trail rides, and discovers that water can be fun instead of frightening.
2. Rudy 2: Trailers, Pigs, and New Friends – In this sequel, Rudy moves to a new stable where he struggles to fit in with a new herd and faces bullying. He reaffirms his dislike for trailers, learns that pigs are terrifying, and meets a new horse who becomes a good friend.
3. Rudy 3: Change Can Be Good – In the third installment, Rudy encounters various new challenges and changes, including attending summer camp, participating in Liberty training classes, hiking up a mountain, and being reunited with his favorite mare. Despite his fears, Rudy faces each situation with bravery, illustrating that change can lead to positive experiences.

Throughout the series, readers gain insights into horse behavior and care, while also learning valuable life lessons about friendship, courage, and adaptability. The books have received accolades such as the 2024 Purple Dragonfly Award and the 2023 Moonbeam Bronze Award for Best Children’s Book Series in Non-Fiction.