Christmas in the Forest
illustrated by Diane Dawson Hearn
Holiday House, 1998
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-8234-1371-3

When Cat is ignored during the excitement of Christmas Eve, she runs away to the forest. She's tempted to eat a baby mouse until a bear threatens to eat her. But as Cat tells the Christmas story, she and the bear agree to leave their prey in peace, and the mice invite Cat to sleep in their nest. —Horn Book

Bear's Hiccups
illustrated by Diane Dawson Hearn
Holiday House, 1998
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-8234-1339-3

On a hot summer day, while Bear and Frog are arguing about who owns the cool, wet pond, Frog disappears and Bear develops a sudden case of hiccups.

Alison's Fierce and Ugly Halloween
illustrated by Laurie Spencer
Hyperion Chapters, 1997
ages 4 to 8, out of print

Alison dresses as a fierce and ugly pirate for Halloween, but she is disappointed and angry when everyone says she looks cute.

If You Were Born a Kitten
illustrated by Joellen McAllister Stammen
Little Simon, 1997
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-689-85329-6

Reading Guide available from Minnesota Storytime

This best-selling picture book introduces baby animals and their parents. This celebration of the miracle of childbirth ends with the most special baby of all—you! The book is both lyrical and educational. From remarkable whales to tiny opossums, toddlers will marvel at this irresistible array of baby animals and will delight at the baby featured on the last spread.

Turtle Dreams
illustrated by Diane Dawson Hearn
Holiday House, 1997
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-8234-1322-5

"After Great-great-grandmother advises her to gather some dreams for the upcoming winter, Turtle finds that the dreams different animals suggest—flying, eating nuts, playing in the snow—don't seem quite right. But when winter comes, she discovers she can dream anything with a bit of imagination. Paintings dominated by browns and greens evoke the hazy light of autumn." —Horn Book

Alison's Wings
illustrated by Roger Roth
Hyperion Chapters, 1997
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-7868-2349-9

Dreaming of growing a set of wings so that she can fly, young Alison is unimpressed by gifts of a red cape, a balloon, an airplane ride, and a swing and retreats into her imagination.

Alison's Puppy
Hyperion Chapters, 1997
ages 4 to 8, paper ISBN 978-0-7868-1140-3

Regardless of what her family says, Alison is absolutely sure she wants a puppy for her birthday and reminds them over and over that is all she wants, but when her Grandpa brings her his gift, Alison decides that she is absolutely sure that all she ever wanted is the kitten he has brought.

A Writer's Story: From Life to Fiction
Clarion, 1995
young adult, ISBN 978-0-395-72094-3

In a companion book to "What's Your Story? A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction," award-winning novelist Marion Dane Bauer explores the conscious and unconscious ways in which her life experiences and emotions have influenced her writing. This vivid, personal account is a fascinating true story of inspiration, thought, research, and hours of hard work. "A Writer's Story" will intrigue and inspire young people who think they might like to become writers themselves.

Am I Blue? Coming Out From the Silence
illustrated by Beck Underwood
Harper Trophy, 1995
ages 12 through adult, paper ISBN 978-0-06-440587-4

Original stories by C. S. Adler, Marion Dane Bauer, Francesca Lia Block, Bruce Coville, Nancy Garden, James Cross Giblin, Ellen Howard, M. E. Kerr, Jonathan London, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, Lesléa Newman, Cristina Salat, William Sleator, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jane Yolen. Each of these stories is original, each is by a noted author for young adults, and each honestly portrays its subject and theme—growing up gay or lesbian, or with gay or lesbian parents or friends.