The Lure of the Extraordinary Peacock by Prachi Kothari, age 11, Mumbai, India A blue glow That makes everyone say “Ooo” The peacock’s feathers when spread look like they give to the ground, blue light Which brings to the watchers, a charming smile When the wet rain with the ground together clap This scene is extraordinary, incredible, fab The peacock starts dancing exceptionally arresting We feel around us an ecstasy fencing Golden green rays emit from their feathers That we can’t stop to gather For perceiving this wondrous sight It would be marvelous if it could take a sky-high flight When looking at it, our eyes pounce out and magically stop The peacock is so magnificent from bottom to top. If it comes dancing on the road Everything from cars to people would be on hold It spreads out its wings with valor In us, we need to imbibe that gleaming color. We should not just sit and perch on the tree Do something outstanding that makes everyone feel glee Animals should be given importance and cared Do not let them become extinct and rare. Increase the number of animals and birds Build national parks and sanctuaries where they can freely and happily run Store the beautiful sights of the peacock in your mind and heart So that these pleasant sights keep coming repeatedly and ever last. Prachi Kothari is a 11-yr-old author and has published several books in her series, "The Lightning Bulbs of My Heart". She lives in Mumbai, India, and she is a blogger. You can visit her site: exemplaryprachi.blogspot.com. She is one of the youngest podcasters and runs her show, 'Extraordinary World On Earth' where she spreads excellent awareness of the environment. She is a YouTuber at 'Prachi Kothari' where she recites many of her poems. She enjoys writing and hopes to create a better world for all.
Category Archives: Nature
Fire Dragon
Fire Dragon by Jiacheng Yu, age 6, Florida.
The Horse That Jumps
“This is the first drawing of mine that has really jumped off the page. I especially like drawing horses, because they are such majestic creatures, and you can display their beauty. I’ve always loved horses, and learning about them. I think, the drawing also shows my personality.”
By Ava Shorten, age 11, Cork, Ireland.
Life Aboard an Iceberg
By Carla Sabotta, Olympia, Washington.
From jellyfish to harbor seals, a variety of animals thrive in and around icebergs. The animals find food and shelter, and some of them nest, on these floating chunks of ice.
Icebergs break off from glaciers and ice shelves and bob in the sea. An ice shelf appears where a glacier flows down to a coastline. Icebergs stay afloat even though they weigh many hundreds of thousands of tons. They float for the same reason ice cubes do in a glass of water—ice is lighter than water.
Icebergs the size of houses and large buildings form each year in the Arctic at the North Pole and in Antarctica at the South Pole. Table-shaped icebergs have steep sides and flat tops. Other shapes of icebergs have domes and spires.
Algae and phytoplankton grow on and around all shapes and sizes of icebergs. Algae are like plants and make food from sunlight. Phytoplankton are tiny living things and include plants and animals. Inch-long, shrimp-like creatures called krill eat the algae and phytoplankton. Thousands of krill mill about together and make up the largest part of the diet of many animals.
Invertebrates such as jellyfish come to the icebergs to feed on krill. Invertebrates lack backbones. Larger animals such as fish, squid and penguins also like krill. Penguins catch the slippery creatures with their spiny tongues and powerful jaws, while keeping a look out for seals and whales.
Leopard seals and killer whales seek out icebergs to hunt the penguins. Squawking flocks of petrels and other flying seabirds circle overhead looking for food. The seals also like to sleep on pieces of sea ice floating in the shadows of the icebergs, to get protection from high winds.
In addition to supplying food, icebergs also give protection and a place to raise pups. Young icefish dart into small holes to hide from animals hunting them. These pale-looking fish have clear blood because they lack red blood cells and hemoglobin. Groups of harbor seals haul out onto icebergs to escape killer whales, sharks and polar bears. They rest on the ice with their heads and rear flippers lifted up in a banana-like pose.
During the spring, female harbor seals give birth to pups on icebergs. Groups of mother seals raise their pups on the ice to protect themselves from predators. When they’re not swimming and diving, the seal pups rest on the ice. Out of the water the pups use little energy to stay warm. They can instead use the energy from their mother’s milk to grow and put on the blubber they will need to survive the winter.
Are icebergs becoming home to new animals? Possibly. Scientists recently reported for the first time seeing a colony of ivory gulls and chicks nesting on a rock-covered iceberg. The iceberg drifted in open water near Northeast Greenland. These gleaming white gulls usually build their nests on cliff ledges or distant islands near coasts. Scientists think the gulls may have chosen an iceberg to avoid Arctic foxes and polar bears, and to stay close to their favorite food—small fish and krill.
Carla adds, “I was inspired to write this article after learning about icebergs on a trip to Antarctica.”
My View
My View
By Julia Dun Rappaport, grade 9, Massachusetts.
I like to gaze out my window, the thick black telephone
Wires criss-crossing my
View.
A bare tree shoots up from the Earth of the
Yard. I wait for it to bloom. I eagerly await the leafy greenness to fill the pane. Two
Blue jays are perched on a nearby branch.
I see the ruffle of the sunbathed brush, and picture Wind
Combing my hair with her
Gentle fingers.
The sky is a pale hue of
Pastel azure. Swollen clouds dot its rounded edges. A faint tune from wind chimes
Dances on the air.
It rained yesterday, and the petrichor lingers still, the scent
Grasping the atmosphere. I can nearly taste the sweetness of the
Fresh world. I
Imagine the earthy, crisp pleasantness on my
Tongue.
But I taste nothing but the staleness of the room. I see
Nothing but the blankness of my computer
Screen.
I hear nothing but the clacking of my keys and the soft
Whirring of technology around me.
Surrounded in this modern world.
Trapped.
Julia is a writer, poet, and artist. Her designs and paintings have won several art contests. She adds:
“This year has changed many things about me. From my lengthening golden-brown hair to my taller height, many noticeable things about me are different now than they were before the pandemic. Other things have changed, too. My life used to be riddled with insecurities, worries, and slight, nagging doubts. I am not saying that everything is gone now, but the virus has brought more than just sorrow. COVID-19 is a horrific thing, and it has terrorized our world. But, as my teachers waved to me through a screen, I realized that my life has forever changed. I no longer need to be validated through praise of others. This leads me to today. I am inspired to submit to Skipping Stones because I would like to prove to myself that I am a creative, intelligent individual who deserves a spot in Skipping Stones. I have learned to be a writer, to see and think differently. I am still learning. I am a young writer, and I would like to thank you for this opportunity. This is a chance to see myself as more than some kid. This could be a representation of progress. I am not saying that I need to be accepted; the simple act of submitting my work is proof of growth. All in all, I am inspired to submit to Skipping Stones because quarantine has helped me learn and grow, and I am ready to share that growth with you.”
Celebrating Earth Day 2021
By Arun N. Toké, editor.
Earth Day 2021 Greetings!
While we have been observing Earth Day for over 50 years now, the rapid decline in diversity of species and livability on our planet continues unabated. Why?
The issues are numerous and complex: the problems of air, water and soil pollution; the loss of biodiversity, wildlife and wilderness; deforestation; nuclear threat; ecological issues due to overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers; and ocean warming. On top of that, the overuse of single-use plastics all over the world and lack of proper recycling facilities add to the plastic pollution problem. And our Covid-19 pandemic response has increased the use of throwaway plastic products to another level.
But, the climate change crisis that we face is the biggest problem of all. While our governments and business leaders may give lip service and say they are doing everything to curb climate change, the situation remains an ecological emergency. The daily CO2 levels have reached 420 ppm recently. Global average temperature increases are sure to go beyond the Paris Accord limit of 1.5° or 2° C. And the results are likely to be devastating!
Nature nurtures us—not just human beings but all species. But if we continue to damage nature, there will be an ecological breakdown. We must learn to be responsible caretakers and conscientious consumers. How can we show our care and love for Mother Nature?
Often we hear solutions like: Use less plastic products, drive less, pick up trash, etc. These are noble goals on a personal level but we also need system-wide changes at national and international levels. We must urge our governments, as well as business, financial and industry leaders to stop their “business as usual!” We need to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy resources—wind, solar, geothermal, micro hydropower, etc. And, we must choose energy efficiency, resource recycling, and closed loop systems. In nature, one species’ waste is another species’ food! If we want true sustainability, we need to mimic this principle of No Waste! Shipping e-wastes, or discarded paper or plastic or scrap metal from developed countries to low-income countries under the guise of “recycling” is not a real solution!
What can we do about climate crisis? We must drastically cut the quantity of greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere—carbon dioxide and methane—and at the same time, sequester the greenhouse gases already present in our atmosphere. We must work on the problem from both ends to make a meaningful progress. We could plant trillions of trees and conserve our forests, locally and regionally, as they help reduce atmospheric CO2 by converting it to bio-matter.
In our own personal and family life, we can try to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels in all possible ways. For example, we can avoid unnecessary driving and minimize the use of automobiles in our family by using bicycles, public transportation, or walking when practical. Lots of our neighbors have installed heat pumps for heating their homes and thus cut down their oil and gas use for home heating.
We can reconsider where we purchase our groceries and which foods we consume. As much as possible, we can use local and organic products because they’re good for our health as well as the local economy, and also the planet. If we can, let’s buy our vegetables and fruits, etc., at local farms or farmer’s market. If there is a space for gardening, we can grow our own fresh produce. We can also have a rooftop or windowsill mini garden.
Let’s make a goal to consume non-animal foods to the extent we can, because producing meat contributes to climate change and it is ecologically damaging. We can rely on grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, and legumes instead. Yes, it is difficult to give up our habits. So we can try to reduce our consumption of meat and fish gradually. Start with skipping meat for a few days a week, or even for one meal a day. When we get used to that, we can cut it down further. I grew up without meat or fish for the first 20 years of my life, and for the last few decades, our household has avoided meat, poultry, and fish completely, so I know it can be done.
Let’s avoid single-use plastic products—plastic bags, eating utensils, straws, etc. There are many ways to avoid using disposable things in our daily life. We take our own reusable bags and containers when we go shopping. Let’s ditch the plastics habit for the sake of life on the planet!
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that we can cut our air travels to a minimum. Instead, we can take mini vacations nearby. Day trips are much easier to organize. We can walk, picnic, play and bicycle in our local parks and enjoy nature areas in the region instead of flying cross-country or to another country.
What else can you think of to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions? How can we keep our exceptional planet a livable planet for us and for all other living beings?
Let’s not forget that we are part of Nature; we are not an isolated species. Why not create regenerative systems that work in harmony with nature? Let’s plant seeds of happiness. We’ll reap what we sow. Let’s make this Earth Day a special day that will live in our memory for a LONG time by making a firm resolve to live in harmony with nature!
A Journey Behind the Walls
Venus by Eileen Kim, age 17, South Korea 
Eileen Kim, age 17, Seoul, South Korea
A Journey Behind Walls
In recent years, the search for graffiti has taken up a big portion of my time. Within the monotony of my school routine, finding tags and art hidden in building corners or behind walls was akin to a treasure hunt. I have often taken pictures of the latest artworks I found and saved them in my photo album as if they were pieces of a collection. As an artist, I feel inspired to create my own signature style and to learn more about the interesting world of graffiti.
But, growing up in South Korea has reminded me of the impermanence of the culture here. I’ve often observed buildings being demolished and supplanted by newer, shinier structures. Stores I would visit frequently would suddenly close down, and the art that I once cherished would no longer exist. It’s unfortunate that we are so busy moving forward at a fast pace that we can’t appreciate the creations around us. Society doesn’t provide ideal conditions for graffiti in terms of conservation.
On top of the ever-changing nature of Korean street art, COVID-19 has made it even more challenging to explore as frequently as I had in the past. However, last month, I found the perfect opportunity to revisit the childlike wonder I have felt while observing graffiti. While browsing the internet, I came across tickets for URBAN BREAK Art Asia, a three-day fair showcasing street artists.
At the fair, it was almost as if time suspended, and the pandemic didn’t exist. I was surprised to see that people from all walks of life came to see the show, from teenagers donning denim bucket hats to older professionals in their weekend attire. Despite everyone wearing masks, the individuality was compelling and echoed Korean life exactly as it is—one of constant sounds, smells, and colors intermingling. The exhibit echoed the cacophony that citizens experience in their daily routine. I distinctly remember one artist playing the piano in his booth, surrounded by paintings of traditional Korean houses. Meanwhile, an underground rapper signed autographs for his fans a few booths down.
There were numerous exhilarating artists that caught my attention, but the one who stood out the most to me, personally, was a female artist named Junkhouse. Toward the end of the show, I recognized a familiar artwork hers that I’ve seen numerous times on a building during my walks home from school. Luckily, I was able to contact Junkhouse after the show, and she was more than happy to share her thought processes with me.
As Junkhouse compared graffiti in Korea to that in foreign countries, she confirmed that South Korea’s tendency of getting rid of old buildings rapidly prevents street artists from experimenting with their artwork and freely using the city as their own sketchbooks. Furthermore, with the law being strict in terms of interfering with property, young artists move further away from the traditional street art culture. Younger generation artists would rather choose social media as a way of presenting their work and connecting to the greater public.
As she spoke of her free-spirited artistic process, where she draws organic shapes onto existing structures, my mind kept going back to a recurring thought: there is always room for freedom within constraint. There exists a certain, and often justified, stereotype of Korean art as being highly elite and institutionalized. Proprietary gallery owners are often part of a closeted establishment that promote lucrative art forms, such as porcelain from the Goryeo Dynasty or paintings by artists within their inner circles. But unlike traditional art galleries holding the key to the next generation of artists, some people are ready to break the mold and directly communicate with the audience themselves—even teenagers like me.
As I reflected on my own conversation with Junkhouse and on the vibrancy of the works at the art fair, I felt encouraged to challenge my own perceptions. In a rapidly modernizing country like Korea, what would finally allow graffiti art to soar to its highest potential? As for me, what are some preconceived notions and existing barriers that prevent me from reaching my maximum potential?
The answers to both questions are yet to be found, but I am slowly on my way to discovering them. In the meantime, I have added forty new pieces of art to my virtual graffiti collection, which I can browse freely from home. These pieces serve as a reminder to seek freedom even amidst the busy days that lie ahead.
By Eileen Kim, age 17, high school junior in Seoul, South Korea. She adds:
“I am an active artist and writer who enjoys learning about the intersection of culture and the environment. Born in the United States but raised in Korea, I am a bilingual Korean and English speaker with the privilege of examining different perspectives. My interest in environmental conservation, particularly in reducing the use of plastic, has led me on many exciting journeys. Recently, using my art skills, knowledge, and love for the environment, I designed environmentally friendly, reusable masks. My ultimate goal is to create a sustainable system for the future in populated cities, such as Seoul and New York.
As an artist, I am also highly invested in the emergence of street art. In search of works from creative peers my age, I came across your magazine and felt the courage to submit some of my works. “A Journey Behind the Walls” details the street art culture in South Korea and how our strict society has led to a creative underground movement. Though street art is forced to take on a more limited form in Korea compared to other cities like New York or London, it is surprisingly pervasive and thought provoking.
I have also attached my original artworks, “Bird,” “City,’ “Cheetah,” and “Venus.” The recurring theme of these works is the impact of the climate crisis on the ecosystem, from animals and humans to the environment itself. My essay and art attempts to relate to the universal longing of community, freedom and change.”
I’m a Young African Elephant Calf
Illustration and flash fiction by Alina Yuan, 17, California.
This season, it is unusually hot. The heat of the African savanna radiates off the parched land and burns my feet with each step while the sun glares down upon us, sneering at our misfortunes. I slowly drag my feet through the dirt, feeling not soreness but numbness. Small fissures have appeared across the arid landscape. I flick my tail to shoo away pesky flies. A slight breeze blows through the landscape, flinging dust into my eyes and nostrils. But I am too tired to shake off the dust. I have gone days without food or water. My eyelids droop as a hazy feeling overpowers my senses and a dull buzzing noise echoes in my head. One of our pack buddies collapses ahead of me, breathing heavily and closing his eyes. Immediately, mosquitos start to swarm him until he takes his shaky, final breath. At this rate, I will die soon, too.
Our pack shuffles sluggishly towards a large puddle left over from the rainy season. Everyone gulps the water greedily. It is the dry season and we must keep ourselves hydrated during the drought. After drinking water, I use my trunk to pull off the leaves and twigs of an uprooted tree, and I eat with Mother and my cousins. The rest of my family stays close by, eating and keeping watch for predators. We continue our journey and trudge towards a patch of trees. After a while, I look up. The sun is starting to set, and I can sense the temperature dropping quickly.
I hear a slight rustle behind the bushes. I see a head, a human. It is carrying a long stick in its hands. It points it at our pack slowly and waits. We immediately become silent, and I turn to Mother.
“What is it doing?”
“Hush,” she says quietly, her voice trembling.
She pushes me roughly into the middle of the pack and blocks me from the human’s sight with her body.
“Is this what killed Father before I was born?” I whisper. “I’m scared.”
Mother turns to me. Her eyes soften, but I can still see her pupils shaking. She caresses my face with her trunk.
“It’s going to be alright.”
The human stands up slowly, making sure to barely make a sound. I see a piece of tusk hanging from a strand around its neck. Sheer fright envelopes me. It moves its finger.
A deafening noise startles me, and I freeze in terror. My pack scatters, frantically trying to escape. One of them falls, but I don’t know who. The human puts something back into the stick and aims again. Another blast. I turn around and run as fast as I can. More fall. My vision blurs, and I search frantically for Mother, turning in circles, bugling in panic. The screams of my brethren are muffled and drowned out by my violent heartbeat. The human appears in front of me, shooting at my relatives beside me. I scream and turn around to face the body of my dead Mother.
By Alina Yuan, 17, California. She adds: “I enjoy writing flash fiction and short stories, as well as drawing comics. At home, I love playing with my dog, a Shiba Inu, and collecting an eclectic array of stickers.
I am of Chinese cultural background, but I always enjoy learning about other cultures and issues around the world. One day, while scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a picture of poachers hunting elephants for the illegal ivory trade. I was so appalled by that image that it stuck with me and prompted me to create art and writing revolving around this topic. Learning about cultures requires you to put yourself in other people’s shoes, and the same can be said for learning about world issues. Remove yourself from the perspective of a human being and put yourself in the shoes of the oppressed in order to learn more and practice empathy. That is how the world can progress and rid itself of evil.”
Ten Square Feet
By Beau Heese, grade 7, Missouri. Ten Square Feet Weeds brush at my side, crack! a twig breaks, croak! a frog bellows. And the birds, musicians from a time long before man, begin to sing. I sit, looking at the color around me. Bright white flowers sit to my right, swaying in the morning breeze, while vines dangle from an oak tree to my left. My eyes wander, staring at the life around me. I cannot look away. I am freezing, tired, and it is still dark out, but I am in awe. The beauty of our world, is absolutely incredible, more colorful than anything we could ever create. And all of this in just ten square feet. By Beau Heese, grade 7, Missouri.
Words of Disbelief
Words of Disbelief Intently he listened Holding onto every word The yard was a thick tangle of Twigs lavender lilies, dandelions And grass He could not believe A month ago buds were just Everywhere And now it was a jungle With clippers, rakes and a Lawnmower We worked until our bones Hurt Soon it looked like the Jardín Botánico in Mexico That night Paco whispered “I hear the crackle of plants Growing again” He was right In the morning everything had Shot up a tiny bit By Maggie d., African American poet, Washington, She adds: “The poem, Words of Disbelief, erupted from observing the stark contrast between winter and spring...”