Marion Dane Bauer

Marion Dane Bauer is the author of more than 100 books, ranging from board books and picture books through easy readers, both fiction and nonfiction, and middle-grade and young-adult novels, including her Newbery Honor title in 1987, On My Honor.  She was one of the founders and the first Faculty Chair of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Reviews

We, The Curious Ones

“Tackling a wide-ranging history of thought about the universe, Bauer describes the transformation of stories that humans—“the curious ones”—tell about their surroundings. Once describing a flat world that rested on a turtle, humans’ tales change after those “who dare challenge/ even the stories/ we love” ask if the world might be not flat, but round. As generations pass, others ask whether the earth might revolve around the sun, leading to seemingly limitless concepts (“the universe is expanding”). Glittering with stars and pulsing with color and light, photographed dioramas constructed by married team Hari & Deepti convey a sense of limitless space that dwarfs the stylized, shadowy human figures who see themselves in constellations. The collaborators bring sweep and majesty to the concept of paradigmatic change, communicating the challenge and excitement in revolutionary new ways of thinking and telling. An afterword discusses the book’s roots in the idea of quantum gravity.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Written in beautiful lyrical poetry, award-winning author Bauer presents a tale of human endeavor and history. This picture book tells the story of how the curiosity, questioning, and struggle of human beings has led to discovery and change. She begins with, “Birds sing. Bees dance. Wolves howl, ‘I am here! I am here!’ But we are the ones who tell stories.” These wonderful words are aptly paired with shimmering colors and intricate cut-paper artwork. This thought-provoking book takes readers on the journey from early mythology to modern science and ponders the symbiotic relationship between science and story. The poems come full circle, ending with, “Dogs bow. Prairie dogs kiss. Fireflies flash, ‘Come to Me! Come to Me!’ Trees talk to one another underground. And we, the curious ones, the ones who discover, tell stories.” When shared with young readers, these poems will spark discussion about the power of story and our part in the universe. Students will be encouraged to look at stories with new eyes, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussion that promotes higher level thinking skills . . . A comprehensive afterword explores how early folktales described the universe and more. A book of poems that asks philosophical questions to provoke thought, encourage curiosity, and inspire young readers with a new appreciation and understanding about the world around them”—School Library Journal

“In this companion to her Coretta Scott King Award–winning The Stuff of Stars (2018), Bauer considers the intersection of science and story. Lyrical free verse begins with ancient peoples and the stories they told, such as a flat world built on the back of a turtle, to explain the astrophysics of Earth. The cerebral, deceptively simple picture book for readers of all ages continues with beliefs about the earth, the sun, and the expanding universe; how these beliefs evolved over time; and how people continue to question them. Despite our being in a vast universe full of darkness, there is still mystery, and the author asks in conclusion, “What will you discover? What stories will you tell?” Illustrators Hari & Deepti depict this wonder through the ages in luminous, layered scenes of human silhouettes observing changing skies. Their ethereal illustrations were rendered from backlit paper dioramas that were hand cut and painted. An afterword offers a brief history of early non-Western civilizations and influential scientists who shaped what we know about the universe today.”—Booklist

The Night Sky

“Packed with wonder and delight, this book introduces readers to a substantial amount of information on topics, including stars, constellations, planets, the northern lights, falling stars, the moon’s changing face, and meteors. Beginning with the question, “Do you know that stars shine day and night?” the author explains that we cannot see the stars during the day because the sun—also a star—outshines them. This question is followed by others: “Have you ever seen a falling star?” “Do you want to glimpse our fascinating universe?” These questions provoke curiosity and wonder. The text is sprinkled with words like wow, spectacular, and fascinating, which invite readers to share the author’s sense of awe. The language is lively and engaging; readers learn that stars twinkle “because their light bounces and bumps through our atmosphere to reach us,” and constellations are “connect-the-dots pictures” humans have always made with stars. The illustrations reinforce the feeling of wonder and delight by showing children, adults, and animals gazing peacefully into the night sky. A glossary provides pronunciation and additional information about selected words in the text. An excellent choice to introduce young readers to the wonders of the night sky.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

