Table of Contents for Stone Soup

The poem "Goodbye, Earth" metaphorically explores themes of ascension and descent, contrasting earthly connection with celestial aspiration, using imagery of rising above grass and falling toward the moon.

A poetic reflection on creating stars in a starless night, evoking a memory of joy through sparse, rhythmic language and imagery.

Avaline, a five-year-old, faces anxiety about starting kindergarten due to unfamiliarity and language barriers. Her mom helps by arranging a playdate with a classmate, Lily, and later stays with her at school to ease her.

The poem describes a scene where birds are affected by natural disasters like tsunamis and storms, highlighting their vulnerability and resilience as they seek shelter and await relief with the return of the sun and.

Young triplet princes, descendants of King Corv the Twenty-First, embark on their first sea voyage, facing a storm that separates them. Each prince lands on different parts of an island, where they experience unique adventures.

The poem explores a serene moment in a blue chair, contrasting quiet solitude with the impending chaos of daily life, highlighting themes of peace and the passage of time.

The poem explores the complexities of mixed racial identity, contrasting external perceptions with internal turmoil, using the metaphor of a thunderstorm to describe the clash of disparate elements within.

A powerful storm transforms the narrator's relationship with the ocean, shifting from fear to awe and wonder at its magnificence, as they experience the ocean's fury firsthand during a storm in Florida.

Danny, a clever boy, lives with his father in a caravan behind a filling station. Together, they outwit the arrogant Victor Hazell by poaching pheasants using ingenious methods, ultimately ruining Hazell’s shooting party and bonding.

The poem personifies a sunflower, describing its life cycle from blooming in spring to dispersing seeds in fall, capturing the bittersweet moment of letting go and entering winter's sleep.

Paige, distracted by her friends’ feud, discovers a buried box with a cryptic letter, sparking a treasure hunt with her brother Luke through the woods, leading to hidden clues, a secret bridge, and a silver.

A young narrator reflects on summers at the family’s Country House, once bustling with cousins, now quiet and empty. Memories of games, boat rides, and shared meals contrast with the solitude of present visits, evoking.

A serene scene of a river and forest inspires reflection on the beauty of Earth and the role of rivers in our lives, evoking thoughts of nature's importance and our love for it.

Nicky helps Ms. Fleming sort through her attic, discovering a French horn and concert photos that reveal Ms. Fleming’s musical past, but a box of journals triggers a distressing episode, leading to a medical emergency.

The poem describes ivy outside a workplace, its leaves gently pointing toward a brick patio, clustered and shining like emerald jewels, covering one side of curved stone beneath the speaker’s feet.

On a grassy patch with sand beneath, sharp blades and robust roots stand firm. The sun ignites the sky, fading to a glowing moon. Sunset colors dance, night falls, and fireflies soar, fearless in the.

A perfect summer morning is filled with the sounds of humming and tweeting birds, the scent of flowers, and the sight of white clouds, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for spending time with family by.

Ella reflects on her school year, concluding it was worthwhile due to personal growth. She improved her maturity, self-discipline, and confidence, learning to stand up to bullies and be herself.

The poem vividly depicts fire as a wild, caged animal, its flames stretching skyward, its heart a deep yellow like the sun; uncontrollable and dark, it ultimately symbolizes a fierce yearning for freedom.

In a surreal world, a boat navigates shimmering waters as cannons are loaded, and the Earth pauses. Fish sing of life and death, and the universe expands. The narrative weaves through landscapes, exploring themes of.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella by Richard Bach, tells the story of a seagull who seeks to transcend his flock's limitations by mastering flight. He is banished for his nonconformity but continues to learn and.

Life's backdrop is filled with unexpected adventures, where forces of nature shape our paths, and simple objects like pencils or dandelions evoke memories and futures, amidst the universal vacuum's influence on our lives and emotions.

The speaker reflects on self-doubt and identity, questioning their abilities and the reality of their experiences, amidst a backdrop of nature and music, where monotony and creativity intertwine in a complex dance of self-discovery.

A young wolf, drawn to the world of humans called Legulus, secretly befriends a boy named Atlas, breaking pack rules. He learns his father left the pack for a Legulus, and must choose between his.

The passage describes the anticipation and arrival of spring, marked by the melting of frost, the awakening of nature, and the return of life to the soil, symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

The story unfolds under a full moonlit sky, where memories of mom's perfume and the scent of fresh vanilla flowers evoke a journey of nostalgia and discovery, leading to a transformative conclusion.

Cousins Jane and Louise transform a dull morning into an adventure by exploring and cleaning up trash near their brothers' soccer game, creating a meaningful experience filled with fun and pride.

Stone Soup celebrates fifty years as a vital platform for young readers, writers, and artists, featuring climate-themed art, poetry, and prose, including a story about wolves, a wizard’s quest, a nature memoir, and the debut.

The poem contrasts night and day, highlighting the peacefulness of night, where the crescent moon is visible, symbolizing both light and darkness in its gentle glow.

The poem describes the arrival of spring with blooming flowers and swaying leaves, symbolizing renewal and vibrancy, as nature awakens from its winter slumber, bringing joy and beauty to the surroundings.

Gooby, an alien, attends a human school and finds a rare coin, but his hand clenches shut, causing trouble. He eventually opens his hand, giving up the coin, and excels in basketball tryouts with his.

Daisy, a young girl, discovers a dryad named the Bush Girl in her backyard lilac bushes. They form a close friendship, playing together until Daisy grows older and can no longer see her.

The poem describes a serene walk in the woods, highlighting the natural beauty of trees and leaves swaying in the wind, inviting exploration of the world ahead.

The narrator discovers the emotional significance of family heirlooms through her great-grandpa's coin collection, realizing that these keepsakes hold memories and stories, connecting generations and fostering a sense of heritage and belonging.

A serene scene unfolds beside a desk, with sunlight and blooming flowers, including daffodils and a white hydrangea, accompanied by the chirping of birds like robins and pigeons, evoking a sense of beauty and wonder.

Spring's awakening is uncertain as winter occasionally reappears, but spring ultimately prevails, chasing winter away with its vibrant presence across the yard.

This issue celebrates spring with themed poems, art, and stories exploring new beginnings through endings, such as a girl losing her best friend and an alien giving up a precious coin.

Emma Catherine Hoff hosts "Poetry Soup," discussing poems and poets, including Fernando Pessoa and his heteronym Alberto Caeiro, exploring the concept of heteronyms and their impact on poetry.

The narrator recounts moving from China to America at age four, struggling with language and loneliness, and cherishing quiet mornings reading with their sister, whose upcoming college departure stirs bittersweet nostalgia and longing.

The content does not relate to Saira Wasim, but rather describes a poem about wearing masks and feeling self-conscious, contrasting with the artist's political and cultural commentary through miniature paintings.

A child experiences a head injury at a playground while playing hide-and-seek, leading to a trip to the emergency room. The child undergoes treatment, including stitches, and reflects on the experience with confusion and fear.

Katie, a young detective, investigates the kidnapping of her best friend Xavier, uncovering a complex web involving a former spy and a mysterious figure known as Gilm Tuly, leading to a thrilling rescue mission.

A young boy named Roy lives on a cloud, gets squeezed out, falls, and lands somewhere mysterious. He floats, rises back to the sky, and joins a new cloud, starting a new journey filled with.

The narrator reflects on how ballet has shaped their life, fostering emotional awareness and expression. Ballet allows them to convey complex emotions without words, connecting deeply with audiences through movement and music.

The narrator reflects on their name change from Anusha to Shivanshi, exploring the process and reactions of others, including mispronunciations and affectionate nicknames that reflect personal connections.

Erasers are celebrated for their ability to correct mistakes and remove unwanted marks, symbolizing redemption and fresh starts. They come in various forms and are essential for clarity and precision in writing and drawing.

Men visit a bar after grooming, seeking a "berry" with a size comparable to a bunny's tail, likely using metaphorical language to describe their desires.

The poem describes a walk where nature is vibrant, with birds and flowers, contrasting with the discovery of a dead bumblebee, which is buried, symbolizing hope for renewal.

A poor peasant, inspired by the moon's shape, seeks to bring it down to Earth, believing it holds riches. With a magician's help, he uses a magical rope to capture the moon but finds it.

A woman loses her husband and her grip on reality, a girl's friend disappears, a boy forgets his surroundings after an accident, and a bowl of light loses its glow, all amidst themes of loss.

The Stone Soup Book Club discussed "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat, a novel set in a magical Thailand, exploring themes of justice, law, and societal inequality, with lively discussions among students from.

A child gazes at the night sky, seeking a star to make a wish. Spotting a bright light, they whisper their hope and send it outward, only to realize the light is an airplane, carrying.

Autumn brings vibrant beauty to trees, transforming them with colorful foliage, while evergreens remain unchanged, free from the seasonal burden of beauty.

Pearl, a clever fifteen-year-old, dreams of escaping Manzular, a kingdom ruled by the powerful witch Madame Lazora. When Lazora offers Pearl apprenticeship, Pearl faces a deadly choice: serve evil or risk everything to escape through.

The narrative describes a serene rainforest scene where the protagonist walks along a river, observes the lush vegetation, and finds peace by a creek, surrounded by nature's tranquility and beauty.

The narrator reflects on leaving her great-grandmother's apartment, a place filled with family memories and gatherings. It served as a summer home where they celebrated holidays and shared moments together. The loss feels emotionally draining.

The wind blows soft yet loud, hair whipping like in a film. Cars race past, leaving life behind. Leaves crunch as teens gossip, sliding through words. Lights flicker on joggers, walkers, strollers below.

The poem describes a journey down the Bishop Ford bridge, noting the surrounding landscape and infrastructure, including a pink water tower and exits to Wisconsin and Indiana, ending with an exit to Homewood.

A young girl uses her imagination to transform driftwood into a pirate ship, creating a fantasy world where she becomes a pirate, exploring the seas and finding treasure on a gray, windy day at the.

A rock perched on a cliff observes the forest below, relishing the quiet and subtle beauty of the day. As sunlight fades, the sky glows with color, and the rock finds contentment in its peaceful,.

A poem explores the theme of perception and reality, contrasting the visibility of ghosts and mist with the existence of souls, highlighting the ambiguity between what is seen and what truly exists in a mystical.

Snow-sleet falls like alabaster flowers, accompanied by the haunting howl of a hound, evoking a serene yet ominous atmosphere, as the natural world intertwines with the eerie soundscape of the hound's presence.

The narrator eagerly awaits the first snow of the year, mesmerized by its beauty. Upon waking to a snow-covered landscape, they rush outside to play, cherishing the moment with their dog, Fly. Snow's scarcity makes.

An Arctic wolf describes the harsh yet beautiful Arctic winter landscape, where snow hides all signs of life, and hunger is a constant threat. The wolf's pack struggles to find prey, but a successful hunt.

The sand soars like an eagle, forming mountains as it drifts across the vast Sahara, while wind creates ripples. Cacti watch for water, surviving drought until rain arrives, blessing the parched land.

A Turkish fable tells of Hasan, a forgetful servant tasked with buying "hik," which means salt but also "nothing." His journey is filled with misunderstandings as he repeats phrases given by others, leading to various.

The poem explores the serene transition from day to night, capturing the beauty of moonlight and starlight, and the vibrant awakening of dawn, highlighting nature's cyclical rhythm and peaceful ambiance in a poetic narrative.

Millie and her mother stay with the strict and surly Mr. Vinden, who dislikes houseguests. Despite his cold demeanor, Millie finds the house beautiful but dislikes Mr. Vinden. She explores his library, discovering a mysterious.

A poetic exploration contrasts the fearless lion with the quick yet fearful lizard, highlighting themes of resilience and courage through vivid imagery and metaphorical comparisons between nature and animal behaviors.

The content describes an impending rainstorm with dark clouds, thunder, and various types of rain, leading to puddles everywhere, creating a surprise upon stepping outside.

A year after a tragic snow day incident, Anna, haunted by guilt and loneliness, finds a wounded bird in the snow. Caring for it helps her open up to her mother, confront her loss, and.

A snowman, newly made by joyful children, reflects on his brief life and the comfort of companionship, both from the children by day and the stars at night, as more snow falls around him.

This special art edition of the magazine includes an extra ten pages of art, featuring photographs, paintings, and digital art, due to an increase in art submissions over the past couple of years.

Jacob recounts his experience as a nearly eleven-year-old playing in the little league semifinals, facing a daunting pitcher, and his anxiety about batting leadoff despite his impressive on-base percentage.

