Why I Wrote This Book
This is my first children’s book, and it holds a very special place in my heart. The story of Rufus and Reggie was born from a beautiful family vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where nature's simple wonders sparked a new creative journey.
A Day at the Beach
I was inspired to write this story while vacationing with my family in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As I watched Rufus happily chasing a ball along the beach, I couldn’t help but smile. His joy, energy, and love for adventure inspired me to create a story that would capture that feeling and share it with others.
From Rufus to Rufus & Reggie
Rufus, with his boundless silver-lab energy, became the soulful heart of the story. But every hero needs a foil, and imagining a clever, cautious little crab friend like Reggie turned a simple beach day into an extraordinary adventure in imagination.
Simple Joys, Big Feelings
The story focuses on the heart of childhood exploration: the themes of enduring friendship, the power of imagination, and the pure, simple happiness that can be found in a day spent having fun together.
Turning a Moment into a Story
The journey from that one afternoon on the Outer Banks to the final page was full of heart and shared family memories. Shifting from a passing observation to a structured picture book required patience and a focus on keeping Rufus’s genuine spirit alive. It took careful shaping to ensure that the same spark of joy I felt on the beach would radiate from every page for children to enjoy again and again.
What I Hope Readers Feel
My hope is that Rufus and Reggie bring a smile to your face and remind you of the simple happiness that can be found in friendship, imagination, and the magic of everyday moments spent having fun together.
© 2026 Holly Murtaugh Author. All rights reserved. Illustrated by Suzanne Pell