Rugs is a happy, bouncy squirrel with too much energy and not enough focus. As a result, he gets himself into some tricky situations. His backyard animal friends keep an eye on him. But some of those animals have issues of their own. Together, they all have to learn and accept one another, differences and all.

The theme of the series is acceptance and compromise. Through the use of backyard animals, children who are entering pre-school and elementary school can learn lessons about the differences of others they encounter.

The Adventures of Rugs series tells the story of ten animals who live in a backyard that has been transformed into an animal sanctuary. Each animal has a particular character quirk that becomes the subject of that picture book.

Rory the Raccoon is afraid of the dark. Carl the Cardinal hides his insecurity behind a rude exterior. Oreo the Kitten is a mixed race that draws teasing from solid colored kittens. Haley the Hawk is a physically imposing figure with a nurturing nature. Other animals have similar quirks and differences. The lessons to be learned are delivered in a subtle manner that emphasizes show don't tell.