Stone Soup Magazine

Story·Claire Rinterknecht, age 12 — A grieving girl finds solace climbing her oak tree and discovers unexpected connection when a new teacher arrives who values her love of words.

Story·Tiffanie Goh, age 11 — A mute girl who finds solace in nature discovers she can communicate telepathically with a mountain cat, then runs away when her divorcing parents abandon her.

Story·Amy Zhou, age 11 — During a summer visit to China, a girl who hates bugs learns from her butterfly-loving aunt to see the beauty and purpose in all living things.

Poetry·Owen Sessine — Soon, creatures will wake up. Soon creatures will go to sleep. Some will not wake up.

Artwork·Delaney Slote

Story·Amy Zhou, age 11 — A girl who hates bugs learns to care for butterflies with her aunt in China, discovering that all life has meaning and purpose.

Artwork·Keira Zhang

Poetry·Callen Bailey, age 12 — A five-year-old battles wind and waves in a canoe during an Adirondack storm, discovering strength and joy amid the chaos.

Poetry·Christiana Joiner, age 11 — A girl flees anger and homework to climb her beloved tree, where rough bark and height transform fury into tears and finally clarity.

Artwork·Sophia Bartolini