The poem describes a serene natural scene with maple trees, flowers, and fluffy clouds, contrasting with pollution from aluminum cans and plastic bags, prompting reflection on human care for the Earth.

A boy in NYC endures mysterious stomach pain, worrying his family; after a night of agony, he’s diagnosed with appendicitis and faces surgery, but enters an experimental trial and receives medicine instead, ultimately recovering and.

A person observes a wintry, sunless landscape before sleep, then wakes to a changed world: a warm breeze carries hints of summer and spring, signaling renewal as winter departs and nature awakens.

A young girl, desperate to own a coveted tea set, steals money from her mother to buy it, but overwhelming guilt consumes her until she confesses, learning about unconditional love and forgiveness.

The content describes a scenario where the focus is on a duo, with everyone else gone, highlighting contrasting perceptions of day and night, and a mathematical equation that seems nonsensical.

The poem explores themes of rest and tranquility, with the speaker seeking to remain in a peaceful state, surrounded by nature's beauty, and hesitant to return to reality.

The writer reflects on a meaningful life inspired by her grandfather's career, using a parable about three stonemasons to illustrate different relationships with work. Her grandfather's diverse roles at a college impacted many lives, reflecting.

A poetic reflection on the chaotic nature of memory and thought, where needed ideas hide deep, unwanted ones surface, and sometimes clarity emerges only after persistent effort and mental struggle.

A river once flowed from a mountain to the sea but was blocked, leaving a puddle yearning for the ocean. A frog befriended the puddle, sharing stories of the sea, and eventually carried it there.

Invisible figures live and die under the same sky, observing us while remaining unseen, their existence fading as they stand on our soil, losing their vision and life without recognition.

The narrative describes a family with diverse hair colors, each member's hair uniquely described through vivid natural imagery, highlighting the beauty and individuality within the family.

A young person recalls heartfelt moments with grandparents across cultures and languages, sharing meals, gifts, and stories despite communication barriers, discovering connection through gestures, traditions, and silent understanding.

A serene scene unfolds at dawn, with rain drizzling down, contrasting the warmth and silence of the morning, as the speaker reflects on the previous night and finds joy in the colorful sky.

Two figures huddle under black umbrellas in a dark, rainy night, the world quivering around them. One leaves, leaving the other alone, until both reunite and move together through the stormy darkness.

A person reflects on the unexpected calm inspired by an ordinary duck, envying its serenity and composure, only to realize that perspective shifts everything—sometimes, the duck is the swan and you are the duckling.

Driving in a rented car, the narrator pauses to notice the world’s details: a diamond-tessellated fence, bricks, vibrant flowers, and trees. Imagining a new home, they dream of planting a lush garden, then return to.

The content explores the concept of stream of consciousness through a series of philosophical and existential questions, comparing it to natural elements like rivers and the sky, while pondering the nature of thinking and existence.

In 1826 New Mexico, young Narna and her family escape her domineering father, journeying through hardship to find refuge with relatives, where Narna discovers friendship, community, and hope for a new beginning.

Home is a sanctuary where individuals feel relaxed and emotionally vulnerable, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects of life, often associated with family and personal identity, and serves as a central place for life's experiences.

In the stillness of night, nature's beauty unfolds with the moon's gentle light, the whip-poor-will's rest, and the wind's melodic whispers, creating a serene symphony that envelops the senses and soothes the soul deeply.

A girl cherishes solitude under a majestic tree, finding peace among its branches and the creatures that inhabit it. She visits daily, often alone, and discovers a mysterious note leading her to Croygami Woods.

Coltsfoot emerges through melting ground, unfolding wing-like petals, marking spring's start with bright yellow flowers resembling a fresh sun, symbolizing renewal and growth in early spring.

The narrator recounts the day she brought home her dog, Yoda, on Halloween. Initially, she was misled about their destination, but it turned out to be the airport. There, she met Yoda, who was transported.

The content includes a SoundCloud iframe and a short poem about life being good, urging readers not to be motionless or silenced.

A tornado warning interrupts a school day, causing students and staff to seek shelter. The experience leaves a lasting impact on the students, who reflect on it later in their school careers as a significant.

The poem juxtaposes autumn with spring, evoking a sense of melancholy as the speaker consumes another peach, reflecting on the passing of seasons and the fleeting nature of life's simple pleasures.

