Ruth Christoffer Carlsen was a noted author of eight children’s books. She grew up in the Midwest and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1939 with a degree in journalism. Her father, a railroad man with a twinkle in his eye, ran the Saint Paul Union Depot and partially inspired the character of Mr. Pudgins. Ruth married and settled with her family in Boulder, Colorado, where Mr. Pudgins was written. She tested each chapter of the book on her young family. After publication, the family moved to Austin, Texas, and then Iowa City, Iowa, where Ruth’s husband was a professor. Together, they edited and wrote textbook and educational materials. Ruth Christoffer Carlsen is included in the Iowa City Literary Walk, which celebrates Iowa writers.
