Table of Contents for Stone Soup

A poem begins with a rosy carpet outside the window, leading the narrator into a fantastical journey through misty clouds, defying reality and logic, symbolizing the act of veering from the intended path.

A person ventures into the forest, sits among trees, listens to birds and water, feels the earth and moss, opens their eyes, and senses a magical tingle—they have encountered the Spirits of the Forest.

A student's morning is filled with calculations and time constraints, rushing to prepare for class while navigating a busy schedule, contrasting with past experiences where time seemed more manageable.

Saying goodbye to her sister Alex for the summer, the narrator struggles with sadness and frustration as she watches Alex and their mom settle into a new apartment. Overwhelmed by emotions, she retreats into memories.

A group of friends embarks on a quest to save Mother Nature from the Eternal Cloud of Doom, encountering a manticore and eventually meeting Mother Nature herself, who is saddened by human neglect of the.

The poem explores the essence of summer through personal experiences, such as gardening, beach activities, and singing, while expressing a longing for the season to stay.

The content features an iframe for a SoundCloud track and images of artwork, including an imaginary bird and a lotus flower poem that symbolizes the arrival of summer, highlighting themes of growth and renewal.

The content includes a poem about a blue night sky and a personal struggle to break free, accompanied by an image of Brooke Callan, a young poet from Deerfield, IL, with no direct connection to.

A child’s poem celebrates summer’s essence through vivid images: bees among sunflowers, waves in oceans, daisies in gardens. The narrator rests on warm sand, feeling summer’s touch and declaring, “You are my summer.”

A person sits under a shady tree on a hot summer day, immersed in a book, imagining themselves as various characters like a knight, princess, and troll, before falling asleep.

A poem about spring's arrival, where winds spread the news, and a little delphinium searches for spring, unaware it embodies the season itself, symbolizing growth and renewal in nature.

This issue celebrates spring’s arrival with poetry, art, and stories that embody lightness, whimsy, and joy. It encourages readers to observe nature, listen to growing things, and express their experiences creatively.

Kelly, a third-grade student, dreads being called on in science class, fearing judgment from classmates and especially Hunter, the class know-it-all. Despite her anxiety and self-doubt, she and Evelyn are the only ones who answer.

The content discusses feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and how creating art can express emotions and encourage reaching out to others who may be experiencing similar feelings.

Ava feels trapped during reading time in her classroom, finding the quiet and dimness oppressive. She escapes to the bathroom, only to return to a confusing scene where her classmates are replaced by strangers, leading.

After her mother's death, the narrator finds solace in nature, climbing hills and gazing at sunsets, symbolically offering pebbles to her mother. She also struggles with her father's absence and finds comfort in memories of.

The content is a poetic reflection on music and life, describing how notes and melodies shape reality and evoke imagery of natural scenes and urban landscapes, blending the static and dynamic elements of sound and.

This issue celebrates place through stories and art, including Delilah Prager's landscape paintings and Jay Nimchonok's photograph of Northern Ontario, highlighting the profound impact of surroundings on our thoughts and feelings.

Lemos, a man living in Ancient Greece, is haunted by the death of his son, which he blames on himself. He finds solace in his dog Alexander, but a minor god named Janus offers him.

A team of explorers on Mars in 2050 endures grueling, fruitless searches for life until a dramatic discovery: a life detector finally signals the presence of a unique, never-before-seen Martian microorganism, sparking celebration.

The poem describes a volcano with lava, prompting an escape by boat to find a new land, symbolizing survival and exploration within the natural world's circle of life.

Peter Shuster-Raizberg is featured in a poetic context, highlighting teamwork and love as part of a world filled with endless fun and heart, alongside an image description of him at age 7 in New York.

A narrative explores the uniqueness and strangeness of individuals, sparked by a friend's declaration that the narrator is an alien due to peculiar traits like waterproof hair and fascination with alligators. This leads to reflections.

A World War II veteran visits a cemetery, overcome with guilt and sorrow as he recalls losing his best friend, Joseph, on the battlefield. Memories flood back as he stands by Joseph's grave, reliving their.

Two flash fiction pieces explore the allure of nature: "Choices" follows Opal as she escapes into the forest, and "Witnesses" captures a girl's emotional moment under the moonlit trees, both stories reflecting themes of freedom.

