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[Page i]

Brilliant Star

A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG VOL. 52 NO. 4

How to Uplift Friends & Family

Pack for a Peaceful Journey

Soaring with Unity

[Page ii]Brilliant Star BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.733.3409 brilliant@usbnc.org Subscriptions: 1.800.999.9019 brilliantstarmagazine.org Copyright 2023 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States 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

Katie Bishop Heather Coletti Celeste Cortés Eleanor Davis Amy Guerra Elijah Jennings Layli Kline John Leyba Nabil Mato Dr. Sarah McAnulty Dr. Mansur Nurdel Kaelum Parham Sandy Puć Sami Stefan Benin Tamiru Tabor Weatherdon Dr. Benjamin Weitzman Dr. Jamie Womble Roger Wood

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Photos Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By Amy Renshaw By C. Aaron Kreader By Heidi Parsons By Darcy Greenwood By Lisa Blecker By Donna Price By Katie Bishop

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To subscribe, visit brilliantstarmagazine.org or contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/ Email: subscription@usbnc.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

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.

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.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace Mírzá Músá was His devoted brother and helper.

Nur’s Nook Create a welcoming door to your home and heart.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Maya’s Mysteries Create art while exploring nature’s diversity.

Lightning and Luna: Episode #95 The Erasers power up a shocking new plot!

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

Stargazer: Dr. Mansur Nurdel He fled persecution and focused on a new vision.

Riley’s Rainforest A family that dines together shines together!

Shining Lamp: Soo Fouts She was full of passion for sharing the Faith.

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

A-MAZE-ing ADVENTURE Fun, fresh air, and family unity at camp

• Learn more about

STEAMS ISSN 0884-3635 [Page 1]

NEW DESTINATIONS

2	Celebrate! Lift people up with loving support.
3	Pack for a Peaceful Journey What do you need for an awesome adventure?
6	Dive Deeper What can dolphins teach us about dialogue?
7	Growing Nobility ‘Abdu’l-Bahá helped farmers flourish.
10	Stuart & Gabriella: Critter Communities Discover how animals get along in groups.
13	Webs of Unity A new spin on cooperation
19	Photo Fun or Photo Flop? Zoom in on patience and kindness.
20	Play and Connect Games for building fun friendships
21	The Story of Us Journey through favorite family stories.
25	Quiz: How Do You Deal with Conflict? Give your skills a workout.
27	Cave Cooperation Tips for teamwork in tough times

DEAR FRIENDS,

Life with your family and friends is a big adventure. Together, you experience small moments every day and big milestones that might happen once in a lifetime. You enjoy fun celebrations and work through tough challenges. You grow and learn together. No matter where your journey takes you, you have companions to help you on your path.

In this issue, discover how you can strengthen bonds of unity with your family and with your community. Craft a welcoming door with Nur to get to know your neighbors. Dive through small talk and learn ways to deepen your conversations. Quiz yourself on handling conflicts. Share memorable stories with your family. Play group games to create fun camaraderie. And meet Dr. Mansur Nurdel, who fled persecution in Iran and risked his life to serve the Bahá’í Faith.

Every act, from helping a sibling pack their suitcase to hosting a housewarming party for a neighbor, can help you along your journey to harmony. With love, patience, and a spirit of service, our families and communities can soar with unity.

LOVE, BRILLIANT STAR [Page 2]

CELEBRATE!

Yay! There’s so much to celebrate in our families and communities. We can appreciate accomplishments like winning a trophy in a track meet or learning a new piano solo. Everyone has uplifting qualities, from hilarious humor to fantastic friendliness.

Throwing a party is fun, but you can applaud your friends and family in simple ways, too. Give a hug, write a kind note, or cheer at their soccer game to give them a boost. Offer love and support with no strings attached. Don’t deflate someone’s spirit if they make a mistake—they can learn from the experience.

When we focus on the positive and encourage people around us, everyone’s spirits can soar!

Match pairs of balloons to find nine words that help us celebrate and support our friends and family.

Finish Line

• I’M ECSTATIC!
• IT’S A GOOD AIR DAY.
• THAT RACE WAS UPLIFTING!
• THIS PARTY IS POPPIN’!
• THIS CAKE BLOWS ME AWAY!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

WRITE YOUR ANSWERS HERE! [Page 3]

Pack for a Peaceful Journey

Do you pack with careful planning, or do you pack at the last minute? Either way, traveling is a great way to discover what you truly need. Limiting what you bring along can help you focus on fun experiences instead.

Like the puzzle of fitting your stuff in a suitcase, it can take effort for a family or community to work together in harmony.

Somebody’s words might poke at you like sharp edges. You may feel crowded by someone with a personality that’s different from yours. If your feelings get squished, speak up with kindness and consult about making space for everyone.

For all of life’s adventures, pack your patience, empathy, and compassion. And it’s fun to bring extra snacks to share!

CHECK OUT MY PACKING TIPS.

PABLO’S PACKING TIPS

• Pack as light as possible.
• Check the weather for your destination.
• Research the culture to find out what clothing is appropriate.
• Create a list of essentials.
• Bring clothes you can wear in layers and that go well together.
• Bring comfortable shoes.
• Stay organized with packing cubes or another system.
• After you pack, review to see what you can leave behind.

THEN FOR EACH EMPTY SPOT IN THE SUITCASE, FIND THE CORRECT ITEM. WRITE ON IT THE NUMBER OF ITS SPOT.

WHAT TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD BUT STAYS IN ONE CORNER?

A STAMP! [Page 4]

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

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

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 Baghdad, 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.

A True Brother

ho do you count on to stick with you through hard times? For ole was His younger brother, Mirzá Músá. Even as a little kid, Mírzá Músá was devoted to Bahá’u’lláh, Who showed him great love and kindness. When their father, Mírzá Buzurg, passed away, Bahá’u’lláh cared for His siblings and mother. He provided a home for them and helped His younger brothers learn writing, spelling, and calligraphy. Mírzá Músá adored Bahá’u’lláh, and for his entire life, his attachment never wavered.

From the earliest days of Bahá’í history, Mírzá Músá was at Bahá’u’lláh’s side. When a new Messenger of God named the Báb shared teachings to guide humanity, He sent some of His writings to Bahá’u’lláh. Mírzá Músá greeted the messenger at the gate of their family home and took the tablet to Bahá’u’lláh. After reading, Bahá’u’lláh said, "Músá, what have you to say?" Both brothers accepted the new Faith and became Bábís. Years later, when the Báb was martyred, Mírzá Músá helped keep His sacred remains hidden until they could be safely laid to rest in Haifa (now in Israel).

