Pearls ����������������������������
Grow like a Pearl “Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory.” Selections From the Writings of `Abdu’l-Bahá, Pages 133
Table of Contents Ten Little Seekers ..............................2 Mooshi and the Mosque ......................4 The Sacred Step .................................8 Visual Virtues ................................. 12 World Unity Song ............................ 15 Activity Page .................................. 17 Pearls Mission Statement ................... 17
1.
Fall 2006 Published by Spirit of Children
Welcome
to the first edition of Pearls, an electronic arts and letters showcase of illustrated stories for children of all ages. Do you know how many ways there are to tell a story? As many as there are stars in the sky! You can tell a story with pictures. You can tell a story with words. In Pearls, we will use both pictures and words. The stories in Pearls help us understand the message that Bahá’u’lláh has brought. They are stories of the spirit. Some of the stories will be for very young children and some will be for very old children. Some will be very serious and others will be lots of fun. Please write to us at Pearls-Feedback@gmail. com and tell us what you think of our stories and pictures. This will help us become better writers and illustrators. We hope that you will share Pearls with your friends. You can tell a story at Feast or your children’s class. Try printing Pearls out in black and white and then use colored pencils to color in the illustrations. Please tell us how you shared Pearls. That will also will encourage us to work harder. The Spirit of Children Editorial board
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Ten Little Seekers written by Leona Hosack illustrated by Jeannie M. Hunt
1 One little seeker Wondering what to do Opened up his heart And then there were two
3
Three little seekers Knocking at the door Went to a devotional and then there were four
5 Five little seekers What a lovely mix Unity in diversity And then there were six
7 Seven little seekers Giving up on hate Eliminating prejudice And then there were eight
2.
Two little seekers Studying by the sea Learned about Baháʼuʼlláh and then there were three
2 Four little seekers Working side by side To make the world a better place And then there were five
4 Six little seekers Praying to heaven Ushering in the Most Great Peace And then there were seven
6 Eight little seekers Arriving just in time To build the New World Order And then there was nine
8
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
9
9
Nine little seekers Now they are ten
Turned into teachers Go out and teach again
3.
10
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Mooshi and the Mosque written by Patti Rae Tomarelli illustrated by Leona Hosack
The city of Shíráz was wild with excitement. Some people were mad, some people were confused and some were full of hope. Mooshi, a faithful God-fearing mouse, was angry. “How dare the Siyyid-i-Báb say that He is God’s new Messenger!” said Mooshi as he scurried between the many feet on the street. The Governor had ordered everyone to go to the Mosque of Vakíl. Everyone would see the Báb. Everyone would hear Him. Everyone would know how He’d lied. “What can I do?” squeaked Mooshi as he zigzagged beneath a donkey and it’s cart. Mooshi was thinking about returning to his warm, cozy nest. He was thinking
4.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
about nibbling something tasty before taking a short mousey snooze. But instead of going home, Mooshi headed for the mosque. “The Báb must be killed!” shouted a teacher. “The Promised Qá’im has come!” said a tailor. “God’s Faith must be protected,” said the baker.
to the city’s angry leaders. Where was the Báb? “When I see Him,” realized Mooshi, “Allah will show me what to do.” From the back of the mosque a voice rose above the others, “He is coming!” The everyone quickly found their place and settled in.
First he heard footsteps. Then he saw the back of a man who was not very “I’ll do anything,” said Mooshi as he tall and not very short. He was a young pulled his tail from beneath very big man. Even from behind, He did not look boot. “Anything, to protect God’s Faith.” dangerous at all. Mooshi took a shortcut through a rug shop. Inside, a women was whispering to her husband, “The Promised Qá’im has finally come. We must do whatever He asks. We must be brave.” She then kissed her husband’s forehead and said, “Go as ordered, and tell me what the Báb says!” The man nodded his head and left. The women went back to her work. Mooshi scurried on.
Then Mooshi’s heart froze as the Báb said, “What is your intention in asking Me to come here?” A very angry man, Shaykh Husayn, replied, “You must come up on this pulpit
Already the mosque was very full. Mooshi scurried around, through and under all of the people until he was in the front near a tall stone pulpit. He squeezed in next
5.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
and repudiate your false claim so that this commotion and unrest will subside.”
Shaykh Husayn snarled “Go to the top so all may see and hear you.”
A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd. Yes, this man must either take back His false claims or prove to us that He is the Promised One.
The Báb climbed eleven more steps to the top of the pulpit and sat down. The people hushed, straining to hear. Then the Báb began to speak.
The Báb said nothing. Mooshi saw Him clearly for the first time. With great power and dignity, He climbed up three steps and stopped. He was handsome in His green turban and flowing robes. He was not frightened. He was not nervous. His face was calm and strong.
The Báb’s voice floated through the air. Attentively, everyone listened to regal, melodic Words of Power. They circled through the air and into Mooshi’s heart. At once Mooshi knew. “It’s true! It’s true. It’s true. I’ve found the Promised Qá’im. God has sent the Báb.”
6.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Mooshi was not alone. The angry Shaykh Husayn looked at the crowd and could see that they were no longer angry. Now it was he who was afraid. The crowd would not listen to him. They were falling in love with the Báb. The Shaykh turned to the governor and saidm “Do something!”
forbade remains forbidden unto the Day of Resurrection, and according to the Traditions that have come down from the Imáns, ‘Whenever the Qá’im arises that will be the Day of Resurrection.’” Then the Báb arose and came down the stairs.
Shaykh Husayn was furious. Quickly he stepped forward and came face to face But, before the governor could take with the Báb. He raised his walkingaction, a man yelled, “O Siyyid! Say what stick to strike. you have been told to say. What is this idle chatter?” “Oh, no!” squeaked Mooshi. Mooshi’s whiskers curled. His tail twitched. How dare anyone speak to the Promised Qá’im, in such a disrespectful manner. “This is not right. O Allah, guide me!”
Suddenly, a young man boldly stepped in between Shaykh Husayn and the Báb. Savagely the cane came down but missed it’s target. Instead it struck the young man’s shoulder.
Once again the Báb spoke, “O people! Know this well that I speak what My Grandfather, the Messenger of God, spoke twelve hundred and sixty years ago, and I do not speak what My Grandfather did not.”
And there was Shaykh Husayn shaking in frustration as His Holiness the Báb left the mosque unharmed.
Mooshi’s heart leapt as he squeaked, “He does speak with the same voice as the Prophet Muhammad. Allah be praised.” The Báb continued, “‘What Muhammad made lawful remains lawful unto the Day of Resurrection and what He
7.
Mooshi quickly offered a prayer on behalf of the brave young man and asked Allah to make him equally brave. This was the most sincere prayer he had ever prayed. “Allah has shown me His Will,” thought Mooshi as he scurried to follow the Báb where ever he might go. (Mooshi’s adventure continues in the next addition of Pearls)
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
The Sacred Step Written by Ronald Tomanio Illustrated by Leona Hosack
“Your morning showers are taking too long, Cubby! We’ll be late for work” Cubby struggled to keep up with Liang’s fast pace. Sure enough, old Mr. Duffy, the zoo keeper, was standing at the entrance to the One World Family Zoo. His face was stern as he looked at his wrist watch. Mr. Duffy never had to say much. One look was enough for anyone to know what was on his mind.
A low growl escaped Liang’s throat as they walked into the community room. Liang whispered , “Sit on your paws and let me do the talking.” “Sorry, Liang, I get so excited about celebrating the Declaration of the Báb Holy Day that I forgot to consult with you before I volunteered us to be on the planning committee.” Luna the nightingale warbled a morning prayer. Cubby looked up through the skylight as the flock of golden condors returned to their nests. “Why can’t lion cubs fly?” thought Cubby. Liang had told him that he was made up of 50% whys and 50% how comes. The animals and Mr. Duffy were talking about who would bring food, who would clean up...etc.
The gigantic octopus clock towered over the zoo grounds and could be seen by all the animals. The octopus raised his arm which was a signal for all the exotic talking birds to shout, “Eight o’clock, time for work.” A flock of golden condors began their majestic flight, making a giant circle in the sky for all of Wilmette to see that the zoo was officially opened.
Cubby’s eyes wandered over to the list of rules written on the wall. Rules no one at the One Family Zoo would ever think about breaking.
“Follow me you two. The meeting to plan the Holy Day celebration is about to begin. Did you forget that you volunteered to be a part the planning committee?
1. Animals shall not bite humans, especially Mr. Duffy.
Liang was going to protest, but Cubby yanked his tail, poked his own chest and silently mouthed the words, “I volunteered us.”
3. Animals shall not be made to live in cages.
2. Humans shall not bite animals.
4. Humans shall not be made to live in cages. There were other rules but these were the most important.
8.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Cubby was daydreaming when he heard the chairman, Horatio elephant, ask who would provide the entertainment. Cubby jumped up. “Liang and I will make it a day no one will ever forget.” Liang opened his mouth to protest, but Horatio elephants’ trunk was raised and he began bellowing his approval so loudly that no one could speak or listen. Liang and Cubby worked all day long bringing food to various animals, sweeping the grounds and taking trash to the dumpsters. Liang was quiet the whole day and Cubby knew he was upset with him. Quitting time and the octopus clock raised his arm. The exotic birds urged everyone to remember the Holy Day next week. Liang and Cubby stopped at Mr. Duffy’s office and picked up their pay. “I wish it was more, boys. Times are tough.” On the walk home Liang let out a deep sigh, “You did it again. You volunteered us both without consulting me. I wanted to make a special contribution to the fund for the Holy Day, but providing entertainment for such a big event will cost us a lot of money.”
consultation is the sacred step we take to get there. We’ll talk about this more later, but right now we have to plan a Holy Day celebration and we only have a few days to do it...but Cubby, did you have to promise everyone a night they will never forget!” After supper, Liang went over to the National Treasurer’s Office where he often volunteered. They were trying to decide which community Liang and Cubby would visit when they could take time off from work. Cubby sat in their living room saying prayers. They lived in a third floor apartment across from the House of Worship. From their window they watch the workmen making repairs to their beloved temple and see how, day by day, it was becoming more beautiful. In five years it will look like Abdu’l-Bahá always wanted it to look like. Cubby settled in for the night and began reading about the short, brilliant life of the Báb. He trembled when he read the angry words of the voice of God revealed through the mouth of the Báb: “All that is on earth hath been created for Him, and all partake with delight of His benefits, and yet they are so veiled from Him as to refuse Him even a lamp!” SWB p87
Cubby shook his head. “I get excited and I didn’t think. I’m so sorry Liang.” “ I’m trying to teach you that unity is impossible without consultation. Unity is the sacred destination and
9.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
He put the book down and pictured the Báb in prison denied even the light of a candle in His pitch black cell. Liang had told Cubby that this was the reason that Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi believed it was so important to have the Shrine of the Báb shine like the brightest star in the heavens. Cubby closed his eyes and saw
himself walking around the Shrine holding a candle, first alone, then joined by hundreds, then thousands, and finally millions of His followers. There would not be a place so remote in the world that the glow coming from the Mountain of God could not be seen. Yes! This is what he wanted all his friends to experience! The next day Liang and Cubby were bringing hay over to the horse barn. They had both worked deep in thought not saying two words to each other all day long. Suddenly, Cubby jumped up on a bale of hay. “I’ve got it, Liang! What if all the animals carried lighted candles around the Gazebo in the park. The gazebo could represent the Shrine of the Báb? The zoo gardens are so beautiful with all the gardens in bloom. Liang! I close my eyes and I see it! The animals will always remember the Declaration of the Báb!” Liang stopped shoveling hay. “There are over two hundred animals. If we had to buy two hundred candles it would take all the money we have.” Cubby bowed his head. “Yeah, you’re right Liang. What was I thinking? Liang couldn’t stand to see his young friend so disappointed. “All right we’ll do it. It would be spectacular to see.” “But Liang, you wanted to make a special donation for the Holy Day?” Liang thought carefully about what he wanted to say. “Religion is not about making money but about making a journey to a sacred place. Each step on the journey must be sacred or you will never get there. This feels very much like a sacred step we should take. Cubby, you take our money and go buy the candles after work. I need to help out at the treasurers office.” That night Cubby set out to buy two hundred candles for the coming celebration. He decided to walk
10.
through the gardens at the House of Worship. If only he was as wise as Liang, maybe he could come up with a way Liang could make his donation and they could still have a celebration that would light up the sky. Cubby sