810-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, May 19,1990 Daren and his mother Elaine sit on the stone fence that separates the meadow from their lawn. Daren plays In the Hammer Creek that slices through their 115-acre farm In Litltz. Elaine Good shows off the two books she has written In response to watching her children grow up on the farm. Life On Lititz Farm Recorded In Books Daren spends a lot of time v fth his dog and helping his dad, Leon, on the farm. In the books, Daren and his brother and two sisters, Lee, 20; Juanita, 17; and Crystal, 14; are given fictitious names. LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Farming Staff LITITZ (Lancaster Co.) —How do you know that it is springtime? Or, is it summertime? If you are as observant as Daren Good, you can soon discover that answer. Daren is seven years old, but when he was three years old, his mother, Elaine, observed how excited he became as he saw signs of spring. One day, after playing with his toy tractors in the dirt, Daren came into the house. He was filthy from head to toe. When Daren saw his dirty clothes, he was afraid his mother might scold him. Instead, she said, “That’s 0.k., Daren. That’s what happens when it’s spring.” After that Daren and his mother noticed many signs of springtime and together they would chorus, “That’s what happens when it’s spring.” Elaine wrote about the things that Daren discovered and had a book published, “That’s What Happens When It’s Spring!” the book is filled with whimisi cal, colorful pictures that show fun things happening. The book was illustrated by Susie Shenk Sometimes a calf Is not content to lick Daren’s finger. Instead, she licks him on the nose. Wenger. The book was so much fun to write that Elaine wrote another book called “It’s Summertime!” The book tells about running barefooted across the soft, cool grass. It tells about making hay, picking peas, feeding heifers that lick your nose. It tells about swim ming in the creek while the heifers watch. One page reads: ‘Today we let the cows go into the meadow. After being in the bam since late fall, they gallop, jump, and butt into each other, kicking as if there were springs in their feet! There’s no time like summertime!” “It’s about all the things of which country kids are familiar— canning and thunderstorms and sweet com shared with a friend.” Elaine said. City kids also like the book because it tells them about life on the farm. Naturally. Elaine is also writing one about fall and another about winter. The books are written for ages 3 to 8, and both can be purchased at local bookstores or by calling col lect if you live in Pennsylvania (717) 768-7171. If you live outside Pennsylvania, call 1 800 762-7171. 'iPI •h- m 9
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers