Brilliant Star/Volume 51/Issue 5/Text

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VOL. 51 NO.

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Amethel Parel-Sewell —EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader —DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR

Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Katie Bishop ASSISTANT EDITOR

Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER

Donna Price WRITER

Darcy Greenwood WRITER

Dr. Stephen Scotti STEM EDUCATION ADVISOR

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Ariana Afshar - Jasmine Aghdam + Milo Bishop

Layli Cacchioni « Dr. Sallie (Penny) W. Chisholm Rachel Delgado « Bahia Eady « Lillian Gorman-Wilson Eric Harper « Marisa Katsianos « Jessica Kerr

Abbie Khoshnood « Darya Lincoln « Lua Loghmanee Alex Marston « Office of Persian Public Information Dr. Donald Pettit « Layli Phillips - Maya Solatka Roman Weatherdon « Arman Yeganegi

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted

By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 89, watercolors on pp. 7,19, 27 By Katie Bishop: Photos on p. 12

Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS By Amy Renshaw: 6, 11,14, 20

By Heidi Parsons: 16, 22, 27, 29

By Katie Bishop: 2, 4, 10, 12, 13, 26 By Lisa Blecker: 8,19

By Donna Price: 10, 11, 14, 20, 25, 28 By Darcy Greenwood: 3, 7, 24

‘SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS. To subsoribe, visit www. briliantstarmagazine.org

‘or contact Baha'i Subscriber Service:

Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019 /Emai: subscription@usbne.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

‘Alcontentin Brilliant Star is copyrighted by the National SprtualAssemby of the Baha'is ofthe U.S. or by individual contributors, For permission to copy or translate, use form at wiv. briliantstarmagazine.org/permission-request or write Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in imited quantities fr classroom use, “Brilliant Star” and volume/number or issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given tothe copyright owner.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place. The Baha'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahas. It was founded by the Prophet Baha'u'llah (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Baha'u'lldh taught that all people are part of one human family, and all jons come from one God. Bah‘u'llah's eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'lldh’s passing. Today, Baha'is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

reli

Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace His words and actions transformed ‘Akka.

Nur’s Nook

Find ways to chill out with a snow mobile craft.

We Are One

Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Maya’s Mysteries How can chemistry help us make a sweet treat?

Lightning and Luna: Episode #90 What mysteries lurk beneath Fauna’s island lair?

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Stargazer: Eric Harper He wants his music to bring us closer to God.

Riley’s Rainforest Handle change and soar with resilience.

Shining Lamp: Curtis Kelsey He illumined Baha’i shrines in the Holy Land.

Cosmo’s Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE What can we learn from flexible frogs?

'SSN 0884-3635 [Page 1]a

NEW DESTINATIONS

2 Quiz: Do You Seize Opportunities? | ™ Are you on the lookout for confirmations?

3 Taking Shape

Fire up your true potential.

6 An Unforgettable Visit ‘Abdu’l-Baha touched kids’ hearts in Paris.

SO he Snow Unique 9 (PS oF x F 4 v = \\f_ Diverse snowflakes unite for piles of fun.

10 Cuttlefish Community

Dive into the world of these change champs.

1 Magic of Transformation 3 Love and courage can work wonders.

1 9 Mindset Tools from A to Z

Your thoughts can build your confidence.

Space Ace Scientists answer your cosmic questions.

25 Stuart & Gabriella: Super Skills

Animals inspire us to leap for success.

Bloom with Prayer Learn to pray in three languages.

TRANSFORMING OUR SPIRITS vo1.51 Nos

DEAR FRIENDS,

Do you eagerly wait for fall leaves to pop with color or for the first snowflakes to fall? It’s exciting to watch the seasons change. It starts slowly, but before you know it, the world outside has

completely transformed.

Like colorful leaves or sparkling snowflakes, we can brighten our families and communities. When we practice virtues like kindness, gratitude, and resilience, our unique beauty shines. And when we work together so everyone has a chance to grow, vibrant neighborhoods spring to life.

In this issue, journey through the magical world of transformation. Explore qualities that help us change and develop, just. as clay becomes pottery. Quiz yourself on how well you seize new opportunities. Make a cool snowflake craft with Nur. And get to know Eric Harper, whose inspiring music touches hearts around the globe.

Our world is always in motion, and there's a lot we can improve. With your help, we can step boldly through these seasons of change so the beauty of our human family can bloom and flourish.

LOVE. SRILIANT ZIAR A

Snow by AJ_Watl/Getty, stars by Markovka, skyline by Spectrum Studio [Page 2]Do You Seize Opportunities?

“Give them power and strength and cause them to mirror forth Thy divine aid and confirmation ...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

ack your bags and grab your gear—your next p adventure awaits! Maybe you want to explore ocean

depths, navigate by the stars, or scale mountain peaks. Whatever your dreams are, the first step is setting goals and confidently walking toward them.

Learning to spot opportunities can help you on your

journey. Look for confirmations from God. They're like signs or trail markers pointing you in the right direction. If you're

curious about rock climbing and you find a cool club to join at school, it could be a confirmation that you're heading ina positive direction. Twists and turns create chances to learn and grow. Even roadblocks can be ways to build patience and strength.

Accomplishing goals takes dedication and skill. But with confirmations from God and support from family and friends, you can reach new heights.

Do you make the most of opportunities? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. have clear, specific goals, and | list small steps | can take that will help me reach them.

Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

5. | adapt to changes and adjust my goals when | need to. Often=3 - Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

2. L ask friends and family to help me identify my strengths, and | work on building them.

Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

3. | list skills I'd like to improve and look for opportunities to get better. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 « Rarely=1

MY SCORE

36-28 POINTS You're progressing with purpose! You have clear goals, and you look for opportunities to reach them.

4. | look for inspiration all around me to stay motivated and moving forward. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

6. | ask questions and explore new ideas and activities that interest me. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

7. look for small and big confirmations to help guide me on my path. Often=3 - Sometimes =2 Rarely=1

27-20 POINTS You're learning to navigate toward your dreams. Keep searching for chances to learn and grow.

8.| picture myself achieving my dreams. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

9. With self-talk, | encourage myself, like | would a friend. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

10. | keep track of my progress and celebrate success, with gratitude for the strengths I’m building.

Often=3 - Sometimes=2 Rarely=1

11. | pray and meditate each day to help me feel at peace. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

12. | look for people who inspire me and try to learn from them." Often=3 » Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

19-12 POINTS You can strengthen your skills to move along on your journey. Choose a few tips from the quiz to try.

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• See www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/service. pdf

[Page 3]4 lay starts out as a lump of soil, but it’s full of possibilities! It has the potential to transform into

4 pottery of all kinds, from dutiful dishes to spectacular sculptures. First, the clay is molded into shape. Then it’s heated, or fired, in a scorching oven called a kiln. This hardens the clay so it can be painted with glaze and fired again. It comes out even stronger and able to last through time.

Like clay, we're rich with possibilities.

y. Just as heat turns clay into pottery that | serves a purpose, our challenges can strengthen us. Taking on a big project,

| like making a pitcher on a potter's wheel, can help your perseverance burn brightly.

/ Tests are tough, but if you stay positive, your limitless capacity can take shape!

_ COMPLETE a

MY FRIENDS’ NAMES TO DISCOVER | QUALITIES & TWATHELP US FIRE UP OUR TRUE

| POTENTIAL!

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

voLsiNo5 ¥ Brilliant Sta [Page 4]The hife of Baha'u'llah

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihrén, Iran

pt. 0 eae Recognizes the Bab as ‘anew Messenger of God

| Imprisonment in the “Black Pit’ of Tihran

1853-1863 _| Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith

Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akkd, Israel

AgTieS Ft 3 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes away at Bahj/.

‘he summer sun blazed down on Baha'u'llah and His companions as their boat inched across the windless

bay toward the prison-city of Akka (now in Israel). Their miserable journey brought them to the sea gate, where they were met by a jeering crowd. The people of ‘Akka thought that the newcomers were criminals, but they were mistaken. The new arrivals were Baha'is. Though they had done nothing wrong, they were being imprisoned for their beliefs.

The exhausted travelers made their way through the winding, filthy streets to the prison barracks. At that time, ‘Akka had no fresh air or clean water. The aqueduct that once brought water into the city had broken decades before. Water had to be hauled in from springs outside of ‘Akka.

At the prison, Baha‘u'llah was put in an empty room covered in dirt, with a crumbling ceiling. His companions huddled together in another room. The smell was so terrible that Baha’u'llah's daughter, Bahiyyih Khanum, fainted.

The prisoners weren't given any food or fresh water on their first night. Their only source of water was a polluted pool used for washing. They had to wait until the next day for water and bread. Nearly everyone got sick, and three people died.

During these hardships, Baha'u'llah gave the Baha'is hope and assured them. that the Faith would not be defeated. He wrote, “Sweeter than honey to Me is the bitterness of such tribulations.”

Eventually, Baha'u'llah was allowed to leave the prison barracks and live in a series of houses in the city. At first, people were scared of the Baha'ts. They

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This aqueduct once carried water through channels from a source on higher ground down to ‘Aka. When Baha'u'llah arrived in the city, it had been broken for about 30 years.

believed rumors that had been spread about them. But they saw Baha'u'llah and His son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, act fairly and treat everyone with respect. Slowly, the citizens’ hearts changed, and they began to trust Baha'u'llah and His family.

Even the governor admired Baha'u'llah and His holy writings. He often sent his son to learn from ‘Abdu'l-Baha. When the governor visited Baha'u'llah, he insisted on taking off his shoes before seeing Him, to show respect. One day, he asked Baha'u'llah if there was anything he could do to be of service to Him. Baha'u'llah didn't ask for anything for Himself. Instead, He thought about the people of ‘Akka. He advised the governor to fix the broken aqueduct so fresh water could flow to the city.

The governor agreed. In time, the aqueduct was repaired. When they finally had clean water, the people of ‘Akka were so happy, they fired 101 cannon shots to celebrate.

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Photo © Baha’ International Community [Page 5]“This Servant hath had no end in view but to promote the betterment and well-being of the world” —Baha’u’lléh

Baha'ullah's act of selfless service changed their Baha'u'llah stayed in ‘Akka for several more years, lives. Their admiration for Him grew. They said that sharing His teachings of peace and justice. At times the transformations they saw in ‘Akka were because __ He called these holy words the “Water of Life.” Like of Baha'u'llah's presence, and they called Him their fresh, pure water in a garden, His guidance helps “august leader” or “his highness.” world peace and unity to grow and flourish.

In the aqueduct bricks, find 12 words related to community transformation. Search backward, forward, up, down, and diagonally.

CARING DIGNITY HEARTS INSPIRE LOVE SERIE CHANGE GROWTH HELPFUL KINDNESS RESPECT TRUST

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vo.sinos #® Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]cross the river from the Eiffel Tower in Paris,

‘Abdu'l-Baha stayed in a sunny apartment

where he welcomed visitors with warmth and kindness. People from all walks of life and many faiths came to speak with him. During his travels throughout the West from 1911-1913, he met leaders in society and saw some of the world’s most famous sights. But just as often, he spent time lifting the hearts of people in need.

One day, ‘Abdu'l-Baha invited some friends to join him in meeting Victor and Fanny Ponsonaille, just outside of Paris. When this couple became Baha'ts, they felt drawn to help orphans. They gave up their own lunches to feed the kids, and they shared Baha'i writings with them. In time, Victor built a small cabin where the kids could gather, using materials given by the Baha'is of Paris.

‘Abdu'l-Baha's guests arrived at the simple cabin before he did. It was at the end of a narrow street in a poor neighborhood. Kids of various ages waited inside, wearing clothes that didn't fit well. A desk made of rough boards stood at one end of the room, and Arabic calligraphy of Baha'u'llah’s name hung in a frame.

Fanny led the kids in song, then Victor read them some of ‘Abdu'l-Baha's writings. Everyone watched the cabin door, eagerly anticipating ‘Abdu'l-Baha’s arrival. Some boys began to get rowdy and noisy.

At last, ‘Abdu'l-Baha entered the cabin. All the kids rose to their feet. The restless boys grew perfectly quiet. ‘Abdu'l-Baha walked to the front of the room, and a French Baha‘ translated as he spoke to the kids in Persian. He said, “I am very glad to see you all here. I love you very much. I have been in many beautiful houses, but this is more beautiful to me than any of the others, for the spirit of the love of Baha'u'llah is here.”

