Alison McGhee

Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler can not tie her shoes by herself and fears the worst.

Because their dreams of daring adventures go against the cautious teachings of their nations, Firefly and Cricket set out on their own, find a home with kindly Vole, and together help a grieving "miniature giant" named Peter.

Nine-year-old Julia Gillian learns a lot about facing fear as she and her St. Bernard, Bigfoot, take long walks through their Minneapolis neighborhood one hot summer, and she seeks the courage to finish a book that could have an unhappy ending.

A young witch describes what she does on Halloween, her favorite holiday.

A little witch wants to know what humans are actually like, so she sets out on an adventure to find out. Other stories included are: By the Light of the Halloween Moon; A Dark, Dark Tale; Georgie; The Witch in the Cherry Tree; The Three-Legged Cat; The Three Robbers; and Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain.