‘The Adventures of Little Britches’: Floyd farmer featured in new children’s book
“We would talk on the phone, and she would ask me, ‘How’s my little GG doing?’ (meaning her grand-goat),” Alex said, “and I would tell her the latest story of Little Britches and what we were up to.”
Alex Tuchman, director of Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary in Floyd, and his journey of raising a wily goat named Little Britches is the inspiration for a new children’s book rooted in Floyd County.
Published in October, “The Adventures of Little Britches: A True Story” was written by Alex’s sister, Emily, and their grandmother, Anita, who live in Chicago and New York, respectively. This was the first time “turning a family story into a book meant to be shared with children everywhere” for both of them, Emily said.
“This is a true story rooted in Floyd County, inspired by real people, real land, and a strong respect for nature. The story takes place at Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary, a place many in Floyd County are proud of, known for its commitment to conservation, education, and respect for all living beings,” Emily said. “We hope readers feel that authenticity and warmth throughout the story.”
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Alex said the project was the brain-child of Grandma Anita, a retired teacher and reading specialist who was 95 years old when she pitched the idea of writing the book to Emily and Alex.
“We would talk on the phone, and she would ask me, ‘How’s my little GG doing?’ (meaning her grand-goat),” Alex said, “and I would tell her the latest story of Little Britches and what we were up to.” After the first few months, he added, she started saying it needed to be made into a children’s book.
She and Emily eventually teamed up for the project, which Alex said “overjoyed” him, and it turned into a “deeply meaningful experience,” Emily said, for her and Grandma Anita. Alex even noted that the duo “had quite a memorable experience creating the book together.”
“From the initial idea to publication, the process took about 10 months,” Emily explained. “The core writing happened over roughly six months of regular phone calls between my grandmother and me, followed by editing, illustration, and final production.”
Jessica Heinzen illustrated the story, traveling from Alabama (where she was in school) to Spikenard to meet Tuchman and Little Britches himself during the process. Emily said working with Heinzen was “truly special” as she “even studied the native plants and birds of the area to ensure accuracy.” “Her heart was fully in the project,” Emily noted.
The book is “first and foremost a warm-hearted story, but it naturally teaches lessons about love, kindness, responsibility, and respect for nature and all living beings,” Emily said. “The message isn’t forced; it comes through the relationship between Alex and Little Britches and the simple, everyday acts of care on the farm.”
Little Britches came into the world on Feb. 23, 2024, as a weak newborn and was bottle-fed, being handled often by Alex. Now almost two years old, he is fully grown but still very friendly. Alex said sometimes, during Spikenard’s Open Days, Little Britches happily joins him in giving a tour of the farm and honeybees to visitors.
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“Little Britches is a truly remarkable and curious goat, and because we bonded so closely in his first few months…the attachment to me is quite strong,” Alex said.
One of Alex's favorite memories with Little Britches that’s included in the book features a visit with local school children. On the playground, “Little Britches and I started stump-jumping together, and all the kids joined in,” Alex said. “It was such a heart-warming little activity and totally spontaneous!”
“The Adventures of Little Britches: A True Story” is available locally at The Book House, Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary, and The Floyd Country Store. It can also be ordered through online book sellers, including the publisher’s website at www.thehomesteadpress.com/product/the-adventures-of-little-britches-a-true-story.