JOHN J MCLAUGHLIN
Writer | Teacher | Storyteller
I believe in the power of stories to transform lives, communities, and our world…
About John ⟶
John’s 1st Children’s Book
A School Library Journal “Top Pick”
Winner of Pacific NW Writers Association Best Children’s Book Award
“A story of great cariño and hope— one we sorely need in these times of divisiveness, fear, and separation. Seemingly humble in setting, McLaughlin’s story is a luminous and generous parable of how we can all come together as a human(e) familia on our planetary island home. … A modern fable with old roots, to be shared with those you love and especially with any stranger who comes to your door.”
-Julia Alvarez, author of In The Time of the Butterflies and Afterlife
This story is for children… and it’s for all of us.
With so much fear and division in our world right now, I’ve found it a challenging time to raise and teach children— perhaps you have too.
This little book is one way I’ve tried to respond…
A retelling of the classic folktale “Stone Soup,” set in Latin America and updated for our times.
A stranger comes to a lonely rural town, hungry and alone. He asks for help, but only a young girl, looked down upon by her community, is brave enough to offer it. Together they quietly challenge old notions of who “belongs,” and who is “one of us,” and create a joyful, miraculous feast for all.