In 1852, Bahá’u’lláh was arrested because He was a Bábí. Mírzá Músá helped care for Bahá’u’lláh’s family while He was in prison. After Bahá’u’lláh’s release, Mírzá Músá joined Him in exile from their home in Persia (now Iran) to Baghdad (now in Iraq).

In Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh declared that He was the Messenger of God foretold by the Báb. He shared teachings to help bring world peace. Building unity in the family is an important part of that. Bahá’u’lláh urged us to be as unified as "the fingers of one hand, the members of one body."

In this prison in ‘Akká, Israel, Mírzá Músá helped ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tend to the sick Bahá’ís.

Mírzá Músá devoted himself to serving the Bahá’í Faith. The family was exiled three more times as authorities tried to stop Bahá’u’lláh’s message of peace. If disunity arose in their family or community, Mirzá Músá was trusted to resolve it with justice.

Mírzá Músá deeply loved his nephew, Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Together they tended to the sick and met with government and religious leaders to share Bahá’í teachings. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called his uncle a "true brother" to Bahá’u’lláh.

Mírzá Músá passed away in ‘Akká (now in Israel) in 1887. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "He remained steadfast, under all conditions, to the very end. Unto him be praise and salutations... upon him be mercy and grace." [Page 5]“One should wish for one’s brother that which one wisheth for oneself.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Play these games to strengthen bonds of unity with friends and family.

Ping-Pong Party

Give each person a ping-pong ball with a different get-to-know-you question written on it in permanent marker. Everyone stands in a circle and bounces the balls back and forth. After two minutes, players read aloud and answer the question on the ball they’re holding.

Name That Story

Give everyone a blank sheet of paper and a pencil or pen. Invite friends to write a short, one-paragraph story about an act of kindness someone did that had a big impact on them. Do not write names on the paper.

Fold the stories and put them in a bowl. Mix the stories up, then ask each player to take a story from the bowl. Each person reads aloud the story they selected. After all stories are read, group members guess the author of each one.

Interconnections

Give a prompt that includes at least some folks in the group. Then ask everyone to mingle and talk until they can split into smaller groups based on the prompt. Examples:

• People who play the same sport or have the same hobby
• People who have the same favorite season
• People who have the same number of siblings

Top Two

Give everyone a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Each person writes two facts that they want to share about themselves. Place all papers in a bowl. Take turns pulling a paper from the bowl and reading it out loud. After each one is read, the group guesses who wrote it. [Page 6]

DIVE DEEPER

Dolphins are amazing communicators! Their language of whistles and clicks is so complex that humans haven’t been able to crack it! Scientists think dolphins talk about lots of things, from facts like their age to how they feel. They swim in groups, or pods, of up to 30. Pod members hunt together, protect each other, and teach each other how to use tools to catch food.

Communication is crucial for human families and friends too. Sometimes it’s easy to make small talk and just skim the surface. That’s a good place to start, but we can dive deeper to strengthen our relationships. Be a good listener and ask questions. Curiosity, kindness, and positivity can help you swim along. Check out the tips below. How do you deepen your conversations?

Unscramble the letters to complete these diverse dolphins’ talking tips.

1. START WITH SMALL TALK, THEN PLUNGE INTO _ _ _ _ _ _ (DEREPE) TOPICS. (ATLANTIC SPOTTED)
2. _ _ _ _ (TLKA) TO PEOPLE ONE-ON-ONE SO YOU’RE BOTH COMFORTABLE. (COMMERSON’S)
3. MAKE A SPLASH BY SHARING A FUN _ _ _ _ (AFTC). (BOTTLENOSE)
4. ANCHOR YOURSELF WITH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (RETCPES) FOR OTHERS. (INDO-PACIFIC HUMPBACK)
5. IT’S OKAY IF THERE’S A LITTLE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (SIECNEL) IN A CONVERSATION. (HOURGLASS)
6. PUT AWAY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (NSRCEES) AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE PERSON. (SPINNER)
7. LISTEN WITH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (IAEPNTEC) AND WAIT YOUR TURN TO SPEAK. (IRRAWADDY)
8. _ _ _ _ (LNPA) SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK SO THE CONVERSATION FLOWS.* (DUSKY)
9. KEEP AN OPEN MIND, EVEN IF YOU DON’T _ _ _ _ _ (EERAG). (ORCA)

• Conversation Ideas: brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/cool

[Page 7]

GROWING NOBILITY

“What bounty greater than this that science should be considered as an act of worship and art as service to the Kingdom of God.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Baking in the blazing sun, the village of ‘Adasiyyah (now in Jordan) was overgrown with thorny bushes and trees. But when he purchased it, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the leader of the Bahá’í Faith, envisioned a vibrant future.

In 1907, he invited Bahá’ís from Persia (now Iran) to farm the land. Unlike landowners who gave tenants a meager living, he allowed them to keep 80% of the farm’s income. The rest was used for the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb.

“Agriculture is a noble science . . .” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said. He visited the farmers and joined their Bahá’í gatherings. He encouraged them to plant diverse fruit trees, vegetables, and grains. They were inspired by his kindness and wisdom.

In time, the fields and orchards thrived. Fragrant orange, lemon, pomegranate, and other fruit trees covered the land. Wheat, beans, eggplant, cabbage, and many more crops fed the farmers’ families, and the surplus was sold.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá obtained banana plants from India and helped the farmers nurture them. Bananas were new to the area—people didn’t even know they had to remove the peel to eat them! But soon they were popular and profitable.

The village became so successful, the government of Jordan considered it a model community. During World War I, it contributed wheat to feed hundreds in Haifa and ‘Akká (now in Israel).

With perseverance, the people of ‘Adasiyyah cooperated to put into action ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s guidance: “All effort and exertion . . . is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity.” [Page 8]

Connect with Your Community: Create a Welcoming Door

“Let us try to do the will of God . . . shunning division and welcoming the divine oneness of humanity.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Last week, my family went to a house-swarming party. I was excited to meet our new moth neighbors! But none of them talked to me. I felt unwanted, and it really dimmed my light.

I talked with my family, and we decided to have a Games, Bugs, and Grubs party at our treehouse. We’re inviting diverse bugs of all ages, from ants to yellow jackets. We consulted about helping everyone feel appreciated, and decided to greet guests with kind smiles and pass out nametags. We’ll ask about their favorite places to bee and listen to the answers with respect. My sister will lead party games, and we’ll try to make sure no one feels left out.

I made this fun welcoming door for everybody to sign. You can make one for your community, too!

You’ll Need

• three 4½" x ⅜" (11.4 x 1 cm) standard craft sticks
• six 6" x ¾" (15.2 x 2 cm) jumbo craft sticks
• ruler
• clean, empty half-gallon (1.9 L) beverage carton
• books
• acrylic paint
• duct tape
• tacky glue
• paintbrush
• scissors
• water
• thin permanent markers
• medium-sized bead
• four straight twigs
• craft moss
• tiny charms or ornaments
• small nature items (such as pinecone scales or pebbles)
• adult to help

HERE’S A CRAFT TO WELCOME MY COMMUNITY!

I’m glad you’re here!

1. For door, put six jumbo craft sticks side by side in an even vertical row.
2. Glue a standard craft stick about 1" (2.5 cm) from each end of door. Glue another standard craft stick diagonally between horizontal sticks. Stack books on door to help it dry flat.
3. With help of adult, make doorway by cutting section about 6" x 4¼" (15.2 x 10.8 cm) from carton. Make it the same size as door’s vertical row, but with straight edges.

[Page 9]

Nur's Nook

4 (a) Flip door over. Place carton doorway next to door so long edges meet. Secure door and doorway together with duct tape to make a smooth hinge. (b) Cover hinged side of carton with duct tape so it's smooth. Fold door and doorway together at hinge. Trim any excess taped carton so edges are even with door.

5 (a) Open door and place on table with taped side of doorway face down. Paint front of door and back of doorway. Let dry. (b) Flip door over and paint inside of door and taped doorway. Let dry.

6 Close door. Glue small bits of moss around it for border. Avoid covering standard craft sticks. Moss border should be nearly even in thickness with standard craft stick crossbars.

7 For doorframe, use plenty of glue to secure twigs onto door's border. Stack books on top to help frame dry flat.

8 Glue to front door and doorframe tiny decorations such as charms, ornaments, moss, and nature items.

9 (a) Create "Welcome" sign in permanent marker on small piece of carton. Glue sign and bead for doorknob to front door. (b) Inside doorway, draw or paint a welcoming picture or message. Invite community members to sign. Display door inside or outside.

I'm glad you're here! [Page 10]

STUART & GABRIELLA: CRITTER COMMUNITIES

Hi! Stuart and Gabriella here. We’re having fun traveling the world to check out animals that live together in harmony. Like human families, animal families and communities come in diverse forms. One cool thing about animals is that their groups can have fun names, like a prickle of porcupines or a wisdom of wombats.

What does “community” mean to you? It might be your family, friends, neighbors, faith group, or team. But communities are more than just a collection of people. They’re folks whose hearts and spirits connect as they work or play together.

Match each animal community to its description.

1. SQUADRON OF PELICANS
2. FEVER OF MOBULA RAYS
3. SKULK OF FOXES
4. RAFT OF SEA OTTERS
5. KALEIDOSCOPE OF BUTTERFLIES
6. TOWER OF GIRAFFES

• A. To avoid the cold, millions of these creatures fly south as far as 3,000 miles (4,828 km)! When resting, they cluster together for warmth.
• B. These animals can see predators a mile away! Rather than a vocal alarm, a group member’s steady stare will alert others to danger.
• C. Found nearly worldwide, these mammals communicate with facial expressions, a wide range of sounds, scent marking, and tail movements.
• D. These creatures live on north Pacific coasts and may gather in groups of several hundred. They have thick fur and huge lung capacity.
• E. These relatives of sharks often migrate and hunt in large groups. They go to cleaning stations to get tidied by small fish.
• F. These animals gather in groups of 20 or more for cooperative fishing. They chase fish into groups so they’re easier to scoop up.

[Page 11]

EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

WE ARE ONE

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Bahá’í Writings

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Keep Reefs Safe Sun protection is important to prevent skin cancer, but some ingredients can harm coral reefs. Look for reef-safe or reef-friendly sunscreen.

WOW, REALLY?

Sea stars have an eye on the end of each arm. Some species have 40 arms and 40 eyes! They can even regrow an arm if they lose one.

OUR CONNECTIONS

Take a good look at squid, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods. They have the same kind of eyes that humans do. Our “camera eyes” have a single lens that projects images onto the retina, a sensitive area inside the eye. When species that aren’t closely related develop similar features, that’s convergent evolution. Humans and animals share so much, including Earth. We need to protect our home.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. Sarah McAnulty is a biologist in Pennsylvania, U.S. She founded Skype-a-Scientist to connect classrooms to scientists. She drives a “Squidmobile”—a car covered in squid drawings. She says, “Don't wait for an educator to teach you something. You can teach yourself whatever you want.”

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

The Oriental Pearl Tower, a broadcasting and sightseeing tower, is one of the many skyscrapers in this city on the Huangpu River. It’s in the second-most populous country in the world (after India). Unscramble the letters to find its name:

ANSHGHIA, NCAIH

●●●●●●●●, ●●●●●

AMAZING ANIMALS

These marine mammals are the largest dolphins. Highly intelligent and social, they make a wide variety of sounds. Each family group, or pod, has its own calls that members can recognize from afar. Fill in the blanks to find their name:

O ● C ● S [Page 12]

Maya’s Mysteries

“Bahá’u’lláh came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental unity is that of the family.” —Bahá’í Writings

WHEN WE BALANCE THE DIVERSE PIECES, IT’S BEAUTIFUL!

OUTDOOR ART

Guess who got the summer job of taking care of her little sibs twice a week? That’s right—me! We’ve been having fun playing tennis, going to Taiko drum class, and helping in the garden. Today we’re mixing two of my fave things, nature and art!

Nature has so many cool colors and patterns; it always inspires me with creative ideas. To collect nature items, we don’t harm any plants or animals—we just pick things up.* My sibs love it, and I learn a lot, too. Today, as we were gathering stuff, I realized how diverse nature is—just like my family and our community. All that diversity is beautiful! Try out our nature-inspired art projects.

CREATIVE FUN

MANDALA MEDITATION

A mandala is a spiritual symbol in many cultures. In some traditions, the circle stands for the universe. You can meditate by focusing on the mandala and imagining you’re moving slowly to the center. To make one, find a flat surface. Collect nature objects like leaves, stones, sticks, and pinecones, and thoughtfully arrange them in a creative design.

NATURE PORTRAIT

Make a face by using pebbles or leaves for an outline, or draw a shape in sand or dirt. Use leaves or pine needles for hair and other nature objects for facial features. You can make yourself, your dog, or your whole family. When done, take a photo or draw a picture of it.

WILD WINDCATCHER

Find an arm-length stick. Gather diverse nature items. Cut natural string or twine in different lengths. Tie items to strings so they dangle from the stick. Tie a string to each end of the windcatcher for hanging.

SUN PRINTS

On a sunny day, arrange nature items on dark-colored construction paper. Cover with a plastic sheet protector held in place with rocks or an empty picture frame. Wait 4–6 hours. Once the paper color fades, you have a sun print! Create a card from it, or give it as a gift.

• Check that you have permission to gather nature objects.

[Page 13]

Webs of Unity

“The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Can you imagine discovering a massive spider web that’s 40 feet (12 m) tall? That’s what happened in Texas, U.S. Thousands of spiders spun a giant web to capture more insects to share. Though spiders usually work alone, scientists think they cooperated because changing weather led to a huge amount of small, flying insects being born at once.

Like spiders, people can weave webs of unity to help each other—in any weather. You can connect with neighbors by smiling and saying hi, bringing treats to a new family, or helping an elder with yard work. If something bugs you, like trash in the park, you can team up with neighbors to fix it.

Strong friendships build happiness and unity. So keep your eyes open for ways you can help a neighbor in need. When a community sticks together, everyone has fun!

COOPERATIVE COCO	FLEXIBLE FUZZY	HUMBLE HOPO
JOYFUL JUMPI	LOVING LUVA	ORGANIZED ORBI
PATIENT PIVA	TRUSTING TARAN	WISE WOGO

FIND NINE SPIDERS NAMED FOR VIRTUES IN THIS COMMUNITY WEB.

WHAT’S A SPECIAL AGENT SPIDER?

A SPY-DER!

PICNIC AREA

WHERE DO SPIDERS HANG OUT?

A WEB-SITE! [Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

RACE FOR THE HIDDEN LAIR

1. 95

BAXTER AND BRIDGET

AT AN IDAHO POWER PLANT . . .

ZZZAAAAAPPP!

LATER THAT DAY . . .

NO NEWS YET ABOUT WHY POWER IS OUT STATEWIDE. LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING IS DANGEROUS IN THIS HEAT.

ABOARD THE ERASERS’ MYSTERY SHIP . . .

WE DID IT, COMMANDER! NOW CITIES WILL PAY TO AVOID LOSING POWER!

GET MORE OF THOSE CUBEDRONES, AVARICE! AND GET THE CUBEMAKER, TOO.

BUT HIS LAIR IS HIDDEN.

FIND IT!

ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL . . .

IT’S HQ.

REALLY? YOU JUST GOT BACK!

THEY WANT US TO FIND A HIDDEN LAIR.

WE JUST HAVE TO LOCATE IT.

I CAN GO ALONE. YOU NEED A BREAK, BRO!

WE’RE A TEAM. I’M COMING.

WE BARELY HAD ANY TIME TOGETHER. I MISS YOU WHEN YOU’RE GONE.

I’M SORRY. I MISS YOU, TOO.

WE’LL SAY PRAYERS FOR YOU GUYS. AND BAX . . .

I KNOW YOU HAVE FANCY TECH AND ALL.

HERE’S MY COMPASS TO REMIND YOU WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, AND YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND YOUR WAY HOME.

COLIN, THAT MEANS A LOT!

LATER, ON THEIR WAY TO THE POD HANGAR . . .

GRANDMA—I MEAN CHROMA—SENT A LIST OF THE CUBE’S POWERS THEY’VE FOUND SO FAR.* WOW!

IT GETS POWER FROM AIR, WATER, EARTH, AND THE SUN!

I’M SURE HQ HAS A PLAN. LET’S JUST FIND THE LAIR.

• See Episode #60: brilliantstarmagazine.org/luminous-library/LLTheme

[Page 15]WHOA!

IT LOOKED COOL IN THE SIMULATOR, BUT—

IT’S AMAZING IN REAL LIFE!

DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE HARD TO FLY?

WE’LL BE FINE. YOU DID GREAT IN THE SIMULATOR. WANT TO GO FIRST?

YOU’RE RIGHT. YEAH, LET’S GO!

MEANWHILE, IN IDAHO . . .

MIN’S CUBEDRONE TEST 27: USING AIR POWER TO DEPLOY SEEDS.

WHOOOOOOOOSHHH!

WE HAVE BIGGER PLANS FOR THESE CUBES THAN PLANTING STUPID SEEDS!

NOW COVERING SEEDS USING EARTH POWER.

USING WATER POWER TO WATER THE SEEDS.

HE’S DONE! GRAB THE CUBE AND THE CUBEMAKER!

SCAN FOR ALL EPISODES OF LIGHTNING & LUNA [Page 16]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine

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?

Elijah J.

Age: 14

I live in: Michigan, U.S.

I want to be: Senior staff software engineer

This career interests me because: I like programming and computer science.

Virtue I admire most: Patience

Hobbies or sports: Ice hockey (goalie), chess

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Studying The Hidden Words* and other books

Favorite animal: Anteater

A hero or role model: [Chess grandmaster] Magnus Carlsen

What I love about my community: The camaraderie we share

I like to help people by: Making their day, whether that means doing an act of service or simply complimenting them

I show my family love by: Doing contributions to the house [chores to help out] and using good manners

To work out conflicts, I: Talk about what the source of the problem could be and then try to resolve it

Favorite family activity: Memorial Day picnic. We gather to see relatives, go swimming and fishing, and have a fun time.

Layli K.

Age: 9

I live in: Ohio, U.S.

I want to be: Early childhood educator or doctor

These careers interest me because: They involve helping and taking care of people, and little kids are cute!

Hobbies or sports: Basketball, swimming

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth group

A favorite food: Macarons

A hero or role model: Malala [Yousafzai] and [Bábí heroine] Táhirih

I like to help people by: Being thoughtful, speaking out, and helping [people] learn new skills

I show my family love by: Making time for them, writing them nice notes

To work out conflicts, I: Take time to myself, and when I’m ready, we talk

Favorite family activity: Ayyám-i-Há,** because it is joyful . . . there are many things to look forward to.

From an elder relative, I’ve learned: How to make bread from my great uncle and aunt

What I love about my community: That there are a lot of kids my age

Kaelum P.

Age: 12

I live in: Virginia, U.S.

I want to be: A cartoonist for Brilliant Star magazine, a writer, a video game developer (for the Bahá’í Faith)

This career interests me because: I love being creative . . . with ideas.

Virtue I admire most: Willingness to abide by rules

I show my family love by: Hugging them

A place I’d love to visit: The Bluebell Railway in Wales because it has exotic and historical steam trains

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Ayyám-i-Há. I like giving gifts to my family and teachers . . .

To work out conflicts, I: Explain my reasoning

Favorite family activity: Having pizza on Friday

From an elder relative, I’ve learned: From Mom, I’ve learned sharing is caring. She does it by sharing things with me . . . I share with my brothers, Sebi and Evander.

What I love about my community: People are nice—they respect each other’s privacy. I like to say hi to my neighbors . . .

• The Hidden Words is a collection of short passages by Bahá’u’lláh.

• • Ayyám-i-Há is a festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.

[Page 17]“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Roger W.

Age: 12 I live in: Oregon, U.S. I want to be: Civil engineer

This career interests me because: I really like engineering and building things, and I want to apply this skill to help people. I can make buildings that are more sustainable against natural disasters and climate change.

Virtue I admire most: Truthfulness

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Holy day celebrations

A place I’d love to visit: Bahá’í House of Worship in Illinois

A hero or role model: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Favorite food: Pumpkin pie

I show my family love by: Helping around the house, spending time with them, playing games together

To work out conflicts: We usually consult and discuss problems . . .

Favorite family activity: I really like Ayyám-i-Há because it is filled with so much joy and fun . . .

From an elder relative, I’ve learned: My parents taught me to memorize the morning and nighttime prayers.

Benin T.

Age: 11 I live in: Australia I want to be: Architect

This career interests me because: Since I was very young, I’ve enjoyed LEGO bricks, [and that] inspired me . . . I figured [if] I could build houses in LEGO bricks, I could use [those] skills to create houses in real life. I could be supporting . . . people without homes . . .

Virtue I admire most: Loyalty

Hobbies or sports: Basketball, [caring] for rescued horses

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Volunteering

Place I’d love to visit: Monaco

A favorite book: Books focusing on Black culture

A hero or role model: Guccio Gucci, founder of [fashion company] Gucci. I share the same birthday.

I show my family love by: Feeling comfortable around them

From an elder relative, I’ve learned: To save [and] to treat everything as if it’s precious

Eleanor D.

Age: 10 I live in: New Jersey, U.S. I want to be: A teacher

This career interests me because: I want to treat the children I’m teaching the same way I would want to be treated.

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Celebrating holy days

Favorite animal: Lions

A hero or role model: My big sibling Ollie and my sister Elsie

I like to help people by: Being encouraging

Favorite family activity: We take out a stuffed ferret, and she helps us prepare for Ayyám-i-Há. My mom makes the voice for her. My dad does voices for other puppets and imaginary friends . . . They make things fun.

To work out conflicts: Most of the time, we just make funny faces at each other, and it’s solved. We like to laugh. I tell them how I’m feeling and then they say how they’re feeling, and we make a compromise.

From an elder relative, I’ve learned: How to take care of my guinea pigs. My mom taught me. That shows care and responsibility.

What I love about my community: In the Bahá’í community, we work together, like making projects for children’s classes . . .

How to be a Radiant Star

1. If you’re aged 7–14, scan the QR code with a smart phone’s camera. Or go to brilliantstarmagazine.org and from the top menu, choose “Discover.” Click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer.” Or email us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll ask for 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-protected images (like school portraits).

3. We’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, and you’ll be in our next issue! [Page 18]

Tabor W.

Age: 10 I live in: Oregon, U.S. I want to be: Construction worker, like my dad This career interests me because: It seems like hard work and good pay. And I like going to . . . job sites. Virtues I admire most: Trust (truthfulness and trustworthiness) Hobbies or sports: Piano Favorite animal: Horses (I do horseback riding.) A hero or role model: My brother, Roman . . . He’s good, and he’s very musical. I like feeling his love, and he’s funny.

I show my family love by: Snuggling them To work out conflicts, I: Take a break, hug, and apologize Favorite family activity: I love skiing, boating, and playing instruments. From an elder relative, I’ve learned: Stories in the Bahá’í Faith What I love about my community: Playing with my friends

Amy G.

Age: 9 I live in: New Jersey, U.S. I want to be: Zoologist This career interests me because: I love all animals, and I want to work with them. Favorite Bahá’í activities: All Ayyám-i-Há activities A favorite food: Pandebono (Colombian cheese bread) A hero or role model: Malala Yousafzai I like to help people by: Making them happy [and] cheering them up when they are sad. I show my family love by: Drawing pictures and writing letters to them

To work out conflicts, I: Listen to the person and figure out whose [idea] makes the most sense Favorite family activity: Going to the farm every spring to pick flowers, fruits, and vegetables . . . From an elder relative, I’ve learned: Resilience What I love about my community: Our community is safe, clean, and everybody is kind to each other.

Nabil M.

Age: 9 I live in: Illinois, U.S. I want to be: An animator This career interests me because: I want to make cool animations for people to watch. Virtue I admire most: Humor Hobbies or sports: Swimming, riding my bike, reading books, video games

A favorite book: Once Upon a Space-Time! [by Jeffrey Brown] A favorite food: Mac & cheese A hero or role model: Walt Disney I show my family love by: Being cooperative and helpful, by smiling a lot, and by giving hugs Favorite family activity: In winter, we walk together through an amazing garden filled with lights (at the Botanic Garden). From an elder relative, I’ve learned: To try new things, even when I’m not sure I’ll like them What I love about my community: Our annual block party!

Sami S.

Age: 8 I live in: Washington, U.S. I want to be: An author & illustrator This career interests me because: I can make books to share with others. Favorite Bahá’í activity: 19-Day Feast* A hero or role model: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III [from the How to Train Your Dragon series]. He’s a hero that always chooses the thing that’s right, not what other people think he should do. I like to help people by: Being their friend, helping them in math, making them laugh I show my family love by: Hugging them, telling them I love them

Favorite family activity: Reading, because you can learn new things and hear creative stories. [Also], I love to travel with my family and explore new places and foods. From an elder relative, I’ve learned: Watercolor painting with my grandma What I love about my community: Riding bicycles . . . We can walk to playgrounds, parks, and restaurants. I love that my friends are in my community.

• Feast is a Bahá’í community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.

[Page 19]

Photo Fun or Photo Flop?

