TV Reporter Brings Epic Minnesota Sheep Escape To Life In Book

CARLTON, MN — A sheep who captured Northern Minnesota’s hearts during a daring weeks-long escape has inspired a new children’s book from a Duluth area TV reporter.

"The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure" tells the story of Brad, a sheep from Golden Hour Acres in Carlton, Minnesota, who became a local legend after bolting from a livestock trailer and vanishing into the wild.

The book is based on real events and was written by Maria Vollom, the TV reporter who originally covered Brad’s journey for Fox 21 Local News.

Brad’s real-life adventure began in October 2024, when he was sold to a new owner in Two Harbors.

But when the trailer door opened, Brad made a run for it. Over the next three weeks, he was spotted in several Northland communities while volunteers and animal lovers made multiple attempts to bring him back safely.

He eventually made his way back to Carlton, where he was safely caught with the help of some dedicated volunteers and a few slices of white bread, his favorite treat.

"He seems like he’s just kind of right back into it now," said Brad’s owner, Ryan Osvald, in an interview with Fox 21 after Brad returned. "Pretty good for what he went through."

The new book offers a fictionalized take on Brad’s travels, imagining him exploring Minnesota, trying ice cream, making friends, and learning what "home" really means. It’s illustrated and written for young readers, with humor and warmth that reflect Brad’s unlikely story.

After his return, Brad was reunited with his twin, his mother, and the rest of the flock at Golden Hour Acres. The farm has since launched a TikTok account to share glimpses of life with its most famous resident.

The Great Sheep Escape is now available through local retailers and online.