Ashel's Spring

By Karen George Aukema

Eight-year-old Ashel is worried about a baby raccoon he heard while coon hunting with the Landers boys. He and his mother try to rescue the baby coon, but not before facing an alligator in the process. A bluetick puppy arrives on this doorstep, and Ashel wonders if the puppy and the raccoon can get along. Cowboy Pete gives Ashel and a little Sem

• Language: English
• Publisher: Go Bessie
• Release date: Dec 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780999283240

Karen George Aukema

Karen George Aukema grew up on a ranch in Florida. She received her B.S. degree in Human Sciences at Florida State University and her M.S. degree in Education from Troy State University, in Alabama. She has over a decade of experience as a public school educator/school counselor. She and her husband have five children and live in North Florida. Visit Karen at her website: karengaukema.com.

Book preview

It was what men did. Something about listening to their dogs barking while trailing a coon made men smile and stay out half the night. In the late 1930’s in North Central Florida, raccoon pelts were worth about ten to twenty dollars for each one. If a man was persistent, the pelts added up quickly. Ashel’s daddy had often gone coon hunting for extra income and sometimes he took Ashel with him. But now, for eight-year-old Ashel, it was a chance to be with the older boys, a chance to enjoy the outdoors after dark, and an occasion to remember the good times with his father.

Can I go, Mama? Can I go? Can I? Ashel said as he ran into the house, almost out of breath.

Slow down, son! Mama answered as she caught up with Ashel running through the kitchen.

Mama, can I go coon hunting with the Landers boys? I was outside picking up limbs after the storm, like you asked me to do. Then, the Landers boys came walking down the road and asked me to go coon hunting with ‘em tonight.

The Landers boys, huh? I don’t know about you keeping company with the Landers boys. Aren’t they the boys you were telling me about last week that jumped the Peterson brothers at school? Then in the middle of the brawl, they begin fighting each other?

Yes, ma’am, that was Louie and Arley Landers. But, that was because Louie, the oldest, began fighting Arley’s fight, and Arley didn’t want any help.

Sounds like a rough bunch, if you ask me.

I ain’t asking, Mama! I just wanna go coon hunting! Can I go Mama, please?

I’m gonna have to think about this, son.

Mama, don’t think about it! Just let me go! blurted Ashel as he stomped his foot. You know I use to go coon hunting with Daddy and you didn’t mind.

I know son. And I know you miss your daddy as much as I miss him. Tell you what, you come here and give me a hug. Then, I’ll think about it real hard while you finish picking up those limbs from the storm.

Ashel came and gave his mama the tightest hug, then ran back outside. Mama knew that Ashel needed to do the things that boys did, but it was hard letting him