The Mud Puddle Monster

Two young brothers, Andy and Toby, play in the remnants of an old, abandoned Christmas tree farm. After playing in the woods and getting quite muddy, they unknowingly track mud into their home. When their father comes home from work, he quickly turns the muddy footprints into an exciting adventure for the family about an imaginary Mud Puddle Monster. Together, they backtrack their way along the muddy trail, retracing their steps from the forest back to the house. Mom and Dad enhance the adventure by creating a fun and not-too-scary story as they explore the old tree farm on their way home

Through this experience, the young boys learn an important lesson: you don't need anything but your imagination to have an adventure. You don't need to travel by car or get a new bike; adventures can be part of everyday life. This memorable family outing shows that fun and lasting memories can be created without spending money or receiving new toys. Simple old fashion fun can be created easily using your own fertile imagination.

Thomas Pugh has developed large commercial projects and high end subdivisions in the western United States. Tom now resides in Kanarraville in Southern Utah with his wife Brenda and their three Scottish terriers. In June 1978, Thomas wrote this simple little story on a yellow pad for his young sons Andy and Toby, who had been playing that rainy day in the family's muddy backyard. Over the years, he kept the story in his briefcase, desk drawers, and various other spots, always intending to find an illustrator and designer to help create a book for his now great-grandchildren. Brenda safeguarded the story for over 50 years, ensuring it wasn't discarded. After selling his business and retiring in 2022, Tom finally decided it was time to bring the little story to life.
Teri Rochford majored in art, where she fell in love with watercolors and their flexibility to paint with them almost anywhere. She is a member of Dixie Watercolor Society, Southern Utah Watercolor Society, and Southern Utah Art Guild. You can see her art at Gallery 35, Red Cliff Gallery in St George, Utah, and locations in Cedar City, Utah.