· Carlson Award for Distinction in Environmental Education – Indiana Univ. 1990
· Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans – MN Jaycees, 1991
· Minnesota Book Award, 1992
· Midwest Publishers Book of the Year, 1992
· ABBY Award – American Booksellers Book of the Year, 1993
· International Reading Association Book of the Year, 1993
· Who’s Who in America, 48th Edition, 1994
· The Christopher Medal, 1999
· Parents Choice Award, 2000
· Barnes and Noble Star of the North, 2000
· Story Telling World Honor, 2000
· Audubon Center of the Northwoods – Alumni Award for Education, 2005
· Smithsonian Notable Book, 2009
· Alumni Educator of the Year – Morningside College, 2009
· Junior Library Guild Selected Book. 2011
· Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award, 2011
· Minnesota State Arts Board Individual Artist Grant for Prose, 2013
· Minnesota Association for Environmental Education, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2013
· Multiple Starred Reviews: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and other reviewing sources.
