This collection of five never before released short stories and one new novella fills in gaps in the lives of the four children rescued by Hawkwind in "Hawkwind's Tale" between the end of that book and where the story resumes in "The Fledging of Hawkwings." They learn to grow their own food, struggle with maturing in a place where there are only griffins to raise them, decide their destinies, and feel the first bitter taste of unrequited love. The other short story and novella follow characters mentioned or introduced in "Hearthsraven" the third book of the series (and for continuity and to avoid spoilers, should not be read until after "Hearthraven"). The origin and background of two main "Hearthsraven" characters are explored.

Katherine has also written several fantasy novels. This is her second children's book, which she both wrote and illustrated. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in California, USA.