A book signing party in July at Common Grounds will launch a children's book titled "Look For Something Good," written by Bluffton resident Steve Yoder.

Yoder says the book is a story with a lesson, adding, "It's a parable, which deals with a tough set of circumstances involving a young boy." Yoder, who is lead pastor of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, says that the book is written for youth, particularly at the fourth grade level.

"'Look for Something Good' comes out of some of my own experiences on the farm working with my parents and siblings in the garden and barn," said Yoder.

"I also wrote the story out of my experiences as a teacher and pastor. When something disappointing happens, the first reactions are often to blame someone, or to ask why it happened. I believe that going down both of those roads leads eventually to a dead end."

He continued: "Instead I like to challenge people to ask the how and what questions. 'How can I make something good come out of this bad situation?' and 'What are the good things that are happening even in the midst of this difficult time?' "

In the story the main character, Riley, learns this lesson from his father. The story shows that relationships are important in helping children work through difficult times.

The story tells about a young boy who plants a garden, but the garden is destroyed when a neighboring farmer's cows get out of their field and trample the garden. A surprise develops later in the fall, which leads to the book's title.

Yoder said that the book could be used as a discussion topic between youth and adults.

Book signing party

Persons may purchase copies from Yoder during a book signing from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12, at Common Grounds coffee shop. The book is available now, directly from Yoder, and until the book party event at $10. Persons attending the signing event will receive a coupon worth $1 off any drink in the shop that evening.

Following the book signing, the book will be available locally at $12.

The book is available online at amazon.com, Authorhouse.com or barnesandnoble.com. The retail price is $17.99. The book is also available in e-book format for $3.99.

The book is published by AuthorHouse, Bloomington, Ind. The book's illustrator is Stephen Adams. ISBN: 9781468588514.