CBS celebrity Joshua the Goat stars in new children’s book

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Many people in this province can probably recall a certain story that made headlines last fall. In Conception Bay South, during the T’Railway Trek Half Marathon, runners were joined by an unexpected participant: Joshua the goat from Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch. While this initially made Joshua a local and provincial celebrity, he soon became known not just outside the province but outside Canada as well. Now, the homegrown star’s adventure has been captured in a book written and illustrated by children’s author Courtney Wicks.
Originally from Winterton, Wicks lives in Victoria, Newfoundland, with her husband and two children. She is currently pregnant with her third child. Wicks said she was always interested in writing children’s books, and when she found herself with a lot of time on her hands after having her second baby, it seemed like a good time to try.
The result was her first children’s book, Kate’s Magical Playdates.
“It kind of just took off from there,” said Wicks. “I hired an illustrator and within a year I had the book in hand.”
Eventually, Wicks began to illustrate her own books. The first book she both wrote and illustrated was Beckham’s Bedtime Book, a collection of children’s affirmations.
“I did really simple illustrations, large print, easy to read, because these were things I was doing with my son, Beckham, when I put him to bed,” she said. “I was trying to help him read and I wanted to make it very easy.”
Her next book, Bobby Bunny, was more intricate. It ranked number three on Amazon for Easter books, and Wicks won the 2023 Author of the Year Award from the Newfoundland Business Network.
“I also like to travel to the different schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Wicks. “I do either in-person and online, and it’s so much fun just getting to see the kids and inspire some other children who may like to write stories or like to draw pictures and just show them the possibilities. And that’s basically why I do it.”
Heidi Reid and Jeremy Taylor of Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch, Joshua’s owners, reached out to Wicks to ask if she was interested in writing a book about their goat and his story. Wicks agreed. Reid provided Wicks with details and photographs.
“I tried to make the story as close to what actually happened as possible and included some of the humour that I found funny in the actual story,” said Wicks. “And then I based many of the illustrations on photos that were shared on social media and in the news so that people may recognize some familiar scenes and settings.”
Joshua ran 4.9 kilometres in the T’Railway Trek Half Marathon. His owners were not aware he had broken off his leash until they saw photos on social media of him running alongside the other racers. News of Joshua’s exciting day out spread quickly. His story was covered by publications like The Washington Post and Latin Times. He made a guest appearance at a CBS council meeting, dropped a puck at a hockey game, and was even on an Australian game show. “These are all things that are incorporated in the children’s story,” said Wicks.
The book is called Joshua the G.O.A.T. In addition to spelling the word “goat,” the letters “G.O.A.T” is an acronym that stands for “Greatest of All Time.” It will be Wicks’ fifth children’s book, and the third she has both written and illustrated herself. It was released on Amazon on March 7, independently published through Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing.
Wicks does her own formatting and marketing. “I like that I’ve got that independence that, when I’m ready to release a story, I can do that on my own,” said Wicks. “And it kind of gives me a bit of freedom.”
Joshua the G.O.A.T. will next be distributed by Downhome and available on its racks.
“All my books are proudly printed in Canada,” Wicks said.
The book will also be carried at some retail stores, such as Piper’s, certain grocery stores, and Cole’s and Chapters bookstores in St. John’s.
“Joshua the G.O.A.T. is kind of a story of inspiration,” said Wicks. “It’s perfect for both kids and adults, and especially animal lovers. It celebrates courage, friendship, and an unforgettable race, and it just proves that anyone or anything can become the greatest of all time.”