Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibushi is the gripping first installment of an eight-part graphic novel series about Emily and Navin Hayes, who, after the death of their father, move into a new house, which soon turns into a house full of secrets after Emily discovers a sentient amulet in the library. Soon after, her mother is captured by a creature beyond the realms of realism and the siblings embark on an adventure to save their mother, and with the help of robots like Cogsley, Miskit, Morrie and Theodor, uncover a legacy far more mystical than they could ever imagine. I especially enjoyed how Amulet managed to subvert popular fantasy tropes like that of “the chosen one,” while not drawing away from their core themes. Every character has their own quirks and I particularly enjoyed Miskit’s characterization as the alluded-to most faithful member of Charon House. Amulet also does a masterful job of using “show not tell,” while also having a world that is easy to understand. Using elements of drama, suspense, dialogue and character expressions, I found myself getting rapidly attached to the premise, as well as everything inside it. The twins’ personalities found me rereading the book constantly finding more of myself and people I know, their dynamic with each other very relatable and refreshing. With vibrant character design, succinct world-building, and a fascinating narrative, Amulet is a graphic novel that is easy to latch onto but very hard to let go of. Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibushi. Graphix, 2008. Buy the book here and help support Stone Soup in the process!
Stone Soup Magazine for young readers, writers, and artists
Out of the Pandemic, poetry in seasons by Paridhi, 13 | Part III: Summer 2020
Author’s Statement I started writing this piece as an optional assignment in my seventh grade English class. It was an end of the year assignment. In this piece, I have tried to describe some vivid memories and experiences over the one and a half years during which the COVID-19 virus has put a break on my life. The pandemic has been a turning point in my life. I still have many more experiences to gain in life but I doubt I will ever be able to forget this. A Note from the Editor These poems were submitted to Stone Soup blog as a 40 page collection. I have decided to publish them in weekly installments, breaking them up by the seasons Paridhi established. The artwork I have chosen to accompany each installment was not selected by the author and was originally published in Stone Soup. Part III Summer 2020 Sunflowers By Ethan Hu, 8 (San Diego, CA), published in Stone Soup September 2021 Spending Time Online studies has come with its pros and cons. TV serials have become our savior. Mythological serials such as Ramayana and Mahabharata Have my attention. Various delicacies and a lethargic lifestyle Is what I am leading. Eating popcorn, nachos or anything whenever I feel like. Fitness Looking at the mirror Realization struck. My little belly bulging out. Looking out of place. So I started exercising. It is a bit boring, Exercising all alone, But my mother is always there, Beside me, Urging me to continue And to never stop. Raksha Bandhan Our Hindu festival, Rakhi Is here, A ceremony celebrating The love and bond amongst brothers and sisters. With lockdown not that strict, I am going to my aunt’s new house. We are going to have a grand day, All cousins together, Delicious food, numerous gifts, fun-filled time— What we are looking forward to. A Joke It’s my birthday today. I am now 12. Only another year before I am a teen. When all my cousins came, My mother gifted me an enormous present. A broad smile brightened my face— I hastily unwrapped the gift To find another parcel packed inside, And then another layer, And yet another. After opening 10 parcels wrapped, Inside one another, I finally took out my present— A chocolate. We all had a hearty laugh. COVID After all the fun and frolic, Next day, Came the dreaded news. My cousins had fever, COVID was diagnosed. The venom slowly spread, It trapped each and every member of the family. Prayers, prayers and prayers, They should recover; I hope they do.
Weekly Creativity #213: Take a Self-Portrait that Doesn’t Show Your Face
Take a self-portrait that doesn’t show your face.
