Starbright Meditations for Children :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review

Driven by the desire to help her three-year-old daughter settle down into a peaceful night's sleep, Maureen Garth devised meditations that would help her daughter feel secure and cared for. Starbright is a collection of the stories Garth created as her child grew older. These innovative meditations are simple visualizations parents and teachers can read to their children to help them sleep, develop concentration, awaken creativity, and learn to quiet themselves.

"Unfortunately, a lot of children have trouble learning these techniques by the time they are seven or eight," writes Garth. "Relaxation and visualization, if taught at an earlier age, could enhance not only children's school work but other areas of their lives. Their concentration would improve; their artistic abilities would develop; they would feel more centered; their daydreaming could not only bring joy, but be constructive."

Customer Reviews

a must for your spiritual child's collection

2007-05-30
I purchased this book for my 9 year old daughter who was trying to make the transition back to school this past fall. She had become very anxious and I wanted a way to help her calm herself before she went to bed each night. Together we read the stories and she just loved them. She even brought the book to school to share with her teacher and fourth grade classmates, who loved it too. I really feel it has helped her! (Since then we have given even copies as birhtday gifts with handmade beaded bookmarks.) Overall, Big Hit!

Child begs for reading nightly

2007-02-02
Before obtaining Starbright, my 6 year old has asked about fires and bombs (school fire drills & TV news)before being tucked into bed. He now insists on being read about the gardens so he doesn't have bad dreams. In the morning, he relates more and more positive dreams.

I am relieved to have his fears reduced in a few short weeks. I think the "sequel" Moonbeam is next on our list. Thank you Ms. Garth.

Great for all children

2006-12-15
This book and the others by Maureen Garth have been a blessing in our home. My 6 and 8 year old love them. In fact, I'm not sure they can sleep without them anymore! They are quick to jump in bed and settle down so that they are able to find out what happens in their garden each night. Their imaginations are growing and they are relaxing. Both kids have a history of terrible nightmares and neither have mentioned a single bad dream since we begun these exercises. I'm growing in confidence, too! The other night, I actually made up my own garden story and it's been one of their favorite's so far!

For those of you who are concerned about compromising your faith with these books, don't be! On the contrary, the focus on light, growing your heart in love for all people and feeling safe with a guardian angel are all wonderful images and fall right in line with our Christian faith.

I love these books and I have even begun buying them for friends. What a great gift to give a child: the gift of peace, relaxation, imagination and a good night's sleep filled with pleasant dreams.

My kids love this!

2006-11-09
I had no idea that my kids age 3 and 4 would love meditating this much I am very happy that I purchased this book along with two of her other meditation books. Moonbeam and Earthlight are also fabulous!

Very Well Written!

2006-10-28
I was looking to relax my child before bed and found this to be the best one I found. Very relaxing, imaginative and well written. Gets my daughter set in a good dream mode.

I'm a Buddhist and I love this book!

2005-12-15

In her engaging, warm, and personal style, Garth teaches parents how to help their children relax, concentrate, and develop artistic and mental abilities, as well as enjoy a good night's sleep.

Even My Four Year Old Boy Loves This! 2005-10-21
I knew my daughter would love this, however, I wasn't so sure about my son. I was wrong. He asks for these every night! I think they help -- he's something of a worrier. These stories give your child a pleasant happy space to begin their night's sleep from.

Great imagery. 2005-10-06
This is a great imagery initiator for getting kids started on mediation or relaxation. The book is comprised rather well with lots of options. Great areas that include gardens, holidays, animals and just plain fun.
Great response from the kids when using this book.

great book 2005-08-25
One thing you can be certain,this book has nothing to do with religion and new age is certainly no religion, but aside from that... you can find some wonderfull "stories" to tell your children in bedtime that offers them the possibility to expand their heart... I found them really interesting as an opportunity to express themselves as compassionate towards all kind of beings... people, animals, plants... learning how to love and respect all kingdoms. Looking at the world we live in, I think this is one the most important things to teach our children.

Soothing meditations 2005-06-13
My nine-year-old daughter has always had worries and "scary thoughts" at bedtime. This book is now part of our bedtime routine. The first few nights we read it, we found it a bit corny, and we both couldn't stop ourselves from laughing, but we got used to the style of the book and read it every night. We are a Jewish family, so we skip the chapters on Christmas and Easter. I just ordered her other books: "Moonbeam" and "Earthlight."