Family photo shoots can be fun—but also frustrating. Everybody rushes to get ready. Then, when you reach a great location, you wait for everyone to get in position. Maybe your sister starts whining or your brother gets his clothes dirty. It can begin to feel like a photo flop instead of a festive photo shoot.

Family time isn’t always picture-perfect. It can get hectic, but what counts is how you handle it. Do you complain or keep your cool? Try to zoom in on patience and kindness. Tell jokes to make your sister smile, or help your brother clean up. Embracing your family with love and a spirit of service can help create magical memories.

Find at least 9 differences between these scenes. Write the differences below. [Page 20]

Play and Connect

Game on! Did you know that games can help you communicate and bond with others? When we play cooperative games, we work together to achieve goals and solve problems. We can practice consultation, respect, and teamwork. Playing is a great way to meet new friends, too. Try these activities and see what fun and friendships unfold!

Fellowship Volleyball

Set up two teams of four. Each person holds one corner of a blanket. One team puts volleyball in center of blanket. They lower blanket, then raise it quickly, so the ball flies up. The other team catches the ball with their blanket and tosses it back. See how many exchanges you can make.

Silly Story Suggestions

Create groups of two to four people. One player in each is storyteller. The others are word givers who name a topic, such as “a fun hike.” As storyteller tells a story on the topic, word givers call out random words that must be included, trying to make storyteller think creatively. Each person takes a turn as storyteller.

Balance the Stick

Divide into evenly numbered groups. Each group balances a long, thin stick on their forefingers. They cross the room without dropping it or speaking to each other. When they reach their destination, they lower stick to floor. If someone loses contact with stick, their group starts over.

Common Qualities

Form pairs or small groups. Player 1 names an object and a characteristic of it, like “The sky is blue.” Player 2 names new object with same quality, plus a new quality: “The ocean is blue, and it’s deep.” Next player continues: “Canyons are deep, and they’re rocky.” How long can you play?

Blindfolded Find

Write names of objects in room on slips of paper and put in a bowl. Split into pairs. One person in each pair is blindfolded. Their partner selects a slip of paper, then gives blindfolded person verbal directions to move around room and find the object. [Page 21]

The Story of Us

What are your family’s favorite stories to tell? Maybe you have a great one about the day you got your family pet. You might have fun sharing the most awesome experience from your summer vacation. Or maybe there was a moment that seemed like a disaster at the time, but now you love to remember and laugh about it.

Stories can have a powerful impact. They help shape how we see ourselves, our families, and our communities. They can teach us what we value in ourselves and in each other, help us through hard times, or make us feel at home. So tell your family about your day, or ask them about something they learned. Every story, big or small, can help your family grow.

Family Members: __________________________________________________

Where We Live: ____________________________________________________

Virtues We Admire: ________________________________________________

Attach a photo or drawing

What’s a favorite family memory? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

What are some ways we like to help others? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

What are some hopes for our family, now and in the future? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

What are some things that bring us joy and make us laugh? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

What are some of our family’s strengths? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Something fun we plan to do together: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Virtues and qualities we want to strengthen: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

How do we show love for each other and our community? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Service we can do together: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ [Page 22]

STARGAZER

Dr. Mansur Nurdel

Imagine running for your life over snow-covered mountains in the dark, with little food. That was part of Mansur Nurdel's frightening 13-day trek to escape from Iran through Turkey. He describes the journey in his new book, One More Mountain.

Born in 1963 to the only Bahá’í family in his Iranian village, Mansur had an extremely turbulent childhood. Due to religious prejudice, he and his four siblings were often harassed, and a brother was seriously injured. Mansur couldn't attend college. In 1979, the family's home was destroyed by a mob, and they fled to the city of Tabriz. Mansur took pictures to record the brutal treatment of Bahá’ís, putting his life in greater danger. At age 25, he was forced to leave his family and country behind.

After 18 months in Turkey, Mansur arrived in Wisconsin, U.S. He worked as a janitor to earn money for college. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he went to optometry school in Missouri. Today, Mansur owns a thriving optometry practice in Colorado, where he lives with his wife, Roza, and their adult sons, Ryan and Dustin.

Q: What's one of your favorite childhood memories? A: Playing barefoot soccer in our village with the kids and my cousin, who used to come and visit us. That was my favorite thing to do. As the only Bahá’í family [in the village], we were always persecuted and beaten, [but] during soccer... we were part of the group.

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid? A: The persecution we faced... The hardest of all was that my younger brother was attacked. However, being bullied because of being a Bahá’í has solidified my love for the Faith and... who I am today.

Q: What prompted you to write a book about your experiences? A: Writing this book has been the ultimate healing... I wanted people to know what's happening to the Bahá’ís [in Iran] today... This is happening right now, right in front of us...I hope more people will step forward to write about this and talk about it. It is not easy to open up.

In fifth grade, Mansur loved playing soccer with his cousin in his village of Harvan, Iran.

Q: You were 15 when Iran became an Islamic republic. How did life change for you and your family? A: That changed my life totally. On January 1, 1979... our home was completely destroyed in front of our eyes. [A mob] looted everything we had, literally everything, [including] our livestock. My parents say it took one hour, but I thought it lasted a century... We were guarded by some [Muslim] family members from being hurt... They [told] us to either go to the mosque and recant our Faith or get out from the village. We chose the second one.

Portrait by Sandy Puć [Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Q: How did you deal with the anxiety of living under government persecution?

A: My grandparents did not know how to read and write... My grandfather used to ask me to read The Dawn-Breakers* for him ... Later, I learned that he knew the stories. What he was doing was solidifying my faith... The anxiety did not bother us because we looked at [it as] "We are the current Dawn-Breakers." [That] doesn't mean it wasn't hard. It gave us perspective [on] how to handle it.

Q: How did the Bahá’í Faith influence your career choice?

A: After high school, even today, there is really no future for Bahá’ís. My career choice [was] really defined by what Bahá’ís are able to do in Iran... [For example], you cannot [do] anything with food, because Bahá’ís are [considered] unclean. So I looked into the eyecare business... That helped me to [find] my current profession.

Family photo by Sandy Puć, work photo by John Leyba

• The Dawn-Breakers is a book about Bábí and Bahá’í history.

Above: Mansur and his family enjoy the sunset at a park near their home in Colorado (left to right: son Ryan, wife Roza, Mansur, son Dustin).

Left: Mansur examines a patient's eyes at one of his offices. He says, "I love really being able to make a difference in their vision."

Q: Was it hard to leave Iran? What gave you the strength to keep going?

A: I really didn't have a choice. Some atrocities happened to our beloved friends [and] I took some pictures... So I had to leave. It is absolutely not easy to leave everything behind... There were two routes to escape... Pakistan [or] Turkey... But in 1988, they were not taking any refugees in Pakistan. So my only option was Turkey, which is a much harder, harsher route, [with] mountains as high as 15,000 feet... The total journey was 13 days of walking [in] the dead of winter. [I drew] strength from the Faith... and of course, relying on [my two friends]... We would walk at nighttime and hide in the daytime.

Q: What can kids do to help those who are persecuted for their faith?

A: Read the history of the Faith... plus take action... I don't think I could have been able to endure what I have without my reliance on the history of our beloved heroes... And call [your] congressmen and say, "I've learned that the Bahá’ís [in Iran] are persecuted... I want you to sponsor this resolution." It will have much, much more impact than an adult calling. [Also], when you meet someone with a different language, different accent, don't make a judgment, don't [believe] a stereotype. You might be losing a beautiful story... [Page 24]

FAMILY FEAST

love trying new food. So when my friend Pip invited me over to his nest for dinner, I was super stoked. Pip used to live in Japan, and his parents made a traditional dish called okonomiyaki. It's like a savory pancake that can be made from all kinds of seafood and veggies. It was amazing! Being with Pip and his parents was really fun, too. They told awesome stories! Pip said his family always has dinner together. Eating meals as a family is a great way to stay connected. It can help you eat healthier and feel happier, too. Pip said kids have more self-esteem and even get better grades if they have a lot of family meals. I had no idea!

FAMILY MEALS ARE A TASTY WAY TO SHOW YOUR LOVE!

My family usually has dinner together too. But we've been busy lately, so we haven't perched at the table for long. I eat super fast because I want to go fly with my friends. It can be hard for everyone to juggle schedules and make time to eat together. But now I want to do it more often.

When I asked my parents about it, they agreed. We're going to have pepper pizza at the table tomorrow night, and I'll stay until everyone is done. We're also going to try these ideas Pip and I came up with for fun family mealtimes. I hope they help you dig in to delicious moments with your fam!

ood is a satisfying way to explore cultures! Trying recipes from around the world can give you a taste of another way of life. Make a dish from another country, or ask a friend from that culture to show you how. You'll add new flavor to your meal and your friendship!

"Send down...from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." -Bahá’u’lláh

EXPLORE & SOAR: DISH UP FAMILY TIME

Check out these appetizing ideas for happy family meals.

• Create a new tradition at mealtime, like playing a guessing game or answering a silly question.
• Find a new recipe that the whole family can help prepare.
• Choose theme nights, like Japanese, Mexican, or build your own pizza.
• Think of fun topics to talk about, like dream vacations or funniest moments of the day.
• Plan a meal around a favorite book, movie, or place you've visited.
• Ask everyone to pick a person or fictional character they'd invite to dinner. What would you serve them? What would you talk about?

[Page 25]

How Do You Deal with Conflict?

"If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name's sake..." —Bahá’u’lláh

you I watch rowers glide smoothly across the water, their graceful movements make it easy to forget how incredibly strong they are. Rowing not only builds up your lungs, it uses nearly every muscle in your body!

That kind of power doesn't just happen. Rowers work hard for it. When they do a challenging workout, it creates very small tears in their muscles called microtears. After the microtears are repaired, the muscles become stronger. Then rowers can pull their oars harder and faster than ever.

Friendships can be a bit like rowing. We want them to always glide along, but disagreements happen. They can feel like microtears after a workout. But if we can come back and solve the problem together, the relationship grows and develops. It can get stronger and more resilient until we're racing through obstacles together.

How well do you repair conflicts? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. When I face a conflict that upsets me, I calm down and think about it before I make big decisions. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

2. I plan with the other person how conflicts can be repaired and avoided in the future. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

3. I think about my whole relationship with the person over time, not only this one challenge. Often 3 Sometimes 2. Rarely=1

4. I try to be aware of messages I send with my tone of voice or facial expressions. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

5. I use the elements of consultation, such as listening and speaking with love, sincerity, and kindness. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

6. I listen to others with respect, acknowledge their feelings, and try to see things from their point of view. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

7. If I bring up a problem, I also try to offer possible solutions to consider. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

8. I take responsibility for my part in the conflict and apologize if I need to. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

9. I look for the best in the other person and share what I appreciate about them. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

10. To organize my thoughts, I write down what I want to say and practice with others I trust. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

11. I explain the problem and share how I feel without blaming others. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

12. I discuss the problem in person if possible, since texts and e-mails can lead to confusion and make the situation worse. Often 3. Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

• • My Score**

36-28 POINTS You're developing strong relationship-repair muscles. Keep it up!

27-20 POINTS You're getting stronger! Choose an item from the quiz and keep practicing your problem-solving skills.

19-12 POINTS You're learning the ropes! Try some tips from the quiz to help you glide along.

Images: PayPau/Getty [Page 26]A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance Eleanor Moon "Soo" Fouts (1923-2016)

On a Sunday morning in 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,400 lives were lost. It was the start of World War II for the U.S. It was also the end of formal schooling for Soo Fouts. High school seniors were asked to work at Pearl Harbor, and Soo took a job.

Eleanor Moon Fouts, who was known as Soo, was born in Hawaii in 1923. Her parents came to the island of Maui from Korea to work on a plantation. They didn't earn much, but they tried to give Soo and her five siblings a bright future.

When she was about six, Soo went to some of the first Bahá’í children's classes in Hawaii. At the start, she was most excited by the lemonade and cookies in class. But she grew fascinated by Bahá’u’lláh. She became a Bahá’í at age 17.

World Travels

While working at Pearl Harbor, Soo met a serviceman named Leroy Fouts. They married when she was 20 and had a son, Leroy Jr. They went to the mainland U.S. and moved from place to place. They chose cities with few Bahá’ís and helped to build communities. Over the years, their homes ranged from California to Florida. Soo said she felt empty if she let too much time pass without telling someone about the Faith.

Soo worked for 14 years at a media company in Washington, D.C. Her life changed in 1976, when she became the first Asian woman elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, the governing body for the Bahá’ís of the U.S. For a decade, she traveled the world representing the Assembly. One highlight was meeting the only reigning Bahá’í monarch, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, at the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Western Samoa. Soo also served as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Conference on ending racism and racial discrimination in 1979.