Lola visits an old castle on a field trip, feeling isolated and drawn to a forbidden passageway. She meets a mysterious girl named Jane, who seems out of place. They form a connection, but Lola.

A poetic journey through the months of the year, capturing the essence of each season with vivid imagery and sensory details, from the cold of January to the frost of December.

Inside a snow globe, a lamp’s glow offers company as the narrator converses with it, surrounded by friends Johnni, Adrian, and Oliver. Amid a blizzard, they marvel at snowflakes, pause, then breathe together.

Snow is likened to a lilac blooming, falling like a skydiver, melting like ice cream, and disappearing like a sad song, but it will return in winter, evoking a cycle of nature and renewal.

The poem explores the soothing presence of the moon, likening it to a comforting companion that brings dreams and tranquility, evoking a sense of peace and wonder in the night sky's beauty.

Violet, a thirteen-year-old Purple girl in the Divided States of America, risks danger as a courier in the Forbidden Strip, where she meets Unum, a girl of mixed heritage, and together they challenge deep-seated prejudices,.

A young girl from Incheon, South Korea, nervously faces an interview with a North Korean man, expecting hostility but finding warmth and understanding, while confronting her own fears, guilt, and shared experiences of prejudice.

A play created by Syrian refugees in Turkey explores themes of revolution and freedom, highlighting the struggles against oppression and the power of collective action for justice and equality in a fictional kingdom.

This issue features diverse stories, including a gothic ghost story and a political allegory, all united by their focus on friendship and connection, highlighting its role in personal uplift and social change.

A poem explores themes of isolation and longing, as the speaker feels unheard and disconnected, even in moments of heightened awareness and beauty, like the moon rising over the Loire River.

Brianna, a creative and imaginative girl, finds solace in rainbows, which she sees everywhere. Her art teacher's suggestion to draw a "normal" rainbow prompts her to conform, but she eventually finds a way to merge.

A young girl learns a valuable lesson about animal care after bringing home a pet worm, realizing that love alone is not enough if one doesn't understand an animal's needs.

A poor mouse family prepares for a royal visit, facing challenges due to their poverty and Day Lily's health issues. Despite their struggles, they find joy in their relationships and hard work, which contrasts with.

The poem explores the idea that parallel lines and Christmas traditions are enduring, contrasting with the fleeting nature of time and events like Santa's visits.

An old man approaches and sits beside the narrator, urging them to remember the day; later, the narrator realizes the man is actually Nature, revealing a profound connection with the natural world.

A collection celebrates diverse perspectives through stories of a sentient radio, financially struggling mice, and a condemned dragon, highlighting the value of kindness and respect for all beings and objects.

Mika Sarkar Omachi's digital artwork, "Life Now," depicts a human-shaped fishbowl, symbolizing shelter-in-place during the pandemic. It reflects the confinement and observation experienced during lockdowns, using the fishbowl as a metaphor for protection and isolation.

A young girl struggles with reading in her second-grade class, feeling excluded from read-aloud activities due to her teacher's lack of support, while her classmates and parents offer help, leading to eventual improvement with a.

A mother and son, both regretful of past interactions, seek to mend their relationship. They find themselves in a time-traveling adventure, using a magical copper bracelet to navigate through different eras, ultimately aiming to reconnect.

A young traveler struggles with leaving China behind, feeling an uncontrollable urge to gaze out the airplane window as tears flow, overwhelmed by the distance growing between them and their homeland.

Tessa is described through poetic imagery, likened to serene natural scenes and precious objects, symbolizing courage and uniqueness within her core, reflecting her personal identity and inner strength.

Michelle, a young immigrant, faces her first day of school with anxiety and homesickness, longing for the comfort of her home where she can understand everything. She struggles to adjust but finds solace in a.

In a world permanently altered by COVID-19, an orphan boy navigates a society divided by wealth and strict health regulations. He discovers a secret group opposing this division, sparking curiosity and a desire for connection.

The narrator describes a surreal scene in California where the sky is blanketed by a yellowish-orange haze due to wildfires, obscuring the sun and transforming the landscape into a dim, orange world.

A person shares an apricot with a talking bird, which unexpectedly wraps them in its arms, leading to a surreal journey where they encounter a human with a beak, revealing a surprising connection to the.

The article discusses Ashley Jun's abstract watercolor art featured in a magazine issue, highlighting pieces like "Bloom" and "Monochrome," which evoke emotions through nonrepresentational shapes and colors, contrasting with representational art.