The poem "Goodbye, Earth" metaphorically explores themes of ascension and descent, contrasting earthly connection with celestial aspiration, using imagery of rising above grass and falling toward the moon.

A poetic reflection on creating stars in a starless night, evoking a memory of joy through sparse, rhythmic language and imagery.

Avaline, a five-year-old, faces anxiety about starting kindergarten due to unfamiliarity and language barriers. Her mom helps by arranging a playdate with a classmate, Lily, and later stays with her at school to ease her.

The poem describes a scene where birds are affected by natural disasters like tsunamis and storms, highlighting their vulnerability and resilience as they seek shelter and await relief with the return of the sun and.

Young triplet princes, descendants of King Corv the Twenty-First, embark on their first sea voyage, facing a storm that separates them. Each prince lands on different parts of an island, where they experience unique adventures.

The poem explores a serene moment in a blue chair, contrasting quiet solitude with the impending chaos of daily life, highlighting themes of peace and the passage of time.

The poem explores the complexities of mixed racial identity, contrasting external perceptions with internal turmoil, using the metaphor of a thunderstorm to describe the clash of disparate elements within.

A powerful storm transforms the narrator's relationship with the ocean, shifting from fear to awe and wonder at its magnificence, as they experience the ocean's fury firsthand during a storm in Florida.

Danny, a clever boy, lives with his father in a caravan behind a filling station. Together, they outwit the arrogant Victor Hazell by poaching pheasants using ingenious methods, ultimately ruining Hazell’s shooting party and bonding.

The poem personifies a sunflower, describing its life cycle from blooming in spring to dispersing seeds in fall, capturing the bittersweet moment of letting go and entering winter's sleep.

Paige, distracted by her friends’ feud, discovers a buried box with a cryptic letter, sparking a treasure hunt with her brother Luke through the woods, leading to hidden clues, a secret bridge, and a silver.

A young narrator reflects on summers at the family’s Country House, once bustling with cousins, now quiet and empty. Memories of games, boat rides, and shared meals contrast with the solitude of present visits, evoking.

A serene scene of a river and forest inspires reflection on the beauty of Earth and the role of rivers in our lives, evoking thoughts of nature's importance and our love for it.

Nicky helps Ms. Fleming sort through her attic, discovering a French horn and concert photos that reveal Ms. Fleming’s musical past, but a box of journals triggers a distressing episode, leading to a medical emergency.

The poem describes ivy outside a workplace, its leaves gently pointing toward a brick patio, clustered and shining like emerald jewels, covering one side of curved stone beneath the speaker’s feet.

On a grassy patch with sand beneath, sharp blades and robust roots stand firm. The sun ignites the sky, fading to a glowing moon. Sunset colors dance, night falls, and fireflies soar, fearless in the.

A perfect summer morning is filled with the sounds of humming and tweeting birds, the scent of flowers, and the sight of white clouds, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for spending time with family by.

Ella reflects on her school year, concluding it was worthwhile due to personal growth. She improved her maturity, self-discipline, and confidence, learning to stand up to bullies and be herself.

The poem vividly depicts fire as a wild, caged animal, its flames stretching skyward, its heart a deep yellow like the sun; uncontrollable and dark, it ultimately symbolizes a fierce yearning for freedom.

In a surreal world, a boat navigates shimmering waters as cannons are loaded, and the Earth pauses. Fish sing of life and death, and the universe expands. The narrative weaves through landscapes, exploring themes of.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella by Richard Bach, tells the story of a seagull who seeks to transcend his flock's limitations by mastering flight. He is banished for his nonconformity but continues to learn and.

Life's backdrop is filled with unexpected adventures, where forces of nature shape our paths, and simple objects like pencils or dandelions evoke memories and futures, amidst the universal vacuum's influence on our lives and emotions.

The speaker reflects on self-doubt and identity, questioning their abilities and the reality of their experiences, amidst a backdrop of nature and music, where monotony and creativity intertwine in a complex dance of self-discovery.

A young wolf, drawn to the world of humans called Legulus, secretly befriends a boy named Atlas, breaking pack rules. He learns his father left the pack for a Legulus, and must choose between his.

The passage describes the anticipation and arrival of spring, marked by the melting of frost, the awakening of nature, and the return of life to the soil, symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

The story unfolds under a full moonlit sky, where memories of mom's perfume and the scent of fresh vanilla flowers evoke a journey of nostalgia and discovery, leading to a transformative conclusion.

Cousins Jane and Louise transform a dull morning into an adventure by exploring and cleaning up trash near their brothers' soccer game, creating a meaningful experience filled with fun and pride.

Stone Soup celebrates fifty years as a vital platform for young readers, writers, and artists, featuring climate-themed art, poetry, and prose, including a story about wolves, a wizard’s quest, a nature memoir, and the debut.

The poem contrasts night and day, highlighting the peacefulness of night, where the crescent moon is visible, symbolizing both light and darkness in its gentle glow.

The poem describes the arrival of spring with blooming flowers and swaying leaves, symbolizing renewal and vibrancy, as nature awakens from its winter slumber, bringing joy and beauty to the surroundings.

Gooby, an alien, attends a human school and finds a rare coin, but his hand clenches shut, causing trouble. He eventually opens his hand, giving up the coin, and excels in basketball tryouts with his.

Daisy, a young girl, discovers a dryad named the Bush Girl in her backyard lilac bushes. They form a close friendship, playing together until Daisy grows older and can no longer see her.

The poem describes a serene walk in the woods, highlighting the natural beauty of trees and leaves swaying in the wind, inviting exploration of the world ahead.

The narrator discovers the emotional significance of family heirlooms through her great-grandpa's coin collection, realizing that these keepsakes hold memories and stories, connecting generations and fostering a sense of heritage and belonging.

A serene scene unfolds beside a desk, with sunlight and blooming flowers, including daffodils and a white hydrangea, accompanied by the chirping of birds like robins and pigeons, evoking a sense of beauty and wonder.

Spring's awakening is uncertain as winter occasionally reappears, but spring ultimately prevails, chasing winter away with its vibrant presence across the yard.

This issue celebrates spring with themed poems, art, and stories exploring new beginnings through endings, such as a girl losing her best friend and an alien giving up a precious coin.

Emma Catherine Hoff hosts "Poetry Soup," discussing poems and poets, including Fernando Pessoa and his heteronym Alberto Caeiro, exploring the concept of heteronyms and their impact on poetry.

The narrator recounts moving from China to America at age four, struggling with language and loneliness, and cherishing quiet mornings reading with their sister, whose upcoming college departure stirs bittersweet nostalgia and longing.

The content does not relate to Saira Wasim, but rather describes a poem about wearing masks and feeling self-conscious, contrasting with the artist's political and cultural commentary through miniature paintings.

A child experiences a head injury at a playground while playing hide-and-seek, leading to a trip to the emergency room. The child undergoes treatment, including stitches, and reflects on the experience with confusion and fear.

Katie, a young detective, investigates the kidnapping of her best friend Xavier, uncovering a complex web involving a former spy and a mysterious figure known as Gilm Tuly, leading to a thrilling rescue mission.

A young boy named Roy lives on a cloud, gets squeezed out, falls, and lands somewhere mysterious. He floats, rises back to the sky, and joins a new cloud, starting a new journey filled with.

The narrator reflects on how ballet has shaped their life, fostering emotional awareness and expression. Ballet allows them to convey complex emotions without words, connecting deeply with audiences through movement and music.

The narrator reflects on their name change from Anusha to Shivanshi, exploring the process and reactions of others, including mispronunciations and affectionate nicknames that reflect personal connections.

Erasers are celebrated for their ability to correct mistakes and remove unwanted marks, symbolizing redemption and fresh starts. They come in various forms and are essential for clarity and precision in writing and drawing.

Men visit a bar after grooming, seeking a "berry" with a size comparable to a bunny's tail, likely using metaphorical language to describe their desires.

The poem describes a walk where nature is vibrant, with birds and flowers, contrasting with the discovery of a dead bumblebee, which is buried, symbolizing hope for renewal.

A poor peasant, inspired by the moon's shape, seeks to bring it down to Earth, believing it holds riches. With a magician's help, he uses a magical rope to capture the moon but finds it.

A woman loses her husband and her grip on reality, a girl's friend disappears, a boy forgets his surroundings after an accident, and a bowl of light loses its glow, all amidst themes of loss.

The Stone Soup Book Club discussed "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat, a novel set in a magical Thailand, exploring themes of justice, law, and societal inequality, with lively discussions among students from.

A child gazes at the night sky, seeking a star to make a wish. Spotting a bright light, they whisper their hope and send it outward, only to realize the light is an airplane, carrying.

Autumn brings vibrant beauty to trees, transforming them with colorful foliage, while evergreens remain unchanged, free from the seasonal burden of beauty.

Pearl, a clever fifteen-year-old, dreams of escaping Manzular, a kingdom ruled by the powerful witch Madame Lazora. When Lazora offers Pearl apprenticeship, Pearl faces a deadly choice: serve evil or risk everything to escape through.

The narrative describes a serene rainforest scene where the protagonist walks along a river, observes the lush vegetation, and finds peace by a creek, surrounded by nature's tranquility and beauty.

The narrator reflects on leaving her great-grandmother's apartment, a place filled with family memories and gatherings. It served as a summer home where they celebrated holidays and shared moments together. The loss feels emotionally draining.

The wind blows soft yet loud, hair whipping like in a film. Cars race past, leaving life behind. Leaves crunch as teens gossip, sliding through words. Lights flicker on joggers, walkers, strollers below.

The poem describes a journey down the Bishop Ford bridge, noting the surrounding landscape and infrastructure, including a pink water tower and exits to Wisconsin and Indiana, ending with an exit to Homewood.

A young girl uses her imagination to transform driftwood into a pirate ship, creating a fantasy world where she becomes a pirate, exploring the seas and finding treasure on a gray, windy day at the.

A rock perched on a cliff observes the forest below, relishing the quiet and subtle beauty of the day. As sunlight fades, the sky glows with color, and the rock finds contentment in its peaceful,.

A poem explores the theme of perception and reality, contrasting the visibility of ghosts and mist with the existence of souls, highlighting the ambiguity between what is seen and what truly exists in a mystical.

Snow-sleet falls like alabaster flowers, accompanied by the haunting howl of a hound, evoking a serene yet ominous atmosphere, as the natural world intertwines with the eerie soundscape of the hound's presence.

The narrator eagerly awaits the first snow of the year, mesmerized by its beauty. Upon waking to a snow-covered landscape, they rush outside to play, cherishing the moment with their dog, Fly. Snow's scarcity makes.

An Arctic wolf describes the harsh yet beautiful Arctic winter landscape, where snow hides all signs of life, and hunger is a constant threat. The wolf's pack struggles to find prey, but a successful hunt.

The sand soars like an eagle, forming mountains as it drifts across the vast Sahara, while wind creates ripples. Cacti watch for water, surviving drought until rain arrives, blessing the parched land.

A Turkish fable tells of Hasan, a forgetful servant tasked with buying "hik," which means salt but also "nothing." His journey is filled with misunderstandings as he repeats phrases given by others, leading to various.

The poem explores the serene transition from day to night, capturing the beauty of moonlight and starlight, and the vibrant awakening of dawn, highlighting nature's cyclical rhythm and peaceful ambiance in a poetic narrative.

Millie and her mother stay with the strict and surly Mr. Vinden, who dislikes houseguests. Despite his cold demeanor, Millie finds the house beautiful but dislikes Mr. Vinden. She explores his library, discovering a mysterious.

A poetic exploration contrasts the fearless lion with the quick yet fearful lizard, highlighting themes of resilience and courage through vivid imagery and metaphorical comparisons between nature and animal behaviors.

The content describes an impending rainstorm with dark clouds, thunder, and various types of rain, leading to puddles everywhere, creating a surprise upon stepping outside.

A year after a tragic snow day incident, Anna, haunted by guilt and loneliness, finds a wounded bird in the snow. Caring for it helps her open up to her mother, confront her loss, and.

A snowman, newly made by joyful children, reflects on his brief life and the comfort of companionship, both from the children by day and the stars at night, as more snow falls around him.

This special art edition of the magazine includes an extra ten pages of art, featuring photographs, paintings, and digital art, due to an increase in art submissions over the past couple of years.

Jacob recounts his experience as a nearly eleven-year-old playing in the little league semifinals, facing a daunting pitcher, and his anxiety about batting leadoff despite his impressive on-base percentage.

