Sparkling Together: Starbright and His Earthling Friends [Paperback]

Chandra Devi (Author)

Book Description

Grade 2-5-These eight stories, written "as a means to nourish the self-esteem of the children," feature a friendly, humanlike extraterrestrial, Starbright, from Planet Om, whose spaceship lands near earthling children Rose and Sky. He invites the siblings to the Star Family Fest, and off they go. Starbright and his family are star-powered (a star glows from their shirts); earthlings are heart-powered. Cardboard characters, illustratively and textually, are paired with pedestrian story lines (school, friends, a new baby, moving, employment, grief) and share a similar format: the alien and the children meet in different stories and confront an issue (e.g., rescuing a bully, finding a job, etc.) predictably resolved by platitudes such as "love lives in everything" or "the love in your heart stays with you wherever you go." While gentle books to raise children's self-esteem are always in demand, intention supersedes quality here.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5–These eight stories, written "as a means to nourish the self-esteem of the children…," feature a friendly, humanlike extraterrestrial, Starbright, from Planet Om, whose spaceship lands near earthling children Rose and Sky. He invites the siblings to the Star Family Fest, and off they go. Starbright and his family are star-powered (a star glows from their shirts); earthlings are heart-powered. Cardboard characters, illustratively and textually, are paired with pedestrian story lines (school, friends, a new baby, moving, employment, grief) and share a similar format: the alien and the children meet in different stories and confront an issue (e.g., rescuing a bully, finding a job, etc.) predictably resolved by platitudes such as "love lives in everything…" or "the love in your heart stays with you wherever you go." While gentle books to raise children's self-esteem are always in demand, intention supersedes quality here.–Phyllis M. Simon, Bay Shore School District, NY
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Review

Children will find reassurance in these unsettling times with Sparkling Together, endearing stories in which universal truths are gently presented. -- Bonnie Bragg, children’s librarian and parent educator, Monterey Bay Area, CA, May 2004

How refreshing to read stories that promise to bring peace and hope to our little ones. -- Brian Swimme, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, May 2004

I really liked Sparkling Together. It was magical. Wish I was Rose. It would be cool going to Planet Om. -- Nellie, Age 8, Albemarle County, VA

Kudos to Jyoti Ma for never lecturing readers; she teaches by demonstrating positive values in action. -- Linda E. Luklow, MyShelf.Com, Marlow, Oklahoma, September 2004

Sparkling Together is a wonderfully engaging book: lively characters, important concerns, radiant illustrations, and joyous and healing energy. -- David Marshak, Professor of Education at Seattle University and author of The Common Vision: Parenting and Educating for Wholeness, December 2004

Terrific selection for young readers, helping children to cope with childhood challenges in a loving, healing way that celebrates life. -- S. Aurin Haber, New Age Retailer, Bellingham, WA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Integral Yoga Publications (May 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932040543
• ISBN-13: 978-0932040541
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,833,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and endearing, May 12, 2004

By 

Betsie's Literary Page (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sparkling Together: Starbright and His Earthling Friends (Paperback)

In this whimsical tale, Rose and Sky Heart are taken by surprise one fall afternoon when a spaceship lands in a nearby open field. An earth-like boy emerges from the ship introducing himself as, Starbright of Planet Om. Instantly a bond of friendship is formed.

The adventures of Starbright, and his earthling friends explore many issues and challenges children face today, which make this book intelligent and thought provoking, as well as an instrumental teaching tool for children.

Author Jyoti Ma, also sets forth a universal ethic. This universal ethic is selfless love, and its immediate manifestation in the family and compassion for all living things. One inherent in our universe that moves into form, is multiplied, and changes the world.

With its social overtones, readers of all ages will enjoy these well written, entertaining, and quirky tales. Eye catching, colorful illustrations also help bring these adventures and characters to life appealing to the imagination of young and old alike.

I recommend this delightful book as a bedtime story to kindle the spirit of goodness within ones heart or for parent and child as a way to stay connected.

Reviewed by Betsie

5.0 out of 5 stars I Like It, November 14, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Sparkling Together: Starbright and His Earthling Friends (Paperback)

From Jordan age 4:

"I like it 'cause Sky saves the dog, Star Rover, and he has a sister named Rose and they have a cat named Heartbeat....I like it when they were riding in a spaceship."

From his mom: My son LOVES this book, and has changed his name to Sky after one of the protagonists.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling Together, April 7, 2005

By 

Maureen R. Houlihan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sparkling Together: Starbright and His Earthling Friends (Paperback)

I give "Sparking Together" Five Stars. It can be read to small children or an older child can read it. Real life challenges that all children have today. It will be very helpful to aid children with self-esteem. The most important thing in a child's development. Nice Illustrations.