Stone Soup Magazine
— A peacock appears on a suburban Virginia roof, struts like it owns the place, calls to another peacock in the yard, then flies away.
— A child observes the grain patterns in a piece of wood under lamplight, seeing landscapes of mountains, rivers, trees, and worms in its natural markings.
— A young aspiring animal rescuer brings home a worm that dies overnight, teaching her that wild creatures belong in their natural habitats, not bedrooms.
— A sunset transforms into dragon fire and shattering colors, with the speaker urging readers to catch the pieces before everything ends in stars.
— A lonely guard dragon, hardened by years of servitude, finds unexpected companionship when a starving fox pup steals food and curls up beside him for warmth.
— Poor mouse twins receive a visit from the wealthy royal family, whose scorn prompts their mother to declare she's richer in joy than they are in gold.