An Unforgettable Visit

“When I think of Paris in the future, I seem to see her bathed in the light of the Holy Spirit!” said ‘Abdu'l-Baha, during his 1911 visit to the French capital.

Then ‘Abdu'l-Baha praised Victor and Fanny. “This is a great work you are doing for the love of God," he said. “Your names will go down through all the ages. Kings and queens have never been. talked of and remembered as you will be.”

After his talk, ‘Abdu'l-Baha chanted a prayer and a blessing. Then he moved toward the door. The kids crowded around him. He laid his hands on some of their heads and took the hands of others. He gave everyone a loving smile.

Outside, Victor stood by the door. ‘Abdu'l-Baha gave him a generous gift of gold pieces. Then ‘Abdu'l-Baha strode down the street to his waiting carriage as neighbors watched from doorways and windows.

When ‘Abdu'l-Baha left Paris in December, he had made an unforgettable impression on many. He told his friends, “Now I say ‘Good-bye.’ This I say only to your outer selves; I do not say it to your souls, for our souls are always together.”

6 Brilliant Star * volsinas

Paris © Baha’ International Community; ProVectors and ankomando via Getty Quotations were recorded by Baha'is and may not be ‘Abdu'l-Baha’s exact words. [Page 7]¥ hen snow drifts down from the sky, every snowflake Similar to snowflakes, each of us sparkles in a unique way. We \ looks alike. But if you catch some on your glove and all have our own ideas and strengths. When diverse people come together, we can make our communities more unified, fair, and fun.

take a closer look, you'll see that each one has a Appreciating each person’s individual outlook can help us break the

¢ distinct shape and pattern. When they join together, they can ) transform the landscape into a frosty wonderland. Snow cool! ice with people and build new friendships!

[ Match DEAE pairs to find nine words that aches us connect with new friends.

Se ar ik

WRITE YOUR BERS ANSWERS HERE!

vo..sinos % Brilliant Star 7

ANSWERS 0 [Page 8]Tool Chonyes: Make J Snow Mobile

their combined efforts

“ ir individual transformation and through Through their individu Baha'i Writings

they will transform the conditions of the world...

Isn’t that awesome? Snowflakes inspire me to be more flexible. When my plans get canceled or stress piles up, | try to relax and go with the flow. Building snow sculptures and spending time with my family and friends for fun and for prayers helps me chill out.

When you have a challenge, what transforms your perspective? Create this craft with your family and explore crystal-clear ways to brighten cloudy days.

They form in clouds, which are made of water.

When a cloud gets cold enough, water can freeze around a bit of dust and become an ice crystal. As a crystal falls to the ground, it may bump into other ice crystals or encounter shifts in temperature, moisture, and wind. These changes can transform it into a glistening, starlike snowflake.

Givin are a cool example of transformation!

MY SISTER AND T ARE

TRANSFORMING CHALLENGES, y : Youll Need WITH THIS COOL CRAFT! Ay.

—s Nis ‘ + white and + tacky glue 1 2 i colorful card stock + ruler + white and + clear tape

colorful paper in 3" (7.6 cm) + markers

squares

+ astick

• scissors .

+ string or + pencil thin ribbon

1 (a) Fold paper square 3. Open paper. Put pencil tip in center of paper.

2 tb in half so corners meet. Roll corners of central flaps around tip to form (b) Fold in half again > tube shape. Secure with glue. Remove pencil. so short edges of

triangle meet.

2 (a) Cut slit from center of triangle’s short edge, stopping vs" (.6 cm) before opposite edge. (b) Repeat cut on left and right of slit, so three slits are evenly spaced.

4¥ «¥

8

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[Page 9]4 Flip paper over. Roll corners of second pair of flaps into a tube shape and secure with glue.

8 Cutcloud shapes from cardstock. Glue together Use pencil for cloud shapes of different sizes and colors if you support, if needed. wish. With markers, write on each cloud a word that helps you transform your outlook about a challenge (examples: family, friends, nature, or prayers).

5 (a) Repeat Step 4 for corners of third pair of flaps. (b) Flip paper over and glue corners of outer flaps together. (Awe 5

ES Si

each snowflake and x cloud. Strings should

6 Repeat Steps 1-5 to make vary in length. a five more snowflake branches. Glue two 22 branches together at _ 10 Knottop of some strings to stick. Tape any

sides and one end. Keep remainders to shapes you've hung. Pieces adding branches. Let shouldn't touch when suspended. Trim string each one dry before ends, Cuta string (for hanging) that’s twice adding another. the length of stick and knot at stick’s ends.

9 Tape end of apiece of string to top of aa

7 Follow Steps 1-6 to make more snowflakes. Optional: Make some with 2" (5.1m) or 4" (10.2 cm) squares.

vousinos % Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]i Cuttlef i

hat has eight arms, two tentacles, and wild stripes? It could be a cuttlefish! It’s no joke— like octopuses and squid, cuttlefish are super-smart masters of disguise. When cuttlefish flex 5 their muscles, pigment cells shift, bringing different colors ¥ to the surface of their skin. They can make countless colors and patterns. This enables them to blend in with the background and hide or helps them attract a mate. It would be cool if we could quickly transform into

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someone smarter or faster. But it’s even more satisfying to alter the patterns of our lives to become kinder, braver, or more patient. We can start a wave of positive action that flows to others.

We can’t change our lives with the simple flex of a muscle. But with effort, prayer, and help from family and friends, we can bring our virtues to the surface. In time, we can transform ourselves, our communities, and f the world! te}

4

using their virtues to transform themselves and their co

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TENACIOUS —=—g VISIONARY 4 ca TI00 voy i 7... 1 he lle oD Soph A were vo fl ‘>

CUTTLEFISH §

IN THE CHORAL SING? REEF!

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10

[Page 11]EXPioRE AND PROTECT THE

EARTH AND

ITs €REATURES

Sustainable Swapping The dyes and chemicals used in new clothing pollute the environment. Instead of only shopping for new clothes, try thrift wanna?” stores, or have a clothing Earth’s original atmosphere swap with friends. had almost no oxygen. Scientists say it was a haze of gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Then microscopic bacteria appeared. Through photosynthesis, bacteria used sunlight to create food from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen. Oxygen built up in the atmosphere, and new

Microscopic bacteria Prochlorococcus in )\ the oceans are responsible for about 20% of all photosynthesis on Earth. Thank these plankton for the oxygen we breathe!