The Animals Speak: A Christmas Eve Legend

"Baugus's bold color and luminous digital spreads convey a sense of reverence and joy in this calm picture book." —Publishers Weekly

Sunshine

“Richly character driven, immersive, evocative, and painfully sad, this effort can’t fail to move young readers . . . An outstanding exploration of childhood trauma from a masterful author.”                —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

 “Bauer keeps the reader wondering why Ben’s mom left the family, creating a sensitive portrait of a woman victim to an abusive mother. That Ben is hiding his anger beneath a multitude of fears feels authentic, and his deep need for the adoring Sunshine will resonate for dog lovers. Descriptive passages of the islands and the trio’s adventures in the Minnesota wilderness are sure to appeal to outdoorsy readers. But the central theme of the book, Ben’s sense of loss and abandonment, informs every part of the narrative as he vacillates between trying to connect with his mother and the anger that’s expressed in his shrugging off her touch . . . A moving story about a boy and his dog and the solace a pet, real or imagined, can bring.       —School Library Journal

“Bauer offers an imaginative and emotionally compelling take on the story of a boy and his dog here. Ben’s confusion over his mother’s departure and his desperation for the normality he thinks her return will bring are keenly and believably drawn, and even young readers new to the idea of symbolism will appreciate how the adorable and adoring Sunshine serves as more than just an imaginary friend. The atmospheric setting, meanwhile, sets the stage for hard-won lessons in courage and independence, with just enough danger to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately a moving story of forgiveness and early maturity, it’s also a strong recommendation for adventure readers and dog lovers.”                —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Stuff of Stars

"Bauer’s lyrical free-verse love song to Earth, to the listener, and to all creatures is accessible to everyone living on 'one lucky planet, a fragile blue ball we call Earth.'" —Booklist, Starred Review

 ". . . powerful words build the story of the creation of the universe, presenting the science in poetic free verse." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

 "In spare, supple verse, Newbery Honor author Bauer tells a big story. . . ." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Winter Dance

"An exemplary addition to the shelves of nature-themed picture books." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"The regular pattern of Bauer's text provides excellent support for pre-readers, while remaining sweetly simple. However, it’s Jones' soft-lined, textured illustrations that steal the show, as they cast beautiful forest scenes across the page, using a cool wintry palette against which the fox’s orangey-red fur pops." —Booklist , Starred Review

"Bauer's verse like text pairs gracefully with smudgy and similarly understated scenes from British illustrator Jones: the text and artwork work in tandem to suggest the hushed onset of winter while carrying readers forward with the swiftness of a snow flurry." —Publishers Weekly , Starred Review

 "Inspired by the author's discovery of the foxes' dance in the woods of the North, the descriptive, lyrical text and its placement imitate the dance’s movement. A suggested first purchase suitable for young readers in libraries and classrooms studying seasons and animal behavior." —School Library Journal 

Little Cat’s Luck

"An inspiring match of writing and art. Perfect for one-on-one sharing." —School Library Journal

"Wholly satisfying ... A perfect selection for pet lovers new to chapter books and anyone who just enjoys a cheerful dog story.... Excellent for young readers and all cat lovers." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Little Dog, Lost

"…the rapid, immediate free verse will grab readers with first the longing and loneliness and then, in contrast, the boy and dog in bliss. Great for sharing with pet lovers." —Booklist 

"My four year old son and I are reading this book now for the 3rd or 4th time. He cries and laughs, and asks me to read it to him again and again. The first time we read it, we did so over three nights, and each morning he said, 'I can't wait to find out what happens to Buddy and Mark! ' This is a lovely lovely book." —Will's mom, Amazon.com

 "Here is a tale that warms the heart from top to bottom and back again. This is storytelling in all its glory." —Kathi Appelt,  author

 "Newbery Honor–author Bauer (On My Honor) crafts distinct voices for each character and develops a strong sense of place in the close-knit town of Erthly . . . Any child who has ever longed for a pet or tried to convince a parent to give in to a dear wish will identify with Mark." —Publishers Weekly