The poem describes a serene natural scene with maple trees, flowers, and fluffy clouds, contrasting with pollution from aluminum cans and plastic bags, prompting reflection on human care for the Earth.

A boy in NYC endures mysterious stomach pain, worrying his family; after a night of agony, he’s diagnosed with appendicitis and faces surgery, but enters an experimental trial and receives medicine instead, ultimately recovering and.

A person observes a wintry, sunless landscape before sleep, then wakes to a changed world: a warm breeze carries hints of summer and spring, signaling renewal as winter departs and nature awakens.

A young girl, desperate to own a coveted tea set, steals money from her mother to buy it, but overwhelming guilt consumes her until she confesses, learning about unconditional love and forgiveness.

The content describes a scenario where the focus is on a duo, with everyone else gone, highlighting contrasting perceptions of day and night, and a mathematical equation that seems nonsensical.

The poem explores themes of rest and tranquility, with the speaker seeking to remain in a peaceful state, surrounded by nature's beauty, and hesitant to return to reality.

The writer reflects on a meaningful life inspired by her grandfather's career, using a parable about three stonemasons to illustrate different relationships with work. Her grandfather's diverse roles at a college impacted many lives, reflecting.

A poetic reflection on the chaotic nature of memory and thought, where needed ideas hide deep, unwanted ones surface, and sometimes clarity emerges only after persistent effort and mental struggle.

A river once flowed from a mountain to the sea but was blocked, leaving a puddle yearning for the ocean. A frog befriended the puddle, sharing stories of the sea, and eventually carried it there.

Invisible figures live and die under the same sky, observing us while remaining unseen, their existence fading as they stand on our soil, losing their vision and life without recognition.

The narrative describes a family with diverse hair colors, each member's hair uniquely described through vivid natural imagery, highlighting the beauty and individuality within the family.

A young person recalls heartfelt moments with grandparents across cultures and languages, sharing meals, gifts, and stories despite communication barriers, discovering connection through gestures, traditions, and silent understanding.

A serene scene unfolds at dawn, with rain drizzling down, contrasting the warmth and silence of the morning, as the speaker reflects on the previous night and finds joy in the colorful sky.

Two figures huddle under black umbrellas in a dark, rainy night, the world quivering around them. One leaves, leaving the other alone, until both reunite and move together through the stormy darkness.

A person reflects on the unexpected calm inspired by an ordinary duck, envying its serenity and composure, only to realize that perspective shifts everything—sometimes, the duck is the swan and you are the duckling.

Driving in a rented car, the narrator pauses to notice the world’s details: a diamond-tessellated fence, bricks, vibrant flowers, and trees. Imagining a new home, they dream of planting a lush garden, then return to.

The content explores the concept of stream of consciousness through a series of philosophical and existential questions, comparing it to natural elements like rivers and the sky, while pondering the nature of thinking and existence.

In 1826 New Mexico, young Narna and her family escape her domineering father, journeying through hardship to find refuge with relatives, where Narna discovers friendship, community, and hope for a new beginning.

Home is a sanctuary where individuals feel relaxed and emotionally vulnerable, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects of life, often associated with family and personal identity, and serves as a central place for life's experiences.

In the stillness of night, nature's beauty unfolds with the moon's gentle light, the whip-poor-will's rest, and the wind's melodic whispers, creating a serene symphony that envelops the senses and soothes the soul deeply.

A girl cherishes solitude under a majestic tree, finding peace among its branches and the creatures that inhabit it. She visits daily, often alone, and discovers a mysterious note leading her to Croygami Woods.

Coltsfoot emerges through melting ground, unfolding wing-like petals, marking spring's start with bright yellow flowers resembling a fresh sun, symbolizing renewal and growth in early spring.

The narrator recounts the day she brought home her dog, Yoda, on Halloween. Initially, she was misled about their destination, but it turned out to be the airport. There, she met Yoda, who was transported.

The content includes a SoundCloud iframe and a short poem about life being good, urging readers not to be motionless or silenced.

A tornado warning interrupts a school day, causing students and staff to seek shelter. The experience leaves a lasting impact on the students, who reflect on it later in their school careers as a significant.

The poem juxtaposes autumn with spring, evoking a sense of melancholy as the speaker consumes another peach, reflecting on the passing of seasons and the fleeting nature of life's simple pleasures.