Dr. Sallie (Penny) W. Chisholm is an oceanographer in Massachusetts, U.S. She led the team that discovered Prochlorococcus, one of Earth’s most abundant types of bacteria. It’s found in our oceans, along with plants and

life flourished! Now our atmosphere is 21% algae. She says, “Oceans are responsible for oxygen. Thanks to photosynthesis, humans, half of the photosynthesis on Earth and they animals, and plants can thrive. produce half of the oxygen. . .”

D) WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Near the capital city of Reykjavik, a volcano was born in Vikings brought this breed to its northern island

Spring 2021. Super-hot magma erupted from 9 miles (15 km) country in the ninth century. For 1,000 years,

deep, transforming the landscape. Located on a ridge between no other kind of horse has been allowed here.

continents, this country has 130 volcanoes! Unscramble the Strong, curious, and friendly, it comes in over

letters to find its name: 40 colors. Fill in the blanks to find its name: CELDNAI

CE AND

Images: Luke Thompson/Chisholm Lab and Nikki Watson/MIT; Dr. Eoneren, Gestur Gislason, Patrick Gijsbers, all via Getty

isholm by Richard Howard Photography: ON PAGE 28

• Brilliant Star

[Page 12]IT’S A TREAT TO TRANSFORM OUR COMMUNITY

TOGETHER!

“The principle of the Oneness of Mankind . . . implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced.” —Shoghi Effendi

TASTY TRANSFORMATIONS

‘m having a blast with my chemistry club at shook it up. In minutes, it transformed into | school! We're exploring the chemicals that make —_—_ delicious ice cream! How cool is that?

up our awesome planet. When chemicals combine, It tasted so good! And it reminded me of my they can make something new. neighborhood. We have so many diverse friends.

We did a tasty activity to see how this works. We Everyone brings new ideas and strengths to the mix, mixed milk, cream, and sugar in a bag. At first, it like different ingredients. When we get together just looked like plain milk. But then we added it to _and treat each other with love, we create something a bag of ice and sodium chloride (that’s salt) and new—a totally sweet community.

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM

You'll Need: 1 cup (237 mL) heavy 2 In gallon bag, mix ice with 4 Remove bag from freezer and cream, 42 cup (118 mL) milk,* coarse salt. Place quart bag rinse with cold water to remove ¥3 cup (66 g) sugar, pinch salt, inside gallon bag and seal. salt. Scoop it out and add your

% tsp (1.2 mL) vanilla, sealable quart and gallon bags, 2 cups (577 g) coarse salt, bowl of ice cubes

favorite toppings, like sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips.

3. Shake gallon bag over sink for 8-10 minutes until mixture thickens, like soft serve ice cream. Remove quart bag from gallon bag. Optional: freeze for two hours for a firmer texture.

1 Pour first five ingredients into quart bag. Seal securely.

HOW IT WORKS The salt on the ice lowers the temperature at which water freezes. The ice-salt mixture absorbs heat from the ice cream, so the ice cream freezes as the ice melts. Shaking makes ice crystals in the ice

cream smaller and mixes them with air, creating a smooth, creamy treat!

12 Brilliant Star we VOLS1 NOS *For a dairy-free option, use in Step 1: 1% cups (355 mL) oat milk, % tsp (1.2 mL) vanilla, % tsp (1.2 mL) cinnamon, and 2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup. [Page 13]i aan

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Magic OFF Trinsformdtior

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“Change is an evolutionary process requiring patience with one’s self and others...” —Baha’i Writings: We ea ssiacd J ai @ uid) =a. i ouldn’t it be spectacular to wave a wand and Is your sibling stomping around like a troll? See W control the world around you? With a flick of your © what happens if you charm them with patience and wrist, you could magically move your best friend empathy. Did your soccer game or performance get

next door or conjure a blizzard for snow-day fun! Youcould + canceled? Enchant your friends with an encouraging even make sickness, bullying, war, and poverty disappear. note to ease the disappointment.

Life is bursting with changes and unexpected twists that When we respond to challenges with virtues like can feel like spells gone wrong. We're not wizards, but we love, courage, and hope, we create our own kind of do have incredible powers to transform tough situations. magic—even without a wand!

i Po change as a natural part of life. ty

\ 2 Be aware ofwhat’s_____=s»=_ to you, like NS

family and friends. Think of what’s happening as achanceto _________ -4 r aaa and find ways to laugh.

po on things you can control, instead of what's out of your hands.

— things that have come from change in the past.

____— — with people you trust, and ask for their help.

LEARN AT SCHOOL?

> f

8 Change can be stressful,sobe__._________. with yourself and others.

Take _________ of your body with healthy food, exercise, fresh air, and good sleep.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 vo..si Nos »® Brilliant Star 13 [Page 14]IT’S NOT

AREAL

ISLAND! INEED TO GET INSIDE.

THAT LOOKS LIKE THE WAY IN. I COULD CHECK IT OUT. BUT WHAT IF LIGHTNING NEEDS ME?

THANKS! YOU NO PROBLEM, CAME BACK BRO. I'LL CALL JUST IN TIME! FOR BACKUP!

14 Brilliant Star % vo.si nos [Page 15]HIPES WO |B ARE COMING 5

[Page 16]Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?

Age: 13 I live in:

| want to be:

This career interests me because:

To make the world a kinder

place, I'd:

/

Virtues | admire most:

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A hero or role model

If | could visit the future, I'd like to see

Age: 12

| live in: Or

| want to be:

environ

This career interests me because:

eourEarth, Hobbies or sports:

Virtue | admire most: ti eae ae Tr fulnes | like to help people by:

Favorite Baha’ activity:

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A hero or role model place, I'd:

a 1g parent:

A favorite food: ee: if | could visit the future, I'd like to see:

What helps me with challenges:

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A hero or role model:

What helps me with challenges:

Age: 12 | live in: ¢ | want to be: ie To make the world a kinder This career interests place, I’ me because: B

If | could visit the future, I'd like to see:

Favorite animal or pet

16 Brilliant Star % vo.si nos [Page 17]A favorite food: Susk

What helps me with challenges:

Age: 11

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A big change | experienced:

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If | could visit the future, I'd like to see:

A big change | experienced:

1. If you're age 7-14, go to www. brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or email us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number. x

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you questi: and a form for you and your parents to sign. Des

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies,

low-resolution digital images, or copyright- y protected images (like school portraits). * ”

05 & Brilliant Star 17

[Page 18]Arman Yeganegi

Australia | want to be: Doctor

This career interests me because: I want to help people.

