Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks Review
Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks, written by Truitt Wieland and illustrated by Remesh Ram, tells the story of a young boy and his father on their daily “boy’s adventure.” Readers join them on a rural neighborhood walk as they attempt to spot the boy’s favorite things – ducks, bucks, and big ol’ trucks.
When a mallard crosses their path, the boy leaves his stroller to waddle behind the duck and join in its quacking. As the duck flies away, the search for a buck begins!
While the pair can only find some doves and squirrels at first, they soon spot a buck hiding behind a rock. As the buck “swooshes” away, his little white tail waving goodbye, the father and son are ready to find some trucks!
They’re initially disappointed to only find a motorcyle and a car on the road, but their patience is finally rewarded when they spot four “big ol’ trucks” driving in a row! In this fun finale, the trucks rev their engines, honk their horns, and wave to the excited young boy before the father-son duo return to their home.
First of all, I can say as an Iowan living in Texas that this book checks aaaaallllllllll the boxes for young boys who enjoy country living! You’ve got ducks, bucks, trucks, and lots of nature in between. I can tell you the exact children I know who would have lots to discuss and add to the story while reading this book.
I also loved that the book didn’t just spot animals and trucks, but taught a bit about them. Readers receive a little training on identifying mallards and bucks, and are educated by example as to how to respect wild animals and their natural habitats.
As always, I’m a sucker for books that speak to enjoying the simple things in life, and this book is no exception! There were no phones or screens, no big, flashy events, just a family enjoying a walk in nature. The author invites children to notice the details of wildlife and to appreciate the fun in simple activities, like watching for their favorite kind of car on the road.
And of course, who wouldn’t love the father-son bonding displayed in this book? Readers will appreciate that the pair didn’t have to make any complicated plans or spend money to enjoy one another’s company. The story highlights spending simple quality time together with your loved ones.
Overall, this is a sweet book with bright illustrations that kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy. You can find Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks on Amazon.
Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks Author Interview
Want to learn more about author Truitt Wieland? I did too! He was gracious enough to field a few questions and share what’s next for him!
Deb: Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks offers a fun father-son adventure. What inspired you to write it?
Truitt: I wrote Ducks, Bucks & Big Ol’ Trucks during Covid. We lost all of our fitness locations and were forced to file bankruptcy.
Honestly, I wasn’t planning on writing a book. I was going on long runs and walks in my neighborhood with my youngest son to cope with everything we were dealing with. That spurred the book.
Deb: Your author bio in the back of the book mentions you grew up on your family’s ranch in Texas! What was your life like when you were a young boy?
Truitt: My life on the ranch was the most impactful thing in my life. In fact, my parents still operate it to this day, and I will be taking that over at some point.
Deb: I really loved that this book highlighted the simple pleasures that physical activity, nature, and quality time with family can bring, especially when combined! How do you help your children learn to appreciate the simple things in life?
Truitt: We spend a lot of time on the ranch, exploring and learning.
Deb: A lot of fathers find it difficult to bond with their kids at the same level that moms can. Do you have any tips for dads looking to create a more meaningful connection with their children?
Truitt: You are correct, a lot of fathers have a difficult time bonding. I am not sure I have this down, but I do two things: I show them how to work harder than anyone else, and I listen when they speak.
Deb: You recently released a book for men, Opereight: A Blueprint for the Modern Man! Can you tell us a bit about what inspired that book and what readers can expect to find there?
Truitt: I love helping others. OperEight was something I had been thinking about for years.
I shared a bit of my book I had been writing for a long time with a couple of people I saw struggling, just to help. They came back raving about how it helped them.
So, I decided to self-publish it. It has had no traction at all on Amazon, but I know it takes marketing $$, which I’m in no position to give at the moment.
Deb: What’s your vision for the future of your writing? Do you have more books in the works? Or any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Truitt: I am almost finished with my second kids’ book. It is about my oldest son.
I am doing my best to do what I love…speaking and helping people, businesses, and organizations. I have been speaking for many years, but would like to move into that much more.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Truitt!
You can pick up your own copy of Ducks, Bucks, and Big Ol’ Trucks on Amazon!
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