”Jules Moves the Rug” by Sherry Whitaker Budziak

Jules Moves the Rug: A Story About Courage, Hope and New Adventures 

What if the things we trip over are the things we need to face?

In the middle of a small, busy house lies a big, bright, bumpy rug. Everyone steps around it: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Big Brother, and Little Sister. No one likes it, but no one dares to move it.

Until one day, Jules, curious, brave, and tired of stumbling, finally says, "That's it. It's time to move the rug."

As Jules leads her family to lift the rug for the very first time, they uncover more than anyone imagined-reminders of moments lost, lessons forgotten, and something quietly waiting to be found.

Jules Moves the Rug is a tender, thought-provoking story about courage, curiosity, and the power of facing what has been hidden. Inspired by the leadership book RUG: Move What You Are Tripping Over and Lead with H.E.A.R.T., this beautifully illustrated picture book invites children and families to talk about:

• The feelings we hide and the healing that comes from sharing them
• The importance of asking questions and being brave enough to listen
• How love grows when we stop stepping around what's uncomfortable

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• About the book: Jules Moves the Rug uses a simple household problem to show how avoiding issues doesn’t make them disappear

• The central metaphor: A rug in the middle of the home represents problems people keep stepping around instead of fixing

• Why problems linger: Familiar discomfort often feels safer than change, even when it causes repeated frustration

• The power of small voices: Jules, the youngest in the family, speaks up and shows that clarity doesn’t depend on age or authority

• What’s under the rug: Hidden messes symbolize unresolved feelings like missed apologies, forgotten dreams, and tension

• The core message: Facing problems together turns overwhelm into connection and healing

• What’s next for the author: The “move the rug” idea continues through leadership work and future stories focused on honest conversations and growth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Whitaker Budziak is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur who encourages leaders and families to find the courage to move the rugs that hold them back. Her children's book Jules Moves the Rug grew out of her own journey of resilience and personal transformation. Through this story she hopes to spark meaningful conversations that help children and the adults in their lives talk openly about change and emotional growth.

Sherry is also known for her long career guiding organizations through moments of transition. After serving in executive roles within the medical association community she founded .orgSource in 2005. Since then, she has advised hundreds of organizations as they work to strengthen strategy embrace innovation and build cultures where people can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief that growth begins with honest reflection and the willingness to imagine new possibilities.

She is the co-author of two books on leadership and entrepreneurship and is currently writing her third. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys traveling trying new recipes and spending time with her family.

CONNECT WITH SHERRY WHITAKER BUDZIAK

https://rugthebook.com/

https://orgsource.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sherry.budziak

https://www.instagram.com/orgsherry/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryb