I need help self-publishing my dream project - a retelling of the centuries-old tale of "Stone Soup." It replaces the central characters of Marcia Brown's 1947 Caldecott Award-winning version - a band of soldiers returning home after the Napoleonic Wars - with a group of international refugees seeking safety, dignity, and a new home. At its heart is my desire to help children Including my own grandchildren), families, and others understand the plight of refugees from around the world and to help them welcome these "strangers" in our midst.

I am the Rev. Dr. Chris B. Hughes. After graduating from Duke University Divinity School I returned to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, my college alma mater, as campus pastor and assistant director of Church Relations from 1979-1982. That experience formed the foundation of all of my future assignments including in evangelism, denominational publishing, and another stint in campus ministry at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. I have written books on theology, spirituality, and the ministry of all Christians. My first children's book is titled Princess Mary Elizabeth's Birthday Wish.

Illustrator Evan Hikmat has her own story of fleeing her country to find a new home among a welcoming community. Proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to an accredited global refugee resettlement organization. Any gift will be gratefully received.