Favorite Baha’ activity: Youth camps

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, basketball, drawing

Virtue | admire most: Loyalty

A hero or role model: My parents

| like to help people by: Listening and trying to help solve their problem

To make the world a kinder place, I'd:

Spread love and unity Maya Solatka

Age: 9 |

| live in: Virginia, U.S.

| want to be: An actor or work in marketing

This career interests

me because:

Ilove to be on stage, and I love to create and come up with ways to advertise a product.

Favorite Baha’ activity: Children’s classes

A hero or role model: >

My mom and dad

Places I'd love to visit: Paris, Australia, and Africa

If | could visit the future, I'd like to see: No more wars

A big change | experienced: Tama school captain and Iam responsible for running assemblies. When my committee didn’t help me set up, Ididn’t give up. I got help from my friends and got the job done.

Nature teaches us:

To not give up. Ifa tree or plants die, they will grow again in the next season.

A favorite food: Sushi

| like to help people by: Caring for [their] feelings, making sure

they’re not hurt

What helps me with mK challenges:

Music calms me down. A big change | experienced: One time, I lied to my parents. The pain in my heart was so big that I learned never to lie again.

To make the world a

kinder place, I'd:

Fight for equal rights for all

If | could visit the future, I'd like to see: Peace and unity

Nature teaches us:

That change is good and there is nothing to be scared of

Lua Loghmanee

Age: 9 | live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be:

A doctor or a gymnast

This career interests

me because:

I’m interested in how the body works and [in]

helping people.

Favorite Baha’ activities: Going to gatherings with my family or going to children’s classes. I love the stories, the drama, and singing prayers.

Virtue | admire most: Truthfulness

A hero or role model:

My Grandma Shoori, because she lived through some hard times in Iran as a Baha'i and I want to know how she did that.

Ariana Afshar * Age: 8

| live in: Washington, U.S.

| want to be: Lawyer

This career interests me because: [I want] to help innocent people.

Virtue | admire most: Loyalty

Hobbies or sports: Gymnastics

Favorite Baha’i activities: Ayyam-i-Ha*

Favorite animal or pet: My dog, Raven

Place I'd love to visit: Paris | like to help people by:

Donating to those in need

My family

A hero or role model:

[Gymnast] Simone Biles

What helps me with challenges:

| like to help people by: Ilike to help my aunt and uncle by watching their kids when they are tired. Playing with kids is fun, and it makes me feel responsible.

What helps me with challenges: My mom and my dad

A big change | experienced: When my little sister was born. I learned how to help those smaller than me, [and] to be generous, as I shared many things with her.

A favorite book: Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

A big change | experienced: When COVID-19 started, Icouldn’t see a lot of my friends, so I realized how important they are tome.

To make the world a kinder place, I'd:

Teach little kids how to make the world a kinder place

If | could visit the future, I'd like to see:

How my family has changed

18

Brilliant Star % voisi Nos

• Ayyam-i-H is a festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Baha't Fast

[Page 19]'Mincleck leas From Ei ke

a

Magine you're excited to start a woodshop class. But | you see the first project, you start to feel uneasy. Good thing there are powerful tools for building confidence! With a growth mindset, you believe you

can succeed, even if you don’t know how to do it yet. Instead of giving up when you're stressed, you keep learning. Unscramble these mindset tips to construct positive thoughts from negative ones.

lc, 2 ee a (SSEAVETRI) lenjoythe J______ (NOYJREU) The more] $__-__ (VRSEIT), Zp r by asking for help when | need it. instead of trying to be perfect. the more likely | am to succeed. \ _ - _- ’ llbe B____ _ (EARVB) 5 i and try something new. | Tiras vee a i) a (LTUFUTHR) about \ K _ _ _ (EPKE) trying. my skills and what | want to work on. \ \ \ mC _ nes a | fo Z (RALNE) HidontU_ . . from my mistakes. (TEUDSNANDR), | explore to learn more. 4 { yd_— --- | take breaks when my M _ X | (CRFESENDFEl) will make my work DNM), body, and spirit need the celebrate my \ { more interesting and unique. : ) body, and spirit need them. \ =e EBISCONY } \ ek eal aa a — | tune in to people who thelp N______ (TNURREU) Ifind ways to bring joy to f .. (OAECGUNER) me. others in my community or family. my W (KWRO). . 4 a an QO __ _ (NOEP) mind and I try to learn from the XY, strengths, not my weaknesses. patience, | can get fresh ideas. PS =a Ss

Ill adjust my plans or G___ _(SGALO), ifneeded.

lll be mindful to take care of my (AHETLH) and safety.

Asking Q

| P ____ (YPAR) for guidance, listen to my spirit, and find helpful resources.

(TSUOQSNEI) helps me learn.

progress and make changes as | go.

(~ Itcould take Y ___ _ | (ASRYE) to succeed, but I'm improving with practice.

Stepping out of my comfort Z_ _ _ (NZEO) can increase my knowledge.

(LTCEFRE) on my

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

[Page 20]ASH A SPACE SCIENTIST

Our universe is full of mysteries, and some of the most mind- boggling are in space. Curious kids asked questions, and we sent them to two space scientists. Have questions about space? Send them to brilliant@usbne.org (with your name and age).

Isithard to sleep in space, using @ ane bag attached to the wall? — Bahia, age

Hi, Bahia, Sleeping in space is wonderful. You float into your crew quarters, zip up in your sleeping bag, and fall asleep- Remember, we are weightless, SO the orientation of the i stronauts ; sleeping bag makes Sane = a ae = Don Shuttle Atlantis in your s

no (left) Good restin sleeping dto lockers on Space 2009.

Mike Massimi

ON THE WEB

When NASA Astronaut SS Leland Melvin went to S$ space, it changed his & perspective forever. Find S out how in our new Space Ace video: WS www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/ S videos/space-ace-leland-melvin S

When hydrogen atoms get squeezed together inside stars, they transform into helium and release energy, which includes the light that makes the stars shine. This process is called:

A) Fusion B) Fracking

What do astronauts in space eat? How does it last from Earth to the Moon? — Darya, age 13

Hi, Darya,

In space we eat camping food. It’s either freeze-dried, where we add hot water, or the food is sealed in Pouches, like tuna fish from the store. Once rehydrated, or if the package is opened, we have no way to keep it from spoiling. We only prepare what we can eat in one meal, with

no leftovers. —Don

In space, meals are held in place with magnets, springs, and Velcro.

] Stars ih globular C) Fermenting cluster NGCJ805

D) The Force

20 Brilliant Star # vow.si Nos

Images: NASA; Jose Antonio Perez; NASA/JSC; ESA/Hubble & NASA, J. Kalirai; NASA/MSFC; Smithsonian Institution [Page 21]What do you think about when you’re designing spacecraft? — Rachel, age 12

Hi, Rachel, Designing a spacecraft is similar to designing an airplane, but more difficult. The first thing you consider is making the spacecraft as efficient as possible. If you can make a spacecraft lighter, less energy is needed, and you can use a smaller rocket to launch it. You can make a spacecraft lighter by using lighter materials and more efficient vehicle structures. You can use smaller and lighter systems (such as the communication and life support systems), and put everything together in an efficient layout.

There are also concerns about a vehicle

we - An artist’s concept of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket built

for deep-space missions.

’s safety and reliability. An

airplane can be repaired between flights, but not a spacecraft. So most systems on a spacecraft are designed to be “redundant,” having a backup in case something goes wrong with the main system. Some critical systems on a spacecraft have additional backups in case the redundant system fails! And when the spacecraft is crewed, the crew’s health and safety are most important. We're still learning how to design spacecraft to take care of astronauts for missions beyond Earth’s orbit. -Steve

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin ear the first doctorate degree in

NS

NS

& astronomy from Radcliffe Coll § §

1925. She’s known for discovering

that stars are mostly made of:

HY|JRUJG{_JN and HU /LIL/M

ned

lege in

DON PETTIT is an active NASA astronaut who has been on three flights to the International Space Station. He lived there for over a year in total and spent 13 hours on spacewalks. While aboard, he sent videos to Earth and even invented a zero-G coffee cup. An avid photographer since sixth grade, he took thousands of photos from space and published his favorites in the book Spaceborne in 2016.

STEVE SCOTTI is Brilliant Star’s STEM Education Advisor and a Distinguished Research Associate at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, U.S. His background is in developing lighter, stronger materials and structures for aircraft and spacecraft. Watching the first astronaut launched into space inspired his interest in space exploration, and

he enjoys sharing his enthusiasm about science and space with kids.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

vo..sino.s #® Brilliant Star ai [Page 22]STARGAZER

SWE) ,wv o

Bs

Eric Harper

Q: What's one of your favorite childhood memories?

A: Going down to the creeks in Texas and catching crawdads and snakes . .. It was so fascinating asakid...

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid?

A: Moving a lot and [facing] bullying ... We moved to New Mexico when | was seven or eight... In those days, the typical mentality [was] you don't complain about being bullied... which we know now is a terrible thing to do. | never went to anybody [to] say that | was being bullied ... | adopted this stance of just staring at the ground anytime | would walk anywhere.

0 you have a passion that you dream of turning into your career? For musician Eric Harper, that fire ignited when he heard a song on the radio when he was about seven

years old in Texas. He stood in awe of how the song made him feel and thought, “I want to make people feel like that!"

Eric's mom is a classical pianist, so he tried piano, and then drums, like his older brother. But in seventh grade, he discovered the guitar—a transformation that influenced his entire career. He focused on heavy metal music until age 15, when his family moved to Portugal and he went to a classical music school. After high school, Eric came back to the U.S. and earned a degree in film scoring at

Berklee College of Music in Boston. Today, he's an Emmy award winner who's composed for 10 films and over 1,000 TV shows, in addition to recording aloums and performing live. He lives in British Columbia, Canada, with his wife, Héléne, and son, Shiloh.

Left: At about age 9,

Eric loved exploring music and nature. Right: When he was 15, Eric moved to Portugal with his family and enrolled in a classical music school.

Q: At 15, why did you shift from heavy metal to classical music?

A: My hair was grown all the way down my back . . . and | loved playing Metallica ... When we got to Portugal, [| went to] a classical music school .. . | was the only male in town that had long hair... People would shout obscenities at me to cut my hair every day . . . | remember walking down the street with my Portuguese teacher... She said, "Why are you staring at the ground?" | said, “So they don't beat me up." She burst out laughing. She's like, “They are not going to beat you up, Eric. They are just fascinated by you.” And that began the slow transformation of me allowing [myself] to show up in my life and let go of these grievances.

Brilliant Star * vo

Portrait by Ariane Telishewsky and Stephan Guénette [Page 23]Questions and

Left: Eric and Héléne got married in 2017. Eric’s son, Shiloh, joined in the festivities. Right: Eric performs at the 2018 Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference in Arizona.

Q: What virtues are important Q: What it is like working with kids and youth to set the Baha'i

to practice in your work? writings to music?

A: Dedication. Patience. Wisdom. A: They are so enthusiastic ... It's such an empowering thing that you've Wisdom is a big one, because got this thing up in your head and all of a sudden it comes through your you have to understand that body, through your hands, and it comes into the world of reality. | don't it's going to take many hours think there's anything more powerful that I've experienced ... Helping of dull repetition for something them get past the “Oh, but it's not good enough” conversation we all magical to come out ...1 didn't have in our heads ... Giving them the space and the freedom to just write “Rain” until | had written create and see what happens is a wonderful act of discovery. so many horrible, horrible songs.

