BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER
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Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER / ILLUSTRATOR
Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR
Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Darcy Greenwood ASSISTANT EDITOR
Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER
Donna Price WRITER
Dr. Stephen Scotti STEAMS EDUCATION ADVISOR*
MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS:
Ryleigh Rose Aghdasi • Dr. Derek Alderman
Kaiya Bathke • Jeanna Clifford
Susan Engle • Jackson Erdman
Kaya Erekul • Cora Hays • Nuri Himes
David H. Johnson • Augusto López-Claros
Elowen Lyons-Baral • Ronald McCoy
Ollie McKinney • Naim Missaghi
Leila Mostaghimi • Stephen Pulley
ART AND PHOTO CREDITS
Karmila Rodarte • Mya Tambe • Vargha Twaddell
Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Foad Ghorbani: Art on p. 13
By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 8–9
Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted
STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS
By Amy Renshaw: 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 29
By Heidi Parsons: 1, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28
By Darcy Greenwood: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 24
By Lisa Blecker: 8, 27
By Donna Price: 3, 11, 14, 20, 27, 28
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RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE
All content in Brilliant Star is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate, use form at brilliantstarmagazine.org/permission-request or write Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. “Brilliant Star” and volume/number or issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.
Copyright © 2024 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States 6 4 28 8 11 14 22 16 26 24
Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.
The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace
He promised a future of world harmony.
Maya’s Mysteries
Fun ways to enjoy nature with friends
Nur’s Nook
Craft a hot-air balloon and soar with hope!
We Are One
Explore and care for the place we all call home.
Lightning and Luna: Episode #97
Questions fly in the secret lab!
Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
Stargazer: Dr. Augusto López-Claros
He helps nations unite to solve global problems.
Riley’s Rainforest
How much screen time is too much?
Shining Lamp: Dr. Ugo Giachery
He helped build the Shrine of the Báb.
Cosmo’s Corner
A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
A-MAZE-ing ADVENTURE
Find your path through a super spaceship.
* Learn more about STEAMS
Geometric stars by Markovka
When you imagine the future, what do you see? Is there world peace? Are we taking better care of people and our planet? Are you living your dream life? Are there flying cars?
Envisioning the future can be fun, but it’s full of uncertainty too. From climate change to social injustice, our world faces a lot of challenges. How will we overcome them?
In this issue, discover how you can prepare for the future with optimism. Chart your goals and set sail for adventure. Quiz yourself on your skills for building a brighter world. Learn about using social media wisely and thriving offline. Create a hot-air balloon with Nur to soar with hope and joy. And meet Dr. Augusto López-Claros, an economist who develops international solutions to global problems.
We can’t predict how history will unfold, but we can each do our best to make the world a better place. Things like being active in your community and being kind can make a huge difference. And that can give everyone hope for the future.
Did you know that cats are fantastically flexible? They’re so limber they can twist 180 degrees. That means their upper body can face one way while their lower body turns the opposite way! The secret is elastic discs that act as cushions between their spinal bones. That’s why a cat can adjust rapidly, whether it’s fleeing, hunting, or playing with your shoelace.
We can learn a lot from cats about keeping our cool and
rolling with changes. Flexibility isn’t just a fun trick—it’s a virtue that helps us adapt to the unexpected. If a storm pounces on your plans or your siblings growl about chores, get creative and purr-oblem solve. Keep an open mind and stay paw-sitive to boost your health and happiness.
No matter what challenges prowl your way, staying flexible can help you calmly land on your feet.
Find nine cats named for qualities that can help us stay flexible when trouble pounces.
“The essential thing is patience, fortitude, courage, and audacity.” —Bahá’í Writings
On life’s voyage, it’s tough to navigate the stresses of school, friends, and family. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh, faced a whirlwind of challenges too. For example, when he led the Bahá’í Faith after his father’s passing, enemies spread rumors, trying to turn people against ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He also took an epic threeyear journey to share the Bahá’í teachings in Europe and North America. And during World War I, he guided farmers to grow wheat, which saved people from starving.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá told his secretary, Dr. Youness Afroukhteh, that his work was like sailing a ship. “I locate my destination and then by the power of My will I hold the wheel and head out. No matter how strong the storm . . . I do not become agitated or disheartened; I persevere until I reach my goal.”*
Hard times can feel like steering a ship in a storm. Like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we can trust in God and use determination to stay on course.
Unscramble the letters to discover words that help us steer through stormy challenges.
The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.
Imagine what life would be like if we all lived in peace and justice. Everyone’s basic needs would be met, and all would be treated with respect. Some people think that will never happen. But the Bahá’í teachings say, “World peace is not only possible but inevitable.”
1817 November 12
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran
1844
Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God
1852
Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihrán
1853–1863
Exile in Baghdád, Iraq. From 1854–1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.
1863 April
Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith
1863–1868
Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity
1868
Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel
1877
Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká
1892 May 29
Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.
Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, revealed steps to peace. He was imprisoned and exiled from His homeland because of His teachings. Still, He wrote to world leaders in the late 1800s. He urged them to end wars and establish justice. He sent guidance to Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the Sháh of Persia (now Iran), the leaders of America, and others.
In Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the future, He promised that nations will reduce weapons to a minimum. If one country wants to fight, others will unite against it to stop war. International laws will be followed. He called this stage the “Lesser Peace.”
At times, it may seem that wars, conflicts, and dishonesty are everywhere. This is the disintegration , or coming apart, of the old way of life. At the same time, there are sparks of hope. This is the process of integration , or joining together. In slow steps, parts of our human family are cooperating with each other. One example is the United Nations, a group of nearly 200 governments working to achieve peace, protect human rights, and help those in need. There are other efforts to expand healthcare and education, end poverty, and protect the environment.
Bahá’u’lláh taught that after the Lesser Peace, the “Most Great Peace” will come.
Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the city of ‘Akká, Israel, when He wrote some of His letters to world leaders.
In this stage, all people will recognize that we are spiritual beings. Global peace and unity will be based on spiritual principles like justice and compassion.
The worldwide Bahá’í community is one example of how this unity in diversity might look. There are several million Bahá’ís, and they come from nearly every culture, ethnicity, and religion on Earth. Without clergy, they elect leaders in a fair and peaceful process.
The concept of the Covenant makes the Bahá’í Faith unique. This agreement to follow Bahá’u’lláh’s guidance keeps the community from splitting into different groups. In His will, Bahá’u’lláh named His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the Faith’s leader. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed leadership to his grandson, Shoghi Effendi. Today, Bahá’ís elect Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and the Universal House of Justice to guide their activities.
“Every part of the universe is connected with every other part by ties that are very powerful and admit of no imbalance...” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Ihad fun hanging out with my friend Zoe today. I hadn’t seen her since she moved out of our neighborhood. It felt like forever ! At first we were kind of quiet. Then I suggested going for a walk in the woods with my dog, Pinecone. Did you know that nature can help people connect? Spending time outdoors together can boost gratitude and wonder. That can make us feel happy and more open-hearted.
It felt easier to talk to Zoe surrounded by the trees and the warm sunshine. It inspired us to have a fun photoshoot with Pinecone too. We found lots of pinecones for him to pose with. He looked so cute!
We also came up with these ideas for having fun outside with friends. We’re going to get together with other friends in the neighborhood and try them out. Zoe and I felt like our old selves in no time!
Create a maze with sticks, rope, or stones. Break into pairs. Player 1 puts on a blindfold, and Player 2 places hands on their shoulders and guides them safely through the maze. Then switch places, so Player 2 is blindfolded.
Make a list of cool things to find on a nature walk. Divide into teams, and give each team a copy of list. Take a walk and snap photos of the items. Then share your images. List ideas: animals playing, something colorful, body of water, item that looks like a smile, cool pattern, etc.
Choose 1 or 2 Amoeba Taggers. When an Amoeba Tagger tags someone, they hold hands to join. When a chain has 4 Amoeba Taggers, it splits into 2 groups of 2. If a chain breaks, players must join together before tagging anyone. Play until everyone is caught.
Play Nature Bingo
Scan the QR codes for these fun ways to explore nature with friends and family! Harmony in Nature
What dreams would you love to achieve? Sometimes sailing toward a big goal feels like a rough journey to a distant land. You’re excited about your destination, but you might worry about the challenges you’ll face along the way. Will you get lost and need to ask for help? Confront scary sea monsters? Start sinking in doubt? To reach your safe harbor, map out goals for yourself.
Ahoy, captain ! On the ship’s hull, write a major goal and the date you want to reach it. write your plans on the sails to help chart your course.
Draw a symbol of your goal on the top sail.
MY SKILLS:
SUPPLIES I’LL NEED:
STEPS I CAN TAKE:
Goal-setting helps you keep track of your progress and stay focused and positive. It can encourage you to plan ahead too. If you hit stormy seas, you’ll be prepared to navigate them. Anchor yourself with support from friends and family. Whether you want to learn a new skill, tackle a big project, or go on an adventure, planning and perseverance can keep the wind in your sails!
