Table of Contents for Stone Soup

Hoa, a young Vietnamese immigrant, struggles to adapt to life in the U.S., feeling overwhelmed by the new culture and missing her home. She navigates school and homesickness, finding solace in nature and her own.

The poem explores themes of growth and beauty, using imagery of bluebells and a childhood garden to evoke a sense of wonder and connection between nature and the soul's unfolding.

A poem describes boredom using imagery of a boat in a dreary bay, contrasting the peacefulness of the stars with the unpleasant sounds of gulls, capturing a sense of monotony and discontent.

Elana, a shy but determined furow girl on Neptune, is chosen by a magical fairy named Henry to embark on a mission to save her planet from Casey Flumpton, an evil rock star who steals.

The poem describes birds that tweet, trill, and soar, returning to birdhouses where they feel free, symbolizing joy and freedom in nature through their actions and movements.

This issue features the first installment of Hannah Nami Gajcowski’s novella Elana, about a girl from Neptune with a destiny, and celebrates National Poetry Month by spotlighting two young poets’ work and a short story.

During Hurricane Sandy’s blackout, a family discovers warmth and togetherness by lighting their unused fireplace, boiling water to soothe their feet, and memorizing the house’s details in darkness.

Friends play a vital role in shaping our lives, offering support, laughter, and companionship while raising questions about trust, motives, and the true meaning of connection in both joyful and challenging times[3][5].

Elana, the Chosen One, journeys through magical lands with fairy Henry, battling evil rock star Casey. After curing Henry from paint-fainting, Elana recruits gingerbread allies, faces danger, and infiltrates Casey’s castle. Using her lightning rope,.

The writer reflects on feeling trapped, comparing themselves to a caged bird, while acknowledging they've never truly been caged like others. They express empathy for those confined by societal expectations and hope to offer solace.

A young ballerina, Sara, faces a setback after a fall during a Russian ballet camp, but with the help of her friend Clair, she works to regain her strength and confidence in pointe dancing.

After a killer whale attack sinks his ship, Alan and his pet cormorant wash ashore on a remote island. They survive by foraging, finding fresh water, and eventually escape using a salvaged plane engine and.

This collection explores bonds beyond kinship through stories and poems, questioning the role of friends and what they mean to us, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of friendship and connection.

A poetic piece describes a serene natural scene with a kingfisher, lake, and trout, contrasting the beauty with human harm, all set within a shimmering liquid tourmaline metaphor, evoking sensory and emotional connections.

William Morgan prepares to surf the massive waves at Mavericks, a site where his father lost his life. Despite the danger, he faces his fears and competes, ultimately saving his friend Sandy and winning the.

This issue explores nature's extremes, from mountains and ocean waves to storms, highlighting Earth's power and our impact on it through climate change and habitat alterations, reflecting on the stories the Earth holds.

The poem describes a serene mountain landscape with pine needles, chirping life, and towering trees, evoking a sense of connection to nature and ancestors, with a desire to become one with the environment and its.

Evangeline, a farm girl in France, faces a terrifying asteroid rain during school, befriends newcomer Clara, and together with a young boy, escapes destruction, survives a mountain ordeal, and reunites with her parents.

A narrative follows a woman through the seasons of life, from childhood to adulthood and motherhood, paralleling her journey with an older woman who remains constant yet changes with time. The story explores themes of.

The night is alive with sounds: water ripples, a nightingale sings, leaves swish in the wind, and darkness amplifies every noise, making the night feel loud and mysterious to those who listen closely.

A boy's life is altered by an unexpected illness, involving a bump on his head that required surgery at Duke University, leading to significant lifestyle changes and reliance on faith for strength.

A young narrator struggles with loneliness after her best friend Yaëlle moves away to Switzerland, reminiscing about their joyful times together and longing for her presence in daily life and future scenarios.

The narrative revolves around a young girl's life, highlighting her innocence, talents, and the pride she brings to her family. She is admired by her community for her good manners and achievements, but her mother.

Beverly Henderson, abandoned by her parents as a baby, befriends a raccoon named Bandit at 13 and sets out to find her father. She faces numerous challenges, including orphanages, fires, and a dramatic reunion with.

After parental abandonment and a home lost to fire, characters face bullying, neglect, and illness, while friendships are tested by distance. These narratives explore resilience, growth, and hope amid life’s harshest winters.

A friend smashes pomegranates on New Year's Eve, inspired by Greek mythology where Persephone's consumption of pomegranate seeds binds her to Hades, symbolizing fertility and seasonal change, mirroring personal superstitions about numbers.

In a colorless world filled with trash, a writer dreams of a vibrant rainforest. They find a tiny tin flower while sorting rubbish, inspiring an idea that grows into a dull forest with tigers and.

In a perfect world, One, Two, and Three live under strict rules, but anomalies begin to appear, challenging their reality. A letter from Selena reveals their world is a virtual experiment, prompting them to escape.

A young student feels invisible and neglected, comparing their life to that of a ghost, as they face challenges in school and go unnoticed by others despite their efforts to participate.

In a polluted, futuristic city, Mr. Brite, confined by a robotic exoskeleton and controlled by a computer, questions his purpose and isolation until Illusion inspires him to break free and seek change, risking everything for.

The content features a whimsical poem about Santa Claus and his timely arrival, accompanied by images of children's artwork, including a "Bowl of Joy" by Ethan Hu and a Christmas poem by Gianna Guerrero.

Corian Monseur, a young nobleman, discovers a mysterious object in a creek near his family's mansion. Believing it might be an animal's tooth, he sends it to experts in Russia, who confirm it as a.

A young boy fights to save the world, a journalist reports from a Syrian refugee camp, a Parisian orphan befriends an old woman, and a nobleman discovers an ancient fossil, amidst lively poems and art.

A young writer's hand moves endlessly across paper, bringing a story to life as words spread rapidly, like clouds pushed by wind towards San Francisco, reflecting the writer's racing thoughts and creative struggle.

Gale struggles to adapt after moving from a small Canadian town to a big U.S. city, missing her old life by the sea where she enjoyed sailing and wildlife. She longs for the green landscapes.

A young person yearns to transcend ordinary life, aspiring to soar like a soccer ball flying into a net and to embody creativity as the tip of a paintbrush, expressing boundless imagination and ambition.

Seanella, a generous turtle, dreams of building a house for her friends. She imagines a perfect home for a kitten named Mouse and later helps a dog named Weevle by envisioning a doghouse. Together, they.

A young girl faces a daunting move across the country, finding solace in stories and a cedar bracelet given by her cousin. The bracelet symbolizes courage and resilience, inspired by a tale of an elven.

Oliver hires Detective DaVinci to find his missing hair, a case dismissed by authorities. Despite the detective's efforts, more hairs go missing, leading to a series of mysterious events and a dramatic conclusion.

A morning bike ride to school becomes a meditation on life, reflecting on the contrast between peaceful home surroundings and the bustling streets, while appreciating personal experiences and the beauty of nature.

Home encompasses a place, people, and feelings of comfort and belonging, varying from specific locations like a childhood bedroom or city to broader concepts like family and emotional connections.

Emma awaits her father's opening-night performance in a new opera, set against the backdrop of the Santa Fe opera house. The story unfolds with a mix of anticipation, family, and the emotional impact of the.

A rain forest once lacked rain until a cloud acted mean toward god, causing god to cry; the clouds, feeling remorse, turned gray, frogs croaked, and reassurance echoed: it’s okay, it’s ok, it’s ok.

In the fantastical town of Chocolate Lemon, inhabited by small, floating creatures called giiants, a peculiar trend of removing eyes becomes a cultural norm. This leads to a series of events that ultimately transform the.

A young crane faces numerous challenges during his first migration, braving harsh conditions like the Himalayas, cold winds, and an eagle attack, but ultimately reaches safety with his flock.

A flashlight’s beam reveals two silhouettes walking together through the night, as the darkness turns silent. The poet gazes at a sky sprinkled with stars, listening to crickets sing, and finds the night sky’s blue.

The poem explores themes of isolation, longing, and transformation, with the speaker yearning for change and connection, symbolized by waves and colors, while being halted by an unyielding mountain.

In a world ravaged by climate change, a person preserves memories of each season in jars. When one jar breaks, a miraculous return of spring occurs, bringing joy and renewal to the community.

These writings and artworks unite through their detailed attention to nature, from urban trees to desert sunsets, inspiring new perspectives on familiar sights and highlighting the beauty of each season.

A young narrator grapples with grief after losing a loved one, feeling heartbroken and chipped, struggling to cope with emotions and the pain of loss, while trying to find strength to move forward.

Ava, a shy and awkward student, finds solace in reading dictionaries and learning word origins. She excels in an etymology quiz, prompting her teacher to encourage her to enter a spelling bee. With newfound friendships.

A young girl and a giant woolly mammoth, both outcasts, form a strong bond in a strict academic environment. They share creative moments and eventually escape the school when the mammoth is threatened with being.

A child reflects on a simpler time when only three people lived together, enjoying privacy and quiet, sleeping well without sharing a room or enduring a screaming baby, missing those peaceful days.

Kiera, new to Brooklyn, strives for popularity by befriending the cool girls, but after bonding with quirky Claudia, she faces a choice between fitting in and staying true to herself, ultimately embracing her individuality.

Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with creating life, builds a creature from corpses. Horrified by his creation, he abandons it. The creature, intelligent and sensitive, seeks revenge after being rejected by society and his creator.

Sara Crewe, a young girl, moves from India to a London boarding school, where her wealth and kindness earn her favor until her father's death leaves her impoverished and mistreated, yet she remains gracious and.

Reading is crucial for writers as it teaches sentence structures, vocabulary, and genre history, helping them build on existing works and discover personal tastes, with critical reading enhancing engagement and understanding.

Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl, is left at a London boarding school by her father. When he dies penniless, she becomes a servant, but her kindness, imagination, and resilience help her find joy and hope.

Claudia and Jamie Kincaid run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, seeking adventure and mystery. They investigate an angel statue possibly created by Michelangelo, leading them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who reveals its.

Liesel Meminger, a young girl, begins her journey during World War II in Nazi Germany. She steals books, learns to read, and finds comfort in words amidst war and loss. Her foster family hides a.

Anna, a shy girl with asthma, is sent to the countryside where she meets Marnie, a mysterious girl. As their bond grows, secrets about their pasts are revealed, leading to a surprising connection between them.

Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers" symbolizes hope as a resilient bird that resides in the soul, providing comfort and strength during life's challenges, emphasizing its enduring presence and power.

Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" explores life's choices through a traveler's dilemma in a forest, reflecting on the nature of decision-making and the lingering regret of untaken paths with a melancholic yet peaceful tone.

Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" explores themes of temptation, responsibility, and introspection as a traveler pauses to admire the woods, conflicted between desire and obligations.

The poem "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams is a brief imagist work that explores themes of temptation, guilt, and simple pleasures through a speaker's apology for eating plums meant for breakfast,.

In “One Art,” Elizabeth Bishop explores loss, beginning with trivial items and escalating to profound personal losses, insisting that mastering loss is easy, yet her repeated refrain and final, anguished admission expose deep grief and.

This issue features commissioned reviews of classic works, differing from previous issues by focusing solely on reviews without stories, artworks, or poems, highlighting the value of critical reading and reviewing.

Two young readers express their appreciation for Stone Soup, a magazine featuring writing and art by children. They highlight its impact on their creative pursuits and the inspiration they derive from peers' work.

A girl feels complete despite an inner absence, but her perfection is disrupted when she's told to stay home from school, leading to her first emotional outburst and a journey of self-discovery and healing through.

The poem explores the idea that monsters might not be as scary as they seem, suggesting that they could be scared, sad, and lonely creatures that shrink in size as they are comforted and befriended.

Little Deer and other animals experience the changing seasons, from fall to spring, highlighting growth and cyclical life lessons through their playful interactions and seasonal challenges.

A little seed grows into a sprout, then a rose, dancing in the wind, growing tall, and eventually withering with winter, only to repeat the cycle again the next year in a natural cycle of.

A young poet dreams of a better future; another girl longs for a new place. Nature revives, shifts, and is seen anew through different eyes. Change is inevitable, miraculous, and inspires us to reflect and.

On a long family road trip, sisters Jenny and Ula bicker and play Twenty Questions to pass time, sparking memories of past family adventures and revealing their complex relationship as they arrive at their destination.

A narrative unfolds through a series of numbered events, from a winter morning to a warmer period, capturing the passage of time and changing activities of people and animals in a dynamic environment.

The sky is described as endless, with birds flying within it, emphasizing its vastness and beauty as a huge blue abyss.

This issue focuses on people and civilization, featuring works like Patrick Lusa's poem "Numbers," Anna Shepherd's story "Twenty Questions, Twenty Answers," and Mia Fang's digital portrait "Lady in the Willows by the River."

This issue focuses on people and civilization, featuring works like Patrick Lusa's poem "Numbers," Anna Shepherd's story "Twenty Questions, Twenty Answers," and Mia Fang's digital portrait "Lady in the Willows by the River," emphasizing urban.

The scene is set in Gilmanton at night, with crickets chirping and old houses creaking, while motorcycles rev and antique stores wait for the morning, capturing a serene yet vibrant atmosphere of a small town.

The scene is set in a house in Southern France, evoking a sense of tranquility with cicadas chirping and a peaceful atmosphere. The house is described in detail, from its cold tiled floor to its.

This issue celebrates spring with diverse visual art forms, including romantic Parisian paintings, 3D paper boat art, ancient Chinese poem-inspired figurines, bold landscapes, and dark paper collages, inspiring readers with its variety and quality.

This spring issue celebrates the visual arts in diverse forms, featuring a romantic Parisian painting, a 3D paper boat artwork, a figurine with an ancient Chinese poem, bold landscapes, and a darkly twisted collage, all.

"Moonlight" by Ashley Xu, 13, from Lexington, MA, is a poem capturing the serene beauty of a quiet night with stars like sequins, the moon resting on a pond, swaying grass, and a peaceful, empty.

Ashley Xu, a 13-year-old from Lexington, MA, created a poem titled "Moonlight," which was featured in Stone Soup's March 2019 issue as part of their concrete poetry contest.

Octopuses are intelligent, shape-shifting creatures with blue blood due to copper-based hemocyanin, three hearts, and a high metabolic rate, living in diverse ocean habitats with remarkable adaptability and defense mechanisms like ink release.

The narrative explores a complex friendship between two girls, one of whom reflects on past behavior and seeks to mend their relationship. The story unfolds with themes of regret, apology, and reconciliation, set against a.

A narrative unfolds as a family embarks on a journey through diverse landscapes, accompanied by a friendly dog named Figadindi, who becomes a temporary companion, sharing adventures and forming bonds along the way.

This issue features winning concrete poems that excel in both visual form and textual content, emphasizing the importance of form in poetry and including photographs and stories on selfhood and belonging.

This issue features winners of a concrete poetry contest, where poems excel as visual art and inventive texts, blending form and content. It also includes photos and works on selfhood and belonging, inspiring creative engagement.

Sabrina Guo is a multifaceted young social entrepreneur, author, activist, and nonprofit leader known for founding organizations like Girl Pride and LILAC, which support marginalized communities and healthcare workers.

Ayita, a spirited girl living with her father in drought-stricken Austin, Texas, finds solace in dancing and her secret hideaway. As the drought worsens, she embarks on a mission to help her community, facing challenges.

The issue features a novella titled "Dancing in the Rain" and a cycle of poems about the four seasons, accompanied by detailed artwork and photographs, creating a visually and emotionally engaging experience for readers.

The night unfolds as stars gleam like sequins on black cloth, the moon settles on a pond, and grass sways gently. Silence envelops the scene, quiet as an empty page, capturing nocturnal beauty.

The poem "Snow" by Eliza Wagner, aged 8, captures the essence of winter with imagery of snowflakes falling, a snowman being made, and a snowball fight, evoking a sense of childhood wonder and playfulness in.

A gentle snowfall drifts down as a child’s voice calls out, lost in the wind and clouds; a snowman is built, a snowball fight erupts, and laughter echoes as a cold ball hits home.

A story about a sycamore tree named Triffle, who helps a frightened bunny by using her special soap to heal its wound, while a dog tries to catch the bunny but fails.

In a serene landscape, a waterfall feeds a sapphire river, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant life. The scene is idyllic, filled with birdsong and gentle breezes, untouched by human disturbance, evoking pure happiness and.

Elizabeth's life is marked by tragedy after her father's death from a heart attack, which led to financial struggles and a strained relationship with her mother. They face a series of dramatic events, including a.

The poem explores themes of melancholy and introspection, using monochrome imagery to convey sadness and the struggle to express emotions through a stoic face, reflecting the subject's inner turmoil and emotional depth.

This issue features short fiction winners from a 2018 contest, alongside wintry art and poetry, and longer stories with metaphorical darkness, all evoking hope for longer days ahead.

Hoa, a young Vietnamese immigrant, struggles to adapt to life in the U.S., feeling overwhelmed by the new culture and missing her home. She navigates school and homesickness, finding solace in nature and her own.

The poem explores themes of growth and beauty, using imagery of bluebells and a childhood garden to evoke a sense of wonder and connection between nature and the soul's unfolding.

A poem describes boredom using imagery of a boat in a dreary bay, contrasting the peacefulness of the stars with the unpleasant sounds of gulls, capturing a sense of monotony and discontent.

Elana, a shy but determined furow girl on Neptune, is chosen by a magical fairy named Henry to embark on a mission to save her planet from Casey Flumpton, an evil rock star who steals.

The poem describes birds that tweet, trill, and soar, returning to birdhouses where they feel free, symbolizing joy and freedom in nature through their actions and movements.

This issue features the first installment of Hannah Nami Gajcowski’s novella Elana, about a girl from Neptune with a destiny, and celebrates National Poetry Month by spotlighting two young poets’ work and a short story.

During Hurricane Sandy’s blackout, a family discovers warmth and togetherness by lighting their unused fireplace, boiling water to soothe their feet, and memorizing the house’s details in darkness.

Friends play a vital role in shaping our lives, offering support, laughter, and companionship while raising questions about trust, motives, and the true meaning of connection in both joyful and challenging times[3][5].

Elana, the Chosen One, journeys through magical lands with fairy Henry, battling evil rock star Casey. After curing Henry from paint-fainting, Elana recruits gingerbread allies, faces danger, and infiltrates Casey’s castle. Using her lightning rope,.

The writer reflects on feeling trapped, comparing themselves to a caged bird, while acknowledging they've never truly been caged like others. They express empathy for those confined by societal expectations and hope to offer solace.

A young ballerina, Sara, faces a setback after a fall during a Russian ballet camp, but with the help of her friend Clair, she works to regain her strength and confidence in pointe dancing.

After a killer whale attack sinks his ship, Alan and his pet cormorant wash ashore on a remote island. They survive by foraging, finding fresh water, and eventually escape using a salvaged plane engine and.

This collection explores bonds beyond kinship through stories and poems, questioning the role of friends and what they mean to us, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of friendship and connection.

A poetic piece describes a serene natural scene with a kingfisher, lake, and trout, contrasting the beauty with human harm, all set within a shimmering liquid tourmaline metaphor, evoking sensory and emotional connections.

William Morgan prepares to surf the massive waves at Mavericks, a site where his father lost his life. Despite the danger, he faces his fears and competes, ultimately saving his friend Sandy and winning the.

This issue explores nature's extremes, from mountains and ocean waves to storms, highlighting Earth's power and our impact on it through climate change and habitat alterations, reflecting on the stories the Earth holds.

The poem describes a serene mountain landscape with pine needles, chirping life, and towering trees, evoking a sense of connection to nature and ancestors, with a desire to become one with the environment and its.

Evangeline, a farm girl in France, faces a terrifying asteroid rain during school, befriends newcomer Clara, and together with a young boy, escapes destruction, survives a mountain ordeal, and reunites with her parents.

A narrative follows a woman through the seasons of life, from childhood to adulthood and motherhood, paralleling her journey with an older woman who remains constant yet changes with time. The story explores themes of.

The night is alive with sounds: water ripples, a nightingale sings, leaves swish in the wind, and darkness amplifies every noise, making the night feel loud and mysterious to those who listen closely.

A boy's life is altered by an unexpected illness, involving a bump on his head that required surgery at Duke University, leading to significant lifestyle changes and reliance on faith for strength.

A young narrator struggles with loneliness after her best friend Yaëlle moves away to Switzerland, reminiscing about their joyful times together and longing for her presence in daily life and future scenarios.

The narrative revolves around a young girl's life, highlighting her innocence, talents, and the pride she brings to her family. She is admired by her community for her good manners and achievements, but her mother.

Beverly Henderson, abandoned by her parents as a baby, befriends a raccoon named Bandit at 13 and sets out to find her father. She faces numerous challenges, including orphanages, fires, and a dramatic reunion with.

After parental abandonment and a home lost to fire, characters face bullying, neglect, and illness, while friendships are tested by distance. These narratives explore resilience, growth, and hope amid life’s harshest winters.

A friend smashes pomegranates on New Year's Eve, inspired by Greek mythology where Persephone's consumption of pomegranate seeds binds her to Hades, symbolizing fertility and seasonal change, mirroring personal superstitions about numbers.

In a colorless world filled with trash, a writer dreams of a vibrant rainforest. They find a tiny tin flower while sorting rubbish, inspiring an idea that grows into a dull forest with tigers and.

In a perfect world, One, Two, and Three live under strict rules, but anomalies begin to appear, challenging their reality. A letter from Selena reveals their world is a virtual experiment, prompting them to escape.

A young student feels invisible and neglected, comparing their life to that of a ghost, as they face challenges in school and go unnoticed by others despite their efforts to participate.

In a polluted, futuristic city, Mr. Brite, confined by a robotic exoskeleton and controlled by a computer, questions his purpose and isolation until Illusion inspires him to break free and seek change, risking everything for.

The content features a whimsical poem about Santa Claus and his timely arrival, accompanied by images of children's artwork, including a "Bowl of Joy" by Ethan Hu and a Christmas poem by Gianna Guerrero.

Corian Monseur, a young nobleman, discovers a mysterious object in a creek near his family's mansion. Believing it might be an animal's tooth, he sends it to experts in Russia, who confirm it as a.

A young boy fights to save the world, a journalist reports from a Syrian refugee camp, a Parisian orphan befriends an old woman, and a nobleman discovers an ancient fossil, amidst lively poems and art.

A young writer's hand moves endlessly across paper, bringing a story to life as words spread rapidly, like clouds pushed by wind towards San Francisco, reflecting the writer's racing thoughts and creative struggle.

Gale struggles to adapt after moving from a small Canadian town to a big U.S. city, missing her old life by the sea where she enjoyed sailing and wildlife. She longs for the green landscapes.

A young person yearns to transcend ordinary life, aspiring to soar like a soccer ball flying into a net and to embody creativity as the tip of a paintbrush, expressing boundless imagination and ambition.

Seanella, a generous turtle, dreams of building a house for her friends. She imagines a perfect home for a kitten named Mouse and later helps a dog named Weevle by envisioning a doghouse. Together, they.

A young girl faces a daunting move across the country, finding solace in stories and a cedar bracelet given by her cousin. The bracelet symbolizes courage and resilience, inspired by a tale of an elven.

Oliver hires Detective DaVinci to find his missing hair, a case dismissed by authorities. Despite the detective's efforts, more hairs go missing, leading to a series of mysterious events and a dramatic conclusion.

A morning bike ride to school becomes a meditation on life, reflecting on the contrast between peaceful home surroundings and the bustling streets, while appreciating personal experiences and the beauty of nature.

Home encompasses a place, people, and feelings of comfort and belonging, varying from specific locations like a childhood bedroom or city to broader concepts like family and emotional connections.

Emma awaits her father's opening-night performance in a new opera, set against the backdrop of the Santa Fe opera house. The story unfolds with a mix of anticipation, family, and the emotional impact of the.

A rain forest once lacked rain until a cloud acted mean toward god, causing god to cry; the clouds, feeling remorse, turned gray, frogs croaked, and reassurance echoed: it’s okay, it’s ok, it’s ok.

In the fantastical town of Chocolate Lemon, inhabited by small, floating creatures called giiants, a peculiar trend of removing eyes becomes a cultural norm. This leads to a series of events that ultimately transform the.

A young crane faces numerous challenges during his first migration, braving harsh conditions like the Himalayas, cold winds, and an eagle attack, but ultimately reaches safety with his flock.

A flashlight’s beam reveals two silhouettes walking together through the night, as the darkness turns silent. The poet gazes at a sky sprinkled with stars, listening to crickets sing, and finds the night sky’s blue.

The poem explores themes of isolation, longing, and transformation, with the speaker yearning for change and connection, symbolized by waves and colors, while being halted by an unyielding mountain.

In a world ravaged by climate change, a person preserves memories of each season in jars. When one jar breaks, a miraculous return of spring occurs, bringing joy and renewal to the community.

These writings and artworks unite through their detailed attention to nature, from urban trees to desert sunsets, inspiring new perspectives on familiar sights and highlighting the beauty of each season.

A young narrator grapples with grief after losing a loved one, feeling heartbroken and chipped, struggling to cope with emotions and the pain of loss, while trying to find strength to move forward.

Ava, a shy and awkward student, finds solace in reading dictionaries and learning word origins. She excels in an etymology quiz, prompting her teacher to encourage her to enter a spelling bee. With newfound friendships.

A young girl and a giant woolly mammoth, both outcasts, form a strong bond in a strict academic environment. They share creative moments and eventually escape the school when the mammoth is threatened with being.

A child reflects on a simpler time when only three people lived together, enjoying privacy and quiet, sleeping well without sharing a room or enduring a screaming baby, missing those peaceful days.

Kiera, new to Brooklyn, strives for popularity by befriending the cool girls, but after bonding with quirky Claudia, she faces a choice between fitting in and staying true to herself, ultimately embracing her individuality.

Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with creating life, builds a creature from corpses. Horrified by his creation, he abandons it. The creature, intelligent and sensitive, seeks revenge after being rejected by society and his creator.

Sara Crewe, a young girl, moves from India to a London boarding school, where her wealth and kindness earn her favor until her father's death leaves her impoverished and mistreated, yet she remains gracious and.

Reading is crucial for writers as it teaches sentence structures, vocabulary, and genre history, helping them build on existing works and discover personal tastes, with critical reading enhancing engagement and understanding.

Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl, is left at a London boarding school by her father. When he dies penniless, she becomes a servant, but her kindness, imagination, and resilience help her find joy and hope.

Claudia and Jamie Kincaid run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, seeking adventure and mystery. They investigate an angel statue possibly created by Michelangelo, leading them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who reveals its.

Liesel Meminger, a young girl, begins her journey during World War II in Nazi Germany. She steals books, learns to read, and finds comfort in words amidst war and loss. Her foster family hides a.

Anna, a shy girl with asthma, is sent to the countryside where she meets Marnie, a mysterious girl. As their bond grows, secrets about their pasts are revealed, leading to a surprising connection between them.

Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers" symbolizes hope as a resilient bird that resides in the soul, providing comfort and strength during life's challenges, emphasizing its enduring presence and power.

Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" explores life's choices through a traveler's dilemma in a forest, reflecting on the nature of decision-making and the lingering regret of untaken paths with a melancholic yet peaceful tone.

Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" explores themes of temptation, responsibility, and introspection as a traveler pauses to admire the woods, conflicted between desire and obligations.

The poem "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams is a brief imagist work that explores themes of temptation, guilt, and simple pleasures through a speaker's apology for eating plums meant for breakfast,.

In “One Art,” Elizabeth Bishop explores loss, beginning with trivial items and escalating to profound personal losses, insisting that mastering loss is easy, yet her repeated refrain and final, anguished admission expose deep grief and.

This issue features commissioned reviews of classic works, differing from previous issues by focusing solely on reviews without stories, artworks, or poems, highlighting the value of critical reading and reviewing.

Two young readers express their appreciation for Stone Soup, a magazine featuring writing and art by children. They highlight its impact on their creative pursuits and the inspiration they derive from peers' work.

A girl feels complete despite an inner absence, but her perfection is disrupted when she's told to stay home from school, leading to her first emotional outburst and a journey of self-discovery and healing through.

The poem explores the idea that monsters might not be as scary as they seem, suggesting that they could be scared, sad, and lonely creatures that shrink in size as they are comforted and befriended.

Little Deer and other animals experience the changing seasons, from fall to spring, highlighting growth and cyclical life lessons through their playful interactions and seasonal challenges.

A little seed grows into a sprout, then a rose, dancing in the wind, growing tall, and eventually withering with winter, only to repeat the cycle again the next year in a natural cycle of.

A young poet dreams of a better future; another girl longs for a new place. Nature revives, shifts, and is seen anew through different eyes. Change is inevitable, miraculous, and inspires us to reflect and.

On a long family road trip, sisters Jenny and Ula bicker and play Twenty Questions to pass time, sparking memories of past family adventures and revealing their complex relationship as they arrive at their destination.

A narrative unfolds through a series of numbered events, from a winter morning to a warmer period, capturing the passage of time and changing activities of people and animals in a dynamic environment.

The sky is described as endless, with birds flying within it, emphasizing its vastness and beauty as a huge blue abyss.

This issue focuses on people and civilization, featuring works like Patrick Lusa's poem "Numbers," Anna Shepherd's story "Twenty Questions, Twenty Answers," and Mia Fang's digital portrait "Lady in the Willows by the River."