So there's no such thing, in Q: Why do you think music can have such a powerful impact on people?

my opinion, as writer's block, A: It's one of those things that is material in nature but has a spiritual

because it's just our inability... effect. And | think when it's done right, it can cause people to have so .

to accept imperfection. many different reactions .. . It can cause somebody to relive a childhood ‘ moment ... something beautiful that you remember . . . or something

Q: How has the Baha’ Faith that hasn't been resolved . . . That's a very powerful thing just by these influenced your career choices? vibrations that come through the air... This power allows you to

A: It's influenced me in trying to teleport across the globe without you ever leaving your chair or your stay true to that initial thought home. To me, this is a wonderful, magical experience. | had when | was seven or eight, which was | want to make Q: What are some ways that kids can help change the world for the better? people feel the way | felt in that A: Get deeply educated in reading and writing . . . If you're not creating moment . . . Feeling close to opportunities for yourself, then you can't effect change in others... . the Holy Spirit is sort of what | Discover what it really means to be of service ... My Portuguese album, equate it to... | gave up a really Romper a Madrugada, was written specifically [as a service]. The big opportunity to become a big Portuguese needed [devotional] songs, so | wrote all of them for them... name in Mexico. . . | didn't feel That CD went everywhere . . . Kenya, Brazil, Japan... That's the magic of like it resonated with me trying service: it's not about you, and you don't know where it's going to go. It's to bring people closer to God. really about what is the need and how can you provide for that need.

Family photo by Phil Walmsley; performance photo by Shervin Lamé /OL.5tNo.5 % Brilliant Star [Page 24]“Send down...from the clouds of Thy

mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u’llah

CHANGE CAN BE FUN!

Explore & Soar: Chill About Change

Confident Coping

aX oday was my first day at bi my new school. I was really

nervous. I didn’t know

anyone there, my classes sound like they'll be super hard, and I got lost on my way to flying class! It

wasn’t a great day. I miss

my old school. @ ®

At dinner, my family could tell I had a rough day. We talked about how big changes can be overwhelming and scary, but they can also help us get stronger. My brother said being brave enough to fly out of your comfort zone can help you be more flexible and resilient. My brother can say wild things, but I agree with him this time.

~

Trying new activities can help you feel happier and less stressed over time. Sometimes coping with change shows us we have strengths

Curiosity Canopy

TY

we didn’t know we had. When I thought about that, I noticed I’m pretty good at starting a conversation with someone new-even if it does make my feathers quiver.

I decided to focus on good >. things that could happen. It \ can be hard to see at first,

but change can lead to

>»

awesome opportunities. Maybe I'll make some great new friends at this school. There's also a flying club, which sounds pretty cool. I could finally learn how to do a triple tail twister!

I'm still kind of nervous to go to school tomorrow. But I feel more prepared and hopeful after talking to my family. If you face change, talk to people you trust. And try our other ideas for boosting your confidence!

RY these tips to handle change

and soar with resilience!

o Accept your feelings. It's normal to feel nervous.

or Write down positive things that could come from the change.

a Relax by doing things you enjoy, like making music or playing a game with family.

o Ask for advice from a friend who's been in a similar situation.

o If possible, try to find humor in the situation to reduce stress.

o Exercise to relieve anxiety. Go for a walk or dance to your favorite song.

oO Think about strengths you've

gained from past changes.

Cc are crafty at adapting to change. When they get

too big for their exoskeletons (shells), they shed them in a process called molting. This allows them to grow a bigger shell that fits. As with crabs, times of discomfort can help us come out of our shells and grow in new ways!

o- Express your feelings in a creative way by making a work of art. It could be a song, a short story, or a painting.

24 Brilliant Star #% voisi Nos Images: Kids by skynesher/Gelty, crab by Delpixart/Getly [Page 25]made a plan, practiced, and got better. Working on new

i'm Stuart, with my friend Gabriella. We're tH reporting from the Animal Adventure Games, skills is like building muscles—over time, we get stronger. where our friends are showing their awesome We may not always win, butit feels great to achieve a skills. They inspire me to leap out of my comfort zone! goal and try something new. You can discover hidden When Gabby and | started reporting, we were nervous talents, overcome fears, and boost your confidence. Pushing 2—

peut grow and ! change makes you a true champion!

and made mistakes. But we broke our tasks into small steps,

My roar is 114 decibels—as loud as a rock concert! | use it to claim my territory and communicate with my family.

» »

| fly non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand—over 7,500 miles (12,070 km)! | use my long bill to forage in marshes.

©

My sharp claws help me speed up quickly and turn sharply. | can sprint up to 58 mph (93 km/h).

a

With my powerful back legs and big tail to balance me, | can leap over 25 ft (7.6 m).

Ian run a marathon twice

To grab a snack, | launch my sticky

as fast as a human. I'm so lm small, but I'm the only bird can carry about 200 pounds ~\\} tongue over twice my body length. tall, my running stride can that can fly backwards. My (100 kg) across the desert, and | can It speeds up faster than a sports car! be 16 ft (5 m) long! ives flap 200 times a second! skip food and water for two weeks!

© >

vo..sinos »® Brilliant Star 2]5

ne ~~ —~@~

ANSWERS ON Pi

[Page 26][se the darkness, Curtis Kelsey watched a spotlight shine from the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The Shrine of the Bab lit up the mountain. A second beam twinkled across the bay, lighting the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji. Curtis had traveled all the way from the U.S. to bring light to these holiest places on Earth for Baha'is, and his huge task was now complete.

Born in Utah, US., in 1894, Curtis loved exploring nature and working with his hands. As a young man, he got a job laying pipelines for his father's company. But he soon developed typhoid fever, which caused intense headaches, and he had to stop working.

One evening, Curtis cried out in terrible pain. To his astonishment, the room filled with majestic music. Unable to find its source, he was overcome with wonder. Then the music faded. Amazingly, his headache disappeared. His mother was a Bahai, and she tried to help him understand the mysterious incident. The experience transformed him, and he embraced the Baha'i Faith.

From then on, Curtis had a new purpose. He studied the Bahaii teachings and shared them with others. When ‘Abdu'l-Baha, the head of the Faith, invited him to serve in Haifa, Curtis jumped at the opportunity. He arrived in September 1921 and was thrilled to meet ‘Abdu'l-Baha. Curtis said, “There are

no words to describe the majesty of this personage that came through the door...”

Curtis was humbled to be trusted with installing lights at the holy shrines. He worked with a Persian electrician named Husayn-i-Kahruba't. They spoke different languages, but they happily used gestures to communicate.