David Rees's book, "How to Sharpen Pencils," is a comprehensive guide to the artisanal craft of pencil sharpening, blending humor with practical techniques for various professions and styles, emphasizing manual over electric sharpening methods.

The poem explores the concept of nothingness, describing it as a void that cannot be contained or defined, yet it has a profound impact on our lives and perception, often appearing in unexpected places.

After learning he has only days left to live, Theodore Colin reflects on his life from his bleak retirement home, recalling childhood joys, lost friendships, failed marriage, and the solace of a cherry tree outside.

The poem vividly describes nature's beauty, from river water and crickets to sunsets and moonrises, emphasizing renewal and the vibrant life of flowers, waterfalls, and butterflies in a serene, natural world.

Kate and her pet mouse, Hammy, embark on a daring adventure to climb Mt. Treacherous, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, ultimately reaching the summit and earning village recognition.

Time stretches and expands in space, varying in speed and shape, while on Earth, it slips away unnoticed, valued as a privilege, connecting all life forms from the beginning to the end of existence.

Oak, a tree, reflects on his life, feeling ordinary until new life and friendships bring purpose, as he realizes his role in providing shade and being a home for creatures.

A vivid sensory journey through the High Sierra, where fresh pine, dust, flowers, and sage mingle with the distant shimmer of Lake Alpine, evoking solitude, wildness, and a deep connection to nature.

A poem explores the loneliness of a clock at night, steadily ticking without anyone to ask the time, highlighting themes of isolation and purpose in darkness.

A narrative explores the creation and loss of a child's artwork, leading to a moment of reflection where the protagonist questions the nature of art itself, finding potential beauty in the unexpected.

The content features a serene family moment with a toddler, a father playing guitar, and a mother cooking, set against a backdrop of blooming summer trees, accompanied by images of artwork by young artists.

Lara's fascination with clouds began with imaginative theories, but she learned they form from water vapor condensing on aerosols, revealing a complex natural cycle that captivated her despite losing the magic.

Amidst kitchen sounds and sunlight, a person washes dishes, reflecting on daily chores, neighbors, and memories. The routine blends with sensory details and fleeting thoughts, capturing quiet domestic moments and community life.

The narrative describes a scene where the narrator observes various characters through a window, including a girl with a dog, a young man singing a sad song, and an old couple walking to a café.

The poems explore themes of paradox, inversion, and existential questioning, using metaphors and conceits to challenge reality and societal norms, blending intellectual wit with whimsical imagery and philosophical depth.

A woodpecker pecks at a tree with a calming sound, prompting curiosity about its search for bugs or ants. The bird, yellow and smaller than a hawk, briefly looks at the observer before flying away.

Beneath a sturdy tree, birds sing and squirrels dart as leaves rustle in the wind; a flower bud waits to bloom, birds prepare to migrate, and bark drifts away, painting a vivid, hopeful scene.

A poem describes a chess game where a player makes strategic moves, capturing pieces like a bishop and queen, ultimately achieving checkmate, highlighting the mental battle and strategic thinking involved in the game.

At thirteen, the narrator discovers their first white hair, sparking shock and denial, then envy and self-doubt, but ultimately finds reassurance and perspective, realizing uniqueness and the value of living fully despite early graying.

The poem describes a serene natural scene with a rising sea, scattering leaves, and birds, contrasting with calm blue lights and a peaceful farm setting where a hen rests in a nest.

A student named Greg struggles to write a memoir under pressure from his teacher, who has set a high bar by mentioning past students who made her cry. Greg's emotional journey involves family support and.

The Stone Soup Writing Workshop encourages participants to use musical elements to inspire their writing, exploring themes like how music affects emotions or stories of musicians. An excerpt from "My Brother Was the Bayou" illustrates.

In Orlando's sewers, human-like creatures formed from junk live without governance until Dirt proposes a government, leading to chaos and power struggles among the sewer people, ultimately causing them to flee or fight for a.

A young person searches Craigslist for a new bike, conflicted about gender stereotypes in bike design, and finds a red women’s bike with a half bar and simple gear shifters, which fits perfectly and is.

The poem explores themes of intimacy and connection, questioning the possibility of closeness without physical touch, reflecting on the desire to reach beyond earthly boundaries.

Irene’s nightmare lingers as the narrator wakes, haunted by vivid colors and her presence, struggling to mute reality. The storm within mirrors confusion, yet self-awareness and a flashlight guide a return to normalcy.

A narrator struggles with writer’s block, feeling empty, until Rumi appears, inspiring creativity and joy; together, they craft a poem, with Rumi’s presence and purring bringing warmth and love.

A solitary figure wanders through a forest, where their mind unexpectedly opens, likening itself to a shark. A bird appears, and the mind reacts with a sudden, predatory instinct, leading to a swift departure.

A young boy, living in New York City, is granted permission to explore the city alone for the first time. He experiences a mix of excitement and fear as he navigates unfamiliar streets and learns.

Stone Soup’s print magazine typically avoids current politics due to long lead times, but this issue features Cora Burch’s pandemic and Trump poems, Steven Cavros’s Orwellian “The Sewer People,” and Ariana Kralicek’s Swifty novella finale.

Lauren Minyoung Yoon, 11, describes her chaotic sixth-grade morning: reluctant wake-up, a cold shower, and a noisy breakfast with family, highlighting the humorous and hectic reality of a typical school day for a preteen[1][2].

Swifty, a young girl, explores new interests like hip-hop and drums while grappling with social awkwardness, family changes, and friendship challenges; after donating her hair for charity, she faces school drama and learns her baby.

A visit to a favorite bakery in East Los Angeles sparks memories of family and tradition, evoking the writer's childhood and ancestors' experiences through the sweet aromas and flavors of pan dulce.

A young girl questions societal expectations of beauty and powerlessness, highlighting the constraints of traditional beauty standards and the lack of voice or education for women.

A five-year-old boy, desperate for food, visits the Justice Outpost, where he unknowingly makes a terrible mistake by filling out a form that could have serious implications. His actions are influenced by a desire for.

Celeste becomes intrigued by a series of bank robberies, but her investigation leads her to uncover family secrets and understand her mother's past, shifting her focus from solving crimes to family mysteries.

A young girl feels overwhelmed by emotions and memories while confined in a small room, where thoughts and feelings collide, jumbling her dreams and speech, realizing her heart’s vastness makes the room seem small.

A father and son conduct a symbolic funeral for a bird, scattering leaves as a gesture of farewell, amidst a serene autumn evening where time seems to stand still.

A leaf reflects on its inevitable fall, fearing the unknown and feeling a sense of dread, but ultimately finds peace and understanding after witnessing a traumatic event in the forest, leading to a newfound acceptance.

Emma Tian's photograph "Majesty" captures the essence of Heidelberg Castle's ruins, conveying the weight of time and history through its size and eerie atmosphere, inviting viewers to see structures in a new, timeless way.

The Stone Soup Writing Workshop #29 focused on rhythm, phrasing, and cadence, challenging writers to experiment with sentence structure and style. Participants wrote together in a virtual café, sharing their work and exploring the interplay.

A shaggy figure wades through mist, calling to the winter sky with a promise that spring will return, bringing life and greenery to the forest, urging patience and strength until then.

Tom Green, once a spoiled and lazy individual, undergoes a transformative journey after losing everything due to his parents' death. He finds purpose by becoming a Pick-up driver and eventually starts an organization to help.

A girl wakes to a world turned yellow, seeing only that color everywhere, even as others see differently; after a doctor diagnoses her colorblindness, she dreams in yellow, floats skyward, and ultimately lands safely in.

The poem describes a serene day of paddling, where the speaker observes the sun's illumination, fish jumping, water droplets, and the beauty of nature's imperfections, culminating in a tranquil scene under the moonlight with stars.

Elsie, an eleven-year-old girl, is deeply attached to a blue cookie jar that provides her comfort and companionship. During a family outing to the beach, the jar falls into the ocean, causing Elsie immense distress..

The Stone Soup Refugee Project showcases creative works by young people affected by conflict, providing a platform for them to express their experiences and connect with peers worldwide through literature and art.

Swifty Appledoe, a determined girl, tries to emulate her perfect classmate Stella by taking up violin and ballet, facing setbacks and embarrassment, but ultimately finds her own path to confidence and self-expression.

Spring rain gently nourishes the earth, awakening dormant seeds that sprout into buds, revealing delicate petals. This cycle promises blossoms, culminating in plum flowers dancing gracefully, embodying silent, resilient beauty.

A poem begins with a rosy carpet outside the window, leading the narrator into a fantastical journey through misty clouds, defying reality and logic, symbolizing the act of veering from the intended path.

A person ventures into the forest, sits among trees, listens to birds and water, feels the earth and moss, opens their eyes, and senses a magical tingle—they have encountered the Spirits of the Forest.

A student's morning is filled with calculations and time constraints, rushing to prepare for class while navigating a busy schedule, contrasting with past experiences where time seemed more manageable.

Saying goodbye to her sister Alex for the summer, the narrator struggles with sadness and frustration as she watches Alex and their mom settle into a new apartment. Overwhelmed by emotions, she retreats into memories.

A group of friends embarks on a quest to save Mother Nature from the Eternal Cloud of Doom, encountering a manticore and eventually meeting Mother Nature herself, who is saddened by human neglect of the.

The poem explores the essence of summer through personal experiences, such as gardening, beach activities, and singing, while expressing a longing for the season to stay.

The content features an iframe for a SoundCloud track and images of artwork, including an imaginary bird and a lotus flower poem that symbolizes the arrival of summer, highlighting themes of growth and renewal.

The content includes a poem about a blue night sky and a personal struggle to break free, accompanied by an image of Brooke Callan, a young poet from Deerfield, IL, with no direct connection to.

A child’s poem celebrates summer’s essence through vivid images: bees among sunflowers, waves in oceans, daisies in gardens. The narrator rests on warm sand, feeling summer’s touch and declaring, “You are my summer.”

A person sits under a shady tree on a hot summer day, immersed in a book, imagining themselves as various characters like a knight, princess, and troll, before falling asleep.

A poem about spring's arrival, where winds spread the news, and a little delphinium searches for spring, unaware it embodies the season itself, symbolizing growth and renewal in nature.

This issue celebrates spring’s arrival with poetry, art, and stories that embody lightness, whimsy, and joy. It encourages readers to observe nature, listen to growing things, and express their experiences creatively.

Kelly, a third-grade student, dreads being called on in science class, fearing judgment from classmates and especially Hunter, the class know-it-all. Despite her anxiety and self-doubt, she and Evelyn are the only ones who answer.

The content discusses feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and how creating art can express emotions and encourage reaching out to others who may be experiencing similar feelings.

Ava feels trapped during reading time in her classroom, finding the quiet and dimness oppressive. She escapes to the bathroom, only to return to a confusing scene where her classmates are replaced by strangers, leading.

After her mother's death, the narrator finds solace in nature, climbing hills and gazing at sunsets, symbolically offering pebbles to her mother. She also struggles with her father's absence and finds comfort in memories of.

The content is a poetic reflection on music and life, describing how notes and melodies shape reality and evoke imagery of natural scenes and urban landscapes, blending the static and dynamic elements of sound and.

This issue celebrates place through stories and art, including Delilah Prager's landscape paintings and Jay Nimchonok's photograph of Northern Ontario, highlighting the profound impact of surroundings on our thoughts and feelings.

Lemos, a man living in Ancient Greece, is haunted by the death of his son, which he blames on himself. He finds solace in his dog Alexander, but a minor god named Janus offers him.

A team of explorers on Mars in 2050 endures grueling, fruitless searches for life until a dramatic discovery: a life detector finally signals the presence of a unique, never-before-seen Martian microorganism, sparking celebration.

The poem describes a volcano with lava, prompting an escape by boat to find a new land, symbolizing survival and exploration within the natural world's circle of life.

Peter Shuster-Raizberg is featured in a poetic context, highlighting teamwork and love as part of a world filled with endless fun and heart, alongside an image description of him at age 7 in New York.

A narrative explores the uniqueness and strangeness of individuals, sparked by a friend's declaration that the narrator is an alien due to peculiar traits like waterproof hair and fascination with alligators. This leads to reflections.

A World War II veteran visits a cemetery, overcome with guilt and sorrow as he recalls losing his best friend, Joseph, on the battlefield. Memories flood back as he stands by Joseph's grave, reliving their.

Two flash fiction pieces explore the allure of nature: "Choices" follows Opal as she escapes into the forest, and "Witnesses" captures a girl's emotional moment under the moonlit trees, both stories reflecting themes of freedom.

Lola visits an old castle on a field trip, feeling isolated and drawn to a forbidden passageway. She meets a mysterious girl named Jane, who seems out of place. They form a connection, but Lola.

A poetic journey through the months of the year, capturing the essence of each season with vivid imagery and sensory details, from the cold of January to the frost of December.

Inside a snow globe, a lamp’s glow offers company as the narrator converses with it, surrounded by friends Johnni, Adrian, and Oliver. Amid a blizzard, they marvel at snowflakes, pause, then breathe together.

Snow is likened to a lilac blooming, falling like a skydiver, melting like ice cream, and disappearing like a sad song, but it will return in winter, evoking a cycle of nature and renewal.

The poem explores the soothing presence of the moon, likening it to a comforting companion that brings dreams and tranquility, evoking a sense of peace and wonder in the night sky's beauty.

Violet, a thirteen-year-old Purple girl in the Divided States of America, risks danger as a courier in the Forbidden Strip, where she meets Unum, a girl of mixed heritage, and together they challenge deep-seated prejudices,.

A young girl from Incheon, South Korea, nervously faces an interview with a North Korean man, expecting hostility but finding warmth and understanding, while confronting her own fears, guilt, and shared experiences of prejudice.

A play created by Syrian refugees in Turkey explores themes of revolution and freedom, highlighting the struggles against oppression and the power of collective action for justice and equality in a fictional kingdom.

This issue features diverse stories, including a gothic ghost story and a political allegory, all united by their focus on friendship and connection, highlighting its role in personal uplift and social change.

A poem explores themes of isolation and longing, as the speaker feels unheard and disconnected, even in moments of heightened awareness and beauty, like the moon rising over the Loire River.

Brianna, a creative and imaginative girl, finds solace in rainbows, which she sees everywhere. Her art teacher's suggestion to draw a "normal" rainbow prompts her to conform, but she eventually finds a way to merge.

A young girl learns a valuable lesson about animal care after bringing home a pet worm, realizing that love alone is not enough if one doesn't understand an animal's needs.

A poor mouse family prepares for a royal visit, facing challenges due to their poverty and Day Lily's health issues. Despite their struggles, they find joy in their relationships and hard work, which contrasts with.

The poem explores the idea that parallel lines and Christmas traditions are enduring, contrasting with the fleeting nature of time and events like Santa's visits.

An old man approaches and sits beside the narrator, urging them to remember the day; later, the narrator realizes the man is actually Nature, revealing a profound connection with the natural world.

A collection celebrates diverse perspectives through stories of a sentient radio, financially struggling mice, and a condemned dragon, highlighting the value of kindness and respect for all beings and objects.

Mika Sarkar Omachi's digital artwork, "Life Now," depicts a human-shaped fishbowl, symbolizing shelter-in-place during the pandemic. It reflects the confinement and observation experienced during lockdowns, using the fishbowl as a metaphor for protection and isolation.

A young girl struggles with reading in her second-grade class, feeling excluded from read-aloud activities due to her teacher's lack of support, while her classmates and parents offer help, leading to eventual improvement with a.

A mother and son, both regretful of past interactions, seek to mend their relationship. They find themselves in a time-traveling adventure, using a magical copper bracelet to navigate through different eras, ultimately aiming to reconnect.

A young traveler struggles with leaving China behind, feeling an uncontrollable urge to gaze out the airplane window as tears flow, overwhelmed by the distance growing between them and their homeland.

Tessa is described through poetic imagery, likened to serene natural scenes and precious objects, symbolizing courage and uniqueness within her core, reflecting her personal identity and inner strength.

Michelle, a young immigrant, faces her first day of school with anxiety and homesickness, longing for the comfort of her home where she can understand everything. She struggles to adjust but finds solace in a.

In a world permanently altered by COVID-19, an orphan boy navigates a society divided by wealth and strict health regulations. He discovers a secret group opposing this division, sparking curiosity and a desire for connection.

The narrator describes a surreal scene in California where the sky is blanketed by a yellowish-orange haze due to wildfires, obscuring the sun and transforming the landscape into a dim, orange world.

A person shares an apricot with a talking bird, which unexpectedly wraps them in its arms, leading to a surreal journey where they encounter a human with a beak, revealing a surprising connection to the.

The article discusses Ashley Jun's abstract watercolor art featured in a magazine issue, highlighting pieces like "Bloom" and "Monochrome," which evoke emotions through nonrepresentational shapes and colors, contrasting with representational art.

David Rees's book, "How to Sharpen Pencils," is a comprehensive guide to the artisanal craft of pencil sharpening, blending humor with practical techniques for various professions and styles, emphasizing manual over electric sharpening methods.

The poem explores the concept of nothingness, describing it as a void that cannot be contained or defined, yet it has a profound impact on our lives and perception, often appearing in unexpected places.

After learning he has only days left to live, Theodore Colin reflects on his life from his bleak retirement home, recalling childhood joys, lost friendships, failed marriage, and the solace of a cherry tree outside.

The poem vividly describes nature's beauty, from river water and crickets to sunsets and moonrises, emphasizing renewal and the vibrant life of flowers, waterfalls, and butterflies in a serene, natural world.

Kate and her pet mouse, Hammy, embark on a daring adventure to climb Mt. Treacherous, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, ultimately reaching the summit and earning village recognition.

Time stretches and expands in space, varying in speed and shape, while on Earth, it slips away unnoticed, valued as a privilege, connecting all life forms from the beginning to the end of existence.

Oak, a tree, reflects on his life, feeling ordinary until new life and friendships bring purpose, as he realizes his role in providing shade and being a home for creatures.

A vivid sensory journey through the High Sierra, where fresh pine, dust, flowers, and sage mingle with the distant shimmer of Lake Alpine, evoking solitude, wildness, and a deep connection to nature.

A poem explores the loneliness of a clock at night, steadily ticking without anyone to ask the time, highlighting themes of isolation and purpose in darkness.

A narrative explores the creation and loss of a child's artwork, leading to a moment of reflection where the protagonist questions the nature of art itself, finding potential beauty in the unexpected.

The content features a serene family moment with a toddler, a father playing guitar, and a mother cooking, set against a backdrop of blooming summer trees, accompanied by images of artwork by young artists.

Lara's fascination with clouds began with imaginative theories, but she learned they form from water vapor condensing on aerosols, revealing a complex natural cycle that captivated her despite losing the magic.

Amidst kitchen sounds and sunlight, a person washes dishes, reflecting on daily chores, neighbors, and memories. The routine blends with sensory details and fleeting thoughts, capturing quiet domestic moments and community life.

The narrative describes a scene where the narrator observes various characters through a window, including a girl with a dog, a young man singing a sad song, and an old couple walking to a café.

The poems explore themes of paradox, inversion, and existential questioning, using metaphors and conceits to challenge reality and societal norms, blending intellectual wit with whimsical imagery and philosophical depth.

A woodpecker pecks at a tree with a calming sound, prompting curiosity about its search for bugs or ants. The bird, yellow and smaller than a hawk, briefly looks at the observer before flying away.

Beneath a sturdy tree, birds sing and squirrels dart as leaves rustle in the wind; a flower bud waits to bloom, birds prepare to migrate, and bark drifts away, painting a vivid, hopeful scene.

A poem describes a chess game where a player makes strategic moves, capturing pieces like a bishop and queen, ultimately achieving checkmate, highlighting the mental battle and strategic thinking involved in the game.

At thirteen, the narrator discovers their first white hair, sparking shock and denial, then envy and self-doubt, but ultimately finds reassurance and perspective, realizing uniqueness and the value of living fully despite early graying.

The poem describes a serene natural scene with a rising sea, scattering leaves, and birds, contrasting with calm blue lights and a peaceful farm setting where a hen rests in a nest.

A student named Greg struggles to write a memoir under pressure from his teacher, who has set a high bar by mentioning past students who made her cry. Greg's emotional journey involves family support and.

The Stone Soup Writing Workshop encourages participants to use musical elements to inspire their writing, exploring themes like how music affects emotions or stories of musicians. An excerpt from "My Brother Was the Bayou" illustrates.

In Orlando's sewers, human-like creatures formed from junk live without governance until Dirt proposes a government, leading to chaos and power struggles among the sewer people, ultimately causing them to flee or fight for a.

A young person searches Craigslist for a new bike, conflicted about gender stereotypes in bike design, and finds a red women’s bike with a half bar and simple gear shifters, which fits perfectly and is.

The poem explores themes of intimacy and connection, questioning the possibility of closeness without physical touch, reflecting on the desire to reach beyond earthly boundaries.