INSPIRING PRAYER/QUOTE: POSSIBLE
MY GOAL WILL HELP OTHERS BY:
I’LLCELEBRATE SUCCESSBY:
I’LLLEARN:
GOAL & TIMELINE:
“O Thou beloved of my heart and soul! . . . Thy love encompasseth me and Thy grace is perfect. My hope is in Thee.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
My teacher invited me to enter a project in our community arts and crafts show. I’d love to try, but I’m nervous. I’m afraid I’ll mess up, or my friends won’t like what I make.
This morning, I flew to the top of our treehouse to watch the sun rise over the hills. It was so beautiful! It filled me
with hope and reminded me that each day is like a new start. Then, guess what appeared in the sky? A hot-air balloon! As it floated by, my imagination lit up, and I got a cool idea for the show—to make my own hot-air balloon! It reminds me to stay hopeful as I soar toward my goals and dreams. You can make one too!
This craft encourages me to fly toward my goals!
1 Cut paper cup in half and use bottom for balloon’s basket. Press clay evenly inside basket so it’s half full.
2 (a) Cut along seam and base of other cup and press flat. Turn basket upside down on flattened cup, trace, and cut out. (b) Trim circle to fit in cup over clay. Punch 4 evenly spaced holes ¼" (.6 cm) from circle’s edges. Push circle into basket.
• 4 drinking straws
• two 9 oz. (266 mL) paper cups
• 11" (28 cm) round balloon
• 2 coated paper bowls
• ruler
• scissors
• modeling clay
• pen
• hole punch
• duct tape
• 1 cup (237 mL) white glue
• tablespoon
• water
• paintbrush
• paper towels
• colorful tissue paper
• small slips of paper
3 Press pen’s tip through holes into clay. Pinch end of each straw and push straws firmly into clay holes, slightly angled outward. Attach straws to inside of basket with tape.
4 (a) Blow up balloon to 7" (17.8 cm) and knot the end. In bowl, mix ½ cup (118 mL) glue with 2 tablespoons (29 mL) water for a thick mixture.* Set balloon in other bowl. (b) Tear paper towel into stamp-sized pieces. Coat pieces in glue mixture. Without covering 1" (2.5 cm) around knot, cover rest of balloon with 2 or 3 smooth layers. Let dry 1–2 days. Rotate balloon now and then so it dries evenly and won’t stick to bowl.
5 Mix ¼ cup (59 mL) of glue with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) water (so it’s thinner than in Step 4a). Cut tissue paper in stamp-sized pieces, coat with mixture, and apply to papered areas of balloon in one smooth layer. Let dry as in Step 4b.
6 Cut off balloon’s knot to deflate and remove it from papered balloon. Punch four evenly spaced holes ¾" (1.9 cm) from opening’s edges.
7 (a) Wrap thin strip of tape around each straw 2" (5 cm) above basket, so taped portions are thicker than holes. (b) Turn balloon upside down. Pinch straw ends closed and thread straws through holes, stopping at tape. Turn balloon right side up and balance it evenly on taped parts of straws.
8 Decorate balloon and basket by adding tissue paper cutouts with glue.
9 Write your goals for the future on slips of paper. Put them in the basket to remind you to soar toward your dreams!
“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Bahá’í Writings
From ancient charts used by sailors to digital maps of today, visual representations of our world are created by cartographers. Maps can present data such as landmark locations, shrinking glaciers due to climate change, or neighborhoods needing grocery stores. In the future, digital maps will be more 3D and interactive, allowing us to visit sites virtually and learn lots of cool facts. They’ll give us powerful tools to help and share our planet.
Learn to use a paper map and plan your family’s next trip, large or small. With map-reading skills, you’ll be able to find your way even without a phone or computer.
By studying positions of the stars, ancient scientists figured out the size of the Earth in 200 BCE! EARTH-SAVING
Dr. Derek Alderman, a geographer from Tennessee, U.S., addresses injustice in names of schools, streets, and other places, often related to slavery or civil rights. He says, “Place names are important symbols that do not always honor the nation’s cultural diversity”; we need “a more inclusive American landscape.”
When Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í Faith’s Founder, was exiled to this ancient port in 1863, it was called Constantinople. It’s home to 3,000 mosques and the 220-foot (67 m) Galata Tower, built in 1348. Unscramble the letters to find the city’s current name:
These small birds live in underground dens, coming out in daylight to hunt insects, scorpions, and rodents. They can rotate their heads 270 degrees. Some tilt their heads to see or hear better. Fill in the blanks to find their name:
“The world of humanity is submerged in a sea of materialism . . . Strive so that the light of reality may shine . . .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Do you own a sea of stuff? Is your room overflowing with the latest gadgets or a bunch of cool kicks? It’s fine to have fun things, but if we’re too attached to them or constantly want more, it can bring us down. We can sink into materialism, where we value possessions more than things that uplift our soul, like friendship or creativity. Materialism can create a dizzying whirlpool of unhappiness and anxiety.
You can break free from the monsters of materialism. If you want something new, try asking yourself why you want it. Do you think you need it to be happy? Could you borrow it from someone instead?
Make a list of activities that lift your spirit. Think about things you’re thankful for. Mindfulness and gratitude can help you focus on the true treasures of life.
Match each materialistic monster to the positive creature that can help.
“Dedicate the precious days of your lives to the betterment of the world . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh
If a crystal ball could show you the future, what do you think you’d see? It may be hard to imagine. When you hear scary news about climate change, disease, or war, you might wonder if the world will ever be peaceful. But you can also find positive stories of people who give to others or create awesome inventions. We can all help build a brighter world. You have your own stories to tell!
Do you focus on building a brighter world? Circle your answers, then add up your points.
Like constructing a bridge, building a new world calls for dedication and positivity. Focus on actions you can take. When you show kindness to a friend who’s stressed, help out in your community, or speak up about injustice, you put another brick in place. Piece by piece, your efforts add up, and you develop more skills. One day, you may be surprised at the amazing world you’ve helped create!
Try this quiz online! Scan code to go to Brilliant Star ’s website.
8. Every day, I think about what I’m thankful for and express my gratitude. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
9. I try to see the good in everyone and remember we’re all one human family. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
10. When I disagree with someone, I try to understand their side of things.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
11. In groups, I focus on what we have in common and ways we can cooperate. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
1. I focus on the positive things in life, even when I’m facing challenges.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
2. When I’m worried, I talk to trusted people and do things like go out in nature, make art, or pray to feel better.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
3. I try to learn about and make friends with people from all cultures, faiths, and backgrounds.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
36–28 POINTS You’re taking action to build a brighter world! Keep up your efforts with joy and confidence.
4. When I have a question, I search for truth and make up my own mind.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
5. When I make a mistake, I keep my cool and try to learn from it.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
6. I find ways to help my family, community, and school.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
7. I encourage others and tell them what I appreciate about them.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
27–20 POINTS You’re making progress at building a new world. Try a tip from the quiz to add more tools to your toolbox.
12. I am honest and trustworthy, and I follow through with what I say I’ll do.
Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1
19–12 POINTS You can develop your strengths to help build a better world. Try some tips from the quiz.
BRIDGET
At a top secret seed vault in Idaho . . .
The cubes* are SO powerful, and Min wants me to make them stronger.
They could be dangerous in the wrong hands!
Welcome? To a hidden place? Uplifter IDs work almost anywhere.
Welcome! Scan ID Here
Or it’s a trap set by Erasers!
Outside the vault . . .
HQ, we found the Erasers’ lair! It was hidden by an invisibility field.
Great work! Sending more Uplifters.
They’re bringing isolators to disable the cubes that are destroying power plants.
Uh-oh!
What in the . . .
this doesn’t look like an Eraser lair. how weird!
it's huge! Looks like a seed vault. Yeah, great for protecting crop seeds. But why would Erasers do that?
Hey, they’re blasting us with . . .
Let’s look around before backup arrives.
Water ! They think we’re plants! I can’t be-leaf it!
Really, Lightning?
There’s the Eraser— get him!
Who are you? How did you get in here?
We’re Uplifters!
We know you’ve been attacking power plants with your cubes.
What? My cubes don’t attack. They plant seeds! I’m calling for help!
Not so fast. We have plans for these cubes!
Who are YOU? Where did you get that cube?
We’re Erasers. YOU must be the Cubemaker! Give us all the cubes, or else!
We had a deal! You got the cubes you paid for! Now get out!
We don’t need you. We’ll take the real Cubemaker! Min . . . you stole and sold my cubes? Why? With the power of these cubes, I’ll defeat all of you!
We’re stopping all of you! nobody can stop me now!