ThunderCloud co-founder publishes children’s book

ThunderCloud Subs co-founder Andy Cotton presented his new children’s book, A Puppy’s Tale, at the Texas Book Festival on Sunday, Oct. 18 in the Children’s Read Me A Story Tent.

The book is available for purchase online at http://coach36.wix.com/andy.A Puppy’s Tale is the true story of Cotton’s Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Jasper, from his lion-hunting heritage in Africa to his new home in Austin. Illustrated adorably by local artist Emma Harsock, it also includes photos of the real Jasper.

Cotton was out of town when Jasper arrived on a plane from Africa, so his wife Kelly met the plane and got to meet the puppy first. Cotton never tired of hearing the story of Jasper’s arrival in vivid detail: What did Jasper look like as he came off the plane? Was he scared? Or just happy to arrive at his new home? What happened when he was introduced to their other dog, Roxy the Boxer? One day Cotton thought, this is a bedtime story. And that’s how he had the idea for A Puppy’s Tale.

Cotton began his writing career as sports editor and columnist (The Coaches Corner) for the Austin Chronicle, a job that he held for 10 years while also overseeing his growing number of ThunderCloud Sub shops with his business partners. During his tenure, Cotton was voted Austin’s best sportswriter three times.

A Puppy’s Tale is Cotton’s second book. His first book, It’s Not Fun: Life Below the Radar of the PGA Tour, is a nonfiction work that vividly portrays the often-heartbreaking landscape of professional golf.

Cotton co-founded ThunderCloud Subs with John Meddaugh in 1975 with the simple philosophy of selling a great sub at a reasonable price. The beloved local chain celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Another milestone for ThunderCloud this year is the 25th anniversary of the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, the Thanksgiving Day tradition that raises money for Caritas of Austin.