Stone Soup Magazine

Story·Olivia Smit, age 12 — A night watchman rescues a black stallion named Tear Drop from drowning at sea, forming a bond that survives separation and mistreatment before their eventual reunion.

Poetry·Rebecca Mitkus Wishnie, age 10 — Night at a dock becomes a symphony of metallic clangs, wave sounds, and boat thuds, while stars spark like kindling in the black sky.

Story·Grace Euphrat Weston, age 12 — A girl with a sore throat communicates through charades with her sister, discovering that laughter and connection transcend words.

Poetry·Isabel Sutter, age 13 — A girl climbs her backyard oak tree and finds a moment of transcendent joy where all worries dissolve into the beauty of sky and wind.

Story·Julia Gaitley, age 12 — A girl at an aquarium loses her older brother while daydreaming about seals' freedom, then finds comfort in a wandering turtle while waiting to be found.

Poetry·Mara Schiffhauer, age 12 — A plant watches a baby being celebrated for growing, then remembers its own unwitnessed growth from seed to tree, reaching skyward with equal pride.

Story·Sophie Tottman, age 12 — A village girl attends a prestigious Masked Ball disguised as her tutor's aunt, meeting famous scientists and artists who share their knowledge while hidden behind elaborate masks.

Story·Julia Clow and Olivia Smit, age 12 — A human baby raised by wolves discovers her true identity when hunters threaten her wolf family, ultimately choosing to live with humans while maintaining her wolf bonds.

Story·Jacob E. Gerszten, age 11 — An 11-year-old's educational vacation to Tanzania introduces him to Maasai guide Simon, local customs, and the tiny dik-dik antelope, challenging his American perspective.

Story·Madelyne Xiao, age 12 — A daughter watches her mother prepare mung bean noodles despite burns from hot water, while her father returns from Paris with a French baguette, revealing love through food and sacrifice.