Soo and Leroy purchased a gift shop in Florida. With Soo's talent for business, they soon owned four shops. She visited 16 countries to purchase items to sell. At every stop, she loved to speak about the Faith, her "favorite subject."

Back home, Soo traveled and shared the Faith, especially in the South. "Mankind's remaining hope," she said, is "a common Faith under one God which will address itself to all mankind... to help us live up to our fullest potential as spiritual beings encased in this physical vehicle."

Return to Her Roots

After her husband's passing in 1992, Soo fulfilled her dream to live and teach the Faith in another country. She moved to China and then to Korea, her parents' homeland. She was over 70 years old and had forgotten how to speak Korean, but she said, "I re-learned it and I was very happy." In 2004, she returned to the U.S.

All her life, Soo lovingly encouraged people with her unshakeable faith. She passed away in 2016 in Illinois. The Universal House of Justice praised her "passion for teaching the Faith and her many years of selfless service" and offered prayers "for the progress of her noble soul..." [Page 27]

CAVE COOPERATION

"If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual . . ." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

How does your family handle hard times? Life feels great when the sun is shining and the days are calm and carefree. But every family faces a crisis once in a while. Someone might lose a job or get sick, or a natural disaster could threaten your home.

It can be scary when you don’t know what will happen next. Beastly fears or frustrations may fire up. Instead of snapping and snarling at each other, it helps when family members stick together.

Find ways to look out for each other and show you care. Help with the dishes, share a treat, or make your sibling laugh. Even little things can bring a spark that brightens someone’s day. With unity, your family can shine a light in stormy skies.

Fill in the blanks to complete tips for sticking together in tough times.

1. Turn to friends and family for S_PPO_T and comfort.
2. It’s okay to F_ _L upset or sad. Share your feelings.
3. Be GE_T_E with yourself: get sleep, exercise, and healthy food.
4. _IST_N to music, do art, or write in a journal to lower stress.
5. _RA_ and meditate to nurture your spirit.
6. Talk as a family, and be H_NE_T about your thoughts.
7. P_AIS_ the members of your family to let them know you appreciate them.
8. RE_LE_T on how you’ve handled hard times in the past; they don’t last forever.
9. Focus on what you can _EAR_ or the good that might come from the situation.

[Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

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

WHY ARE DRAGONS GREAT STORYTELLERS?

WE HAVE AWESOME LONG TAILS!

ACROSS

2. Your community might be your \_\_\_\_\_\_, friends, neighbors, faith group, or team. (p. 10)

5. Everyone has uplifting qualities, from hilarious \_\_\_\_\_\_ to fantastic friendliness. (p. 2)

6. Nur’s family \_\_\_\_\_\_ about how to help everyone feel appreciated. (p. 8)

9. Dolphins use a complex \_\_\_\_\_\_ of whistles and clicks. (p. 6)

10. Eating \_\_\_\_\_\_ as a family can help you eat healthier and feel happier. (p. 24)

12. Benin and Tabor both like these animals. (pp. 17–18)

13. When Dr. Mansur Nurdel was young, he read The \_\_\_\_\_\_-Breakers to his grandfather. (p. 23)

14. When we play cooperative \_\_\_\_\_\_, we work together to achieve goals and solve problems. (p. 20)

16. Nabil and Sami both enjoy this activity. (p. 18)

DOWN

1. Being outside can soothe the \_\_\_\_\_\_ and help people connect. (p. 29)

3. To make family time more fun, try to zoom in on patience and \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 19)

4. \_\_\_\_\_\_ is a great way to discover what you truly need. (p. 3)

6. Nature’s cool \_\_\_\_\_\_ and patterns inspire Maya with creative ideas. (p. 12)

7. Sea stars have an \_\_\_\_\_\_ on the end of each arm. (p. 11)

8. Soo Fouts was the \_\_\_\_\_\_ Asian woman elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. (p. 26)

11. Give your friends and family a boost by offering \_\_\_\_\_\_ and support with no strings attached. (p. 2)

15. Dr. Sarah McAnulty drives a car covered in \_\_\_\_\_\_ drawings. (p. 11)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

There are lots of things that I love [about Brilliant Star], but if I HAVE to choose [a favorite], I say Radiant Stars. The magazine makes me feel like I’m not alone, and like there are other Bahá’í kids out there, learning the same stuff—we’re all connected.

— Celeste C., age 13, North Carolina, U.S.

ANSWERS

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

Page 2: Creativity, encourage, enthusiasm, generous, gratitude, happiness, optimism, supportive, thoughtful

Page 3: 1) Cap TC, 2) prayer book TL, 3) sunscreen BL, 4) bottle TC, 5) glove BC, 6) headphones TL, 7) shirt TC, 8) camera BR, 9) toothbrush BL, 10) cube CR, 11) umbrella BR, 12) glasses BR

Page 6: 1) deeper, 2) Talk, 3) fact, 4) respect, 5) silence, 6) screens, 7) patience, 8) Plan, 9) agree

Page 10: A) 5, B) 6, C) 3, D) 4, E) 2, F) 1

Page 11: Shanghai, China; Orcas

Page 13: Coco at TC, Fuzzy at BC, Hopo at CR, Jumpi at BC, Luva at BL, Orbi at TL, Piva at BC, Taran at C, Wogo at CR

Page 19: Positive (left to right): Sand sculpture intact, mom smiling, smiling kid with happy drawing, girl caring for dog, kid has comb and tidy hair, crab not stealing comb, cooler upright, chair intact, men at grill are happy and food is on plate, photographer calm

Page 27: 1) support, 2) feel, 3) gentle, 4) Listen, 5) Pray, 6) honest, 7) Praise, 8) Reflect, 9) learn [Page 29]

CONNECT AT CAMP

A-MAZE-ING ADVENTURE

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure—it’s time for summer camp! Going to a family camp is an awesome way to have fun with your fam in the great outdoors. It’s also a perfect place to meet new friends, explore the arts, and play together. And roast marshmallows for s’mores!

Rain or shine, it’s important to pitch the tent of teamwork. Offer to help with chores and be considerate of fellow campers. If your siblings are driving you wild, take a hike or explore nature together. Being outside can soothe the spirit and help people connect. Put away electronics to absorb the beauty around you. Saying or singing prayers can build family bonds, too. When you treat each other with love and respect, you can all be happier campers!

Help this family explore a day at camp and end up at the campfire. [Page 30]“Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household, and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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Brilliant Star Soaring with Unity • Vol. 52 No. 4

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