The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Barnhill, Kelly. The Ogress and the Orphans. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 2022. AZW file.

The Stone that lies at the heart of the village known as Stone-in-the-Glen has a story to tell to anyone who is willing to stop and “Listen.” Serving as the narrator for this story, the Stone knows about the history of the village even before the first trees were cut to begin the first building. Stone-in-the-Glen had become a nice village where neighbors were kind, and people were productive and happy. Then a man arrived who claimed to be a world-famous dragon hunter. He captured the villagers' admiration, especially when he kept them safe after there were some dragon sightings nearby. He was soon elected Mayor. He continued to hold that job as the Library burned, the school burned, and the town fell into disrepair. By the time the events of this story pick up, the villagers have become so distrustful that they spend most of their time behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, there are 15 children living at the Orphan House under the care of the loving old people Matron and Myron. A kind Ogress begins living at the edge of town. She gardens and builds while making friends with flock of crows, a blind dog, and some sheep. She believes in the power of generosity, and she begins to anonymously share the bounty of her garden and the forest with the people of the village. The Mayor has stopped giving any money to the Orphan House, and they quickly become dependent on the Ogress's generosity. Others in town love the pies, cookies, and produce the Ogress leaves, but their fears keep them from talking to anyone about those gifts.

The Mayor continues to use his dragon power to increase fear and suspicion. When the situation becomes dire at the Orphan House, a girl named Cass decides to run away so that the limited food will go farther. Matron and Myron seek help from the villagers to find Cass, and they seek the Mayor's instruction. Cass has actually become lost in the forest. When the crows find her, they inform the Ogress who warms Cass and feeds her before taking her back to the Orphan House. There is a spark of interest in helping the situation at the Orphan House, but the fear and suspicion remain stronger.

As the villagers grow angrier toward the Ogress, the orphans feel a duty to warn her of the danger. They discover she is kind and generous, and they come up with an idea to make books urging the villagers to be kind and generous toward each other. Matron and Myron become involved, and the people of Stone-in-the-Glen are soon visiting with neighbors as they discuss what they have read. Their natural love for their neighbor grows. After the Mayor fails to renew his dragon power. He discovers that he no longer has the ability to control the villagers. He is chased out of town by a pack of angry cats. The cobbler's wife – a generous woman who is anxious to see the village restored to its former state – is elected in his place.

The Stone tells about the changes that happen in Stone-in-the-Glen. The Ogress is welcomed in town by most people. She knows there will always be some who do not accept her, but she is not bothered by that. The situation at the Orphan House is greatly improved as the people of the village resume their responsibility to support the orphans. There are plans to rebuild the beloved Library and the school. Not everything is perfect because that never happens. However, the lives of the Ogress and the orphans are happy when they have a chance to lie down in the snow and simply watch the stars.