Irene’s nightmare lingers as the narrator wakes, haunted by vivid colors and her presence, struggling to mute reality. The storm within mirrors confusion, yet self-awareness and a flashlight guide a return to normalcy.

A narrator struggles with writer’s block, feeling empty, until Rumi appears, inspiring creativity and joy; together, they craft a poem, with Rumi’s presence and purring bringing warmth and love.

A solitary figure wanders through a forest, where their mind unexpectedly opens, likening itself to a shark. A bird appears, and the mind reacts with a sudden, predatory instinct, leading to a swift departure.

A young boy, living in New York City, is granted permission to explore the city alone for the first time. He experiences a mix of excitement and fear as he navigates unfamiliar streets and learns.

Stone Soup’s print magazine typically avoids current politics due to long lead times, but this issue features Cora Burch’s pandemic and Trump poems, Steven Cavros’s Orwellian “The Sewer People,” and Ariana Kralicek’s Swifty novella finale.

Lauren Minyoung Yoon, 11, describes her chaotic sixth-grade morning: reluctant wake-up, a cold shower, and a noisy breakfast with family, highlighting the humorous and hectic reality of a typical school day for a preteen[1][2].

Swifty, a young girl, explores new interests like hip-hop and drums while grappling with social awkwardness, family changes, and friendship challenges; after donating her hair for charity, she faces school drama and learns her baby.

A visit to a favorite bakery in East Los Angeles sparks memories of family and tradition, evoking the writer's childhood and ancestors' experiences through the sweet aromas and flavors of pan dulce.

A young girl questions societal expectations of beauty and powerlessness, highlighting the constraints of traditional beauty standards and the lack of voice or education for women.

A five-year-old boy, desperate for food, visits the Justice Outpost, where he unknowingly makes a terrible mistake by filling out a form that could have serious implications. His actions are influenced by a desire for.

Celeste becomes intrigued by a series of bank robberies, but her investigation leads her to uncover family secrets and understand her mother's past, shifting her focus from solving crimes to family mysteries.

A young girl feels overwhelmed by emotions and memories while confined in a small room, where thoughts and feelings collide, jumbling her dreams and speech, realizing her heart’s vastness makes the room seem small.

A father and son conduct a symbolic funeral for a bird, scattering leaves as a gesture of farewell, amidst a serene autumn evening where time seems to stand still.

A leaf reflects on its inevitable fall, fearing the unknown and feeling a sense of dread, but ultimately finds peace and understanding after witnessing a traumatic event in the forest, leading to a newfound acceptance.

Emma Tian's photograph "Majesty" captures the essence of Heidelberg Castle's ruins, conveying the weight of time and history through its size and eerie atmosphere, inviting viewers to see structures in a new, timeless way.

The Stone Soup Writing Workshop #29 focused on rhythm, phrasing, and cadence, challenging writers to experiment with sentence structure and style. Participants wrote together in a virtual café, sharing their work and exploring the interplay.

A shaggy figure wades through mist, calling to the winter sky with a promise that spring will return, bringing life and greenery to the forest, urging patience and strength until then.

Tom Green, once a spoiled and lazy individual, undergoes a transformative journey after losing everything due to his parents' death. He finds purpose by becoming a Pick-up driver and eventually starts an organization to help.

A girl wakes to a world turned yellow, seeing only that color everywhere, even as others see differently; after a doctor diagnoses her colorblindness, she dreams in yellow, floats skyward, and ultimately lands safely in.

The poem describes a serene day of paddling, where the speaker observes the sun's illumination, fish jumping, water droplets, and the beauty of nature's imperfections, culminating in a tranquil scene under the moonlight with stars.

Elsie, an eleven-year-old girl, is deeply attached to a blue cookie jar that provides her comfort and companionship. During a family outing to the beach, the jar falls into the ocean, causing Elsie immense distress..

The Stone Soup Refugee Project showcases creative works by young people affected by conflict, providing a platform for them to express their experiences and connect with peers worldwide through literature and art.

Swifty Appledoe, a determined girl, tries to emulate her perfect classmate Stella by taking up violin and ballet, facing setbacks and embarrassment, but ultimately finds her own path to confidence and self-expression.

Spring rain gently nourishes the earth, awakening dormant seeds that sprout into buds, revealing delicate petals. This cycle promises blossoms, culminating in plum flowers dancing gracefully, embodying silent, resilient beauty.