I am writing to congratulate Emmy J. X. Wong on her story, The Gift [July/August 2008]. It was a sweet and enjoyable story. The mention of Make Way for Ducklings, a story I love, made me smile. Emmy made me feel Jen and her grandmother’s positive relationship strongly. Jen is so innocent and fairy-like that I want to hug her! Also, the illustrations were awesome. Anna Welch made Emmy’s characters come alive through drawing. The shading, use of color, and details were all amazing. Go Anna!
Rachele Merliss, 11, Lincoln, Nebraska
See Anna’s new illustrations in this issue (cover and Flynn, page 5).
I just wanted to say thank you for creating your wonderful Web site. I’m a young adult and love both reading and creative writing, and over the past few days, I’ve been reading the stories and poems of various young authors, and I must say that I’m impressed. Although I’ve never sent any of my work to you, I know that I’ll at least consider it. You’re the best Web site/magazine I’ve found so far for aspiring authors, poets, and artists. And that’s not putting it lightly—I’ve looked at dozens of Web sites. Keep up all of your flawless work.
Arianna Zander, 13, Brasov, Romania
When I received my copy of Stone Soup May/June 2008, and I looked at the illustration for The Final Race, I was amazed. Indra Boving is such a good artist! Everything looked so real. Congratulations to Indra Boving!
Claire Conway, 12, South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Even though I have only read three issues of Stone Soup, I think it is the best magazine for kids. I loved the story Comet Is Missing by Annakai Hayakawa Geshlider [July/August 2008]. I loved the plot of the story, and how it seems so real, like it is happening right in front of you. I also like the emotions she goes through when she finds out Comet is missing. I think the artwork was so realistic, I thought Comet was going to jump right into my hands! Great job, Annakai!
Will Jewkes, 8, South Burlington, Vermont
One story that really caught my eye was Illumination, by Ariel Mia Iarovici Katz, in the July/August 2008 issue. In the story, Rachel, the main character, shares the same problems as me. It gave me a whole new perspective on my parents’ divorce, and it made me realize that there is hope.
Sophie Frank, 12, Langley, Washington
I love your magazine! It has inspired me for a long time now, even if I’ve never actually been published. I love the quality of the work, and I also like the idea of publishing work by children. It has inspired a whole lot of kids to keep on writing. Whenever I read a story that I really like or see an amazing piece of artwork, I always feel really happy for the writer or artist, even when I have absolutely no idea who they are!
Grace Euphrat Weston, 11, San Francisco, California
Send us a letter! We’d love to hear your general comments about Stone Soup and the Web site,
as well as specific comments about stories and illustrations we have published.
