Judith Cass, a Central Iowa author and illustrator, has released a new children’s book titled Phill’s Grand Adventure: Finding Home, inspired by the real-life story of Phill, a water buffalo who captured the attention of the Pleasant Hill community.
The concept for the book originated when Cass received a text message from a friend suggesting that Phill’s story would make an excellent subject for her next project. Motivated by the idea, Cass set aside a different book she had been working on to focus on this new endeavor. The process of writing and illustrating Phill’s Grand Adventure took approximately six months.
Cass remained true to the central events that endeared Phill to the community — including his sighting on a Ring doorbell camera — but adapted the storyline to create a more uplifting narrative. “I took out the parts that even myself thought were sad,” Cass explained. In her version, Phill travels alongside a loyal companion named Clyde, encountering various friends and traversing familiar Iowa landscapes such as cornfields and ponds. Ultimately, Phill finds a permanent home at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
Reflecting on the project, Cass expressed pride in using her talents to contribute to her community. “It really is a treasure for me to be able to, since I’m from Iowa and from central Iowa, to be able to take my talent of illustration and writing and write a story and illustrate it,” she said.
Preorders for Phill’s Grand Adventure: Finding Home began on April 1, and Cass reports that hundreds of copies have already been sold, prompting additional print orders. The book is currently available for purchase through selected outlets and on Amazon.
The story of Phill continues to resonate with Iowans, many of whom recall the unusual sight of a water buffalo roaming their neighborhoods and the community’s collective effort to ensure his safe rescue.