This issue focuses on people and civilization, featuring works like Patrick Lusa's poem "Numbers," Anna Shepherd's story "Twenty Questions, Twenty Answers," and Mia Fang's digital portrait "Lady in the Willows by the River," emphasizing urban.

The scene is set in Gilmanton at night, with crickets chirping and old houses creaking, while motorcycles rev and antique stores wait for the morning, capturing a serene yet vibrant atmosphere of a small town.

The scene is set in a house in Southern France, evoking a sense of tranquility with cicadas chirping and a peaceful atmosphere. The house is described in detail, from its cold tiled floor to its.

This issue celebrates spring with diverse visual art forms, including romantic Parisian paintings, 3D paper boat art, ancient Chinese poem-inspired figurines, bold landscapes, and dark paper collages, inspiring readers with its variety and quality.

This spring issue celebrates the visual arts in diverse forms, featuring a romantic Parisian painting, a 3D paper boat artwork, a figurine with an ancient Chinese poem, bold landscapes, and a darkly twisted collage, all.

"Moonlight" by Ashley Xu, 13, from Lexington, MA, is a poem capturing the serene beauty of a quiet night with stars like sequins, the moon resting on a pond, swaying grass, and a peaceful, empty.

Ashley Xu, a 13-year-old from Lexington, MA, created a poem titled "Moonlight," which was featured in Stone Soup's March 2019 issue as part of their concrete poetry contest.

Octopuses are intelligent, shape-shifting creatures with blue blood due to copper-based hemocyanin, three hearts, and a high metabolic rate, living in diverse ocean habitats with remarkable adaptability and defense mechanisms like ink release.

The narrative explores a complex friendship between two girls, one of whom reflects on past behavior and seeks to mend their relationship. The story unfolds with themes of regret, apology, and reconciliation, set against a.

A narrative unfolds as a family embarks on a journey through diverse landscapes, accompanied by a friendly dog named Figadindi, who becomes a temporary companion, sharing adventures and forming bonds along the way.

This issue features winning concrete poems that excel in both visual form and textual content, emphasizing the importance of form in poetry and including photographs and stories on selfhood and belonging.

This issue features winners of a concrete poetry contest, where poems excel as visual art and inventive texts, blending form and content. It also includes photos and works on selfhood and belonging, inspiring creative engagement.

Sabrina Guo is a multifaceted young social entrepreneur, author, activist, and nonprofit leader known for founding organizations like Girl Pride and LILAC, which support marginalized communities and healthcare workers.

Ayita, a spirited girl living with her father in drought-stricken Austin, Texas, finds solace in dancing and her secret hideaway. As the drought worsens, she embarks on a mission to help her community, facing challenges.

The issue features a novella titled "Dancing in the Rain" and a cycle of poems about the four seasons, accompanied by detailed artwork and photographs, creating a visually and emotionally engaging experience for readers.

The night unfolds as stars gleam like sequins on black cloth, the moon settles on a pond, and grass sways gently. Silence envelops the scene, quiet as an empty page, capturing nocturnal beauty.

The poem "Snow" by Eliza Wagner, aged 8, captures the essence of winter with imagery of snowflakes falling, a snowman being made, and a snowball fight, evoking a sense of childhood wonder and playfulness in.

A gentle snowfall drifts down as a child’s voice calls out, lost in the wind and clouds; a snowman is built, a snowball fight erupts, and laughter echoes as a cold ball hits home.

A story about a sycamore tree named Triffle, who helps a frightened bunny by using her special soap to heal its wound, while a dog tries to catch the bunny but fails.

In a serene landscape, a waterfall feeds a sapphire river, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant life. The scene is idyllic, filled with birdsong and gentle breezes, untouched by human disturbance, evoking pure happiness and.

Elizabeth's life is marked by tragedy after her father's death from a heart attack, which led to financial struggles and a strained relationship with her mother. They face a series of dramatic events, including a.

The poem explores themes of melancholy and introspection, using monochrome imagery to convey sadness and the struggle to express emotions through a stoic face, reflecting the subject's inner turmoil and emotional depth.

This issue features short fiction winners from a 2018 contest, alongside wintry art and poetry, and longer stories with metaphorical darkness, all evoking hope for longer days ahead.