Helping ‘Abdu'l-Baha was a highlight in Curtis's life. One day, Curtis asked him about the mysterious music that cured him. ‘Abdu'l-Baha said, “You heard music of the Kingdom and it caused your spiritual awakening."*

All too soon, heartbreak struck. At 1:00 am. on November 28, 1921, Curtis woke to pounding on his door. ‘Abdu'l-Baha had passed away. He rushed to ‘Abdu'l-Baha's room to grieve with the family. Later, he had the honor of taking photos at ‘Abdu'l-Baha's funeral, which ten thousand people attended.

Curtis lovingly continued his assignment and finished in April 1922. ‘Abdu'l-Baha's grandson, Shoghi Effendi, thanked Curtis for his wonderful service to the Faith.

For the rest of his life, Curtis continued to serve and lift people's spirits. He returned to his father’s business and eventually became the head of the company. But his highest priority was sharing the Bahai Faith. He said, “Each day as you live grows happier and more enjoyable, and you look forward to... the glorious things that are ahead for all of us and for humanity."

Curtis passed away on February 20, 1970. Until the end of his life, he remembered the love he felt from ‘Abdu'l-Baha, and he tried to share that love with others. ’ at

26 Brilliant Star % vo.si Nos

• This is based on Curtis's memory, and may not be ‘Abdu'l-Bahd’s exact words.

[Page 27]Ween EN SPEEA

me

2% DOOM Wl f' 522 BLOOM WITH PRAYER?

» « | it ll Py

Mn ike flowers ina garden, humanity is made up Praying together is a wonderful way toconnect @ a

Of a of diverse people. Just as roses, lavender, with people from different backgrounds, It helps 4 os i, - a marigolds, and other flowers make a garden us focus on what we have in common, such as our ‘

aa ae beautiful, different races and cultures brighten desire for peace on Earth. Through prayer, we can a k our world and bring it to life. plant seeds of unity that will transform the world.

(ENDS SUN CX iy

Ni 7 CLL IN THE LETTERS * 7 10 COMPLETE THIS PRAYER IN ENGLISH, \ , THEN MEMORIZE “ aN Wi hee oe eS 67 Gs.| THE PRAYER. TRY ; F 5 PAW OS 5 ee 2 Ake & LEARNING THE GE) | PRAYER IN PERSIAN <= ——f._ AND SPANISH, TOO. CS we = -

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 vo.st nos © Brilliant Star 27 [Page 28]NS > YOU LOOK SO

Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.

& fe

2A mindset means you believe you can succeed. (p. 19)

7.When we respond to challenges with virtues, we create our own kind of .(p. 13)

-(p. 12)

11. Half of the photosynthesis on Earth comes from the ee (pl)

12. When Eric Harper was 15, his family moved to ae (pee)

13. Through prayer, we can plant

9. Sodium chloride is also called

SESE OU NITUN 27)

14,______ are like signs or trail markers pointing you in the right direction. (p. 2)

15. Super-smart masters of disguise (p. 10) 16. To make pottery, clay is fired in a scorching oven called

a .(p. 3) de

FROM OUR MAILBOX

It makes me feel happy inside to read about the Baha'i Faith and things we can do to make the world a better place. From reading Brilliant Star, I've learned that we should be our true selves and that we should help others in need. If | could choose an issue theme, it would be helping underprivileged children and adults all over the world. —Marisa Katsianos, age 14, California, U.S.

1. Whatever your dreams are, the first step is setting

.(p. 2)

3. Roman and Lua admire the virtue of

(pp. 16-18)

4. Ariana and Maya would both like to visit

(1)

5. As amphibians, frogs can live both in and out of

(0,8)

6. Working on new skills is like building

eee (p25)

8. In space, astronauts eat food. (p. 20)

10. When designing a spacecraft, the crew’s and safety are most important. (p. 21)

13. A brilliant example of transformation! (p. 8)

J

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 3: 1) Brave Bowl, 2) Creative Candle- stick 3) Enthusiastic Earrings, 4) Mindful Mug, 8) Persistent Planter, 6) Truthful Teapot, 7) Open-Minded Ornament,

8) Patient Pitcher, 9) Versatile Vase

Page 7: Courage, empathy, tiendly, humor, Kindness, listening, patience, reliable, respect Page 10: Coraat BL, Kelpy at CR, Flota at BR, Huller at C, Jibby at BC, Lob at CL, Pacitica at CL, Tido at CR, Voyo at TL Page 11: Iceland, lelandic horse

Page 13: 1) accept, 2) important, 3) learn, 4) humor, 5) Focus, 6) positive, 7) Talk, 8) gentle, 9) care

Page 19: assertive, brave, confident, differences, encourage, focus, goals, health, Inspiration, journey, keep, learn, mind, nurture, open, pray, questions, reflect, strive, truthtul, understand, victories, work, experiences, years, zone

Page 20-21: A) Fusion; Hydrogen and Helium Page 25: A) 3, B) 2, C) 6, ) 4, £) 8, F)5, 6)7,H)1

Page 27: Missing letters: B, D, HM, , U “0 Thou the Compassionate God, Bestow upon mea heart which, like unto a glass, may be illumined with the light of Thy

love, and confer upon me thoughts which ‘may change this world into a rose garden through the outpourings of heavenly grace.”

28 Brilliant Star % voisi Nos

[Page 29]TOON 40 hp

o

especially for frogs. They begin as tiny, jelly-like eggs and C) hatch into water-breathing tadpoles, with long tails for swimming. © Over the next few months, their tails shrink as they develop powerful legs. Their gills get covered by skin and their lungs form so they can breathe air. When fully grown, they're amphibians, ,_ able to live both in and out of water. That's alot of transformation!

we aS——

an Re. Ina pond ecosystem, things are always changing—

school or moving to a new place. If you feel overwhelmed or wish things could stay the same, talk to family and friends about your feelings. Try to check out your new environment in advance. Change can help you develop cool skills and virtues, make new friends, and reach exciting goals. Like a tadpole becoming a frog, you can jump into aworld of possibilities’

eB ww

Aa; SH ——— - Ly Help the frags hop along paths of connected lilypads to reach the Bank of Blossomin

[Page 30](7 Joie raw

© seasons follow one another and individuals progress, regress,

ane

( \ and develop. At one point it is springtime and at another the autumn C { pring

i WH season; at one point it is summer and at another it is winter.” —— oe

f “

a7] / jf —‘Abdu’l-Baha Cc

. Brilliant Star

Transforming Our Spirits - voL.51 No.5 AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL