Starbright--Meditations for Children

by Maureen Garth

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062503987
• ISBN13: 9780062503985
• Release Date: October 1991
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great book but poor condition

Loved this book as a child and excited that I get to share it with my kids! They have a very difficult time falling asleep with ADHD and this will be great for bedtime. Sadly, the book did not come in “very good” condition. It has a hole and tear in the back cover.

Starbright is a Delight!

This book has provided us unexpected help and relief. One of my children has suffered from nightmares for a long time. And then she became afraid to sleep, so she'd keep finding reasons to get out of bed long after the lights were turned low. We began reading this book for fun last week. The stories are carefully crafted to ensure a child feels safe as the author opens up a richly detailed fantasy world for the child's imagination to explore. On the very first night, my daughter fell asleep right on cue just as the story ended, much to my amazement. And all week it has been the same pattern. She is sleeping through the night, not having nightmares, and even waking easily and early in the morning. The change has been dramatic. We love our new nighttime ritual of reading these beautifully described fantasies and letting our imaginations run free. And I am grateful for the serenity and peacefulness the book is giving my daughter. This book is a treasure.

Changed my daughter's life!

Up until a few months ago, my ten-year-old daughter suffered from severe anxiety. In desperation, my husband and I took her to a therapist who recommended (among other strategies) that we use "Starbright" at bedtime. I read the stories to my daughter and her twin sister, and they loved them! The meditations are so peaceful and relaxing, and they can be adapted to any belief system. With my daughters I add guardian angels, because that is my belief. At work (I'm a preschool teacher) I avoid Christian symbols and focus on the beauty of nature. By the way, my daughter's anxiety is almost entirely gone. I know that's not entirely because of this book, but it certainly helped!

"NOT " A Danger To Anyone

I can't believe the review that cautions Christians against this book. I'm a Christian and if you're educated you would know there is nothing new about what is called new age. This is a wonderful book for Christians as well as anyone with half a mind. I use to be closed minded too until one day my heart opened up along with my mind. I now use Guided Imagery for myself, my grandchildren and those who come to me for assistance. It's a great tool for anyone who wishes to make positive changes in their life and health. I've been learning and studying for over ten years now about the mind, body, spirit connection and anyone with any common sense would know it is a valid connection that helps us to heal in all areas of our life, health and relationships. There is NO DANGER for anyone in reading or using these techniques, that is if you desire to help your children and yourself. My personal advice is read, learn and use it for yourself and see the results and miracles that occur in your life and that of your children. Don't close your mind to anything just because someone has their heart and mind based in fear. Fear will keeep you and your children from knowing God, knowing peace, the truth and the healing that comes with it. Want some proof, read Dr.Herbert Benson's book "The Relaxation Response" or any books by Belleruth Naparstek. It's been proven for years now that meditation as well as guided imagery are beneficial for everone, just as prayer works... so does relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and hypnotherapy, all are one in the same in different forms. They can and will change your life! Go for it and experience the miracles for yourself. I did and so are millions of others around the globe.

My son loves this book...

We bought this book when he was 2 years old and he has loved it from the very first day. He still loves it at 3 1/2 and begs to have meditation every night...it has even inspired him to create his own meditations(and mommy too). There is nothing evil about this book as the previous reviewer stated. The meditations are filled with compassion and love, what is evil about that???

Starbright: Meditations for Children is stellar!

I can imagine no more peaceful way to conclude evening reading time and enter the realms of sleep--Garth's ability to to capture one's imagination by weaving an innocent and whimsical landscape for the mind to explore is delightful! The simplicity of the language coupled with the richness of possiblities help these gentle, guided meditations become gateways to dreamland. I love to see my three and five year-old children snuggle-down and close their eyes, allowing themselves to be carried by their own imagery and curiosity. With so much external visual stimulation in our modern world, it is great to foster an inner vision. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled onto this book and am compelled to buy it as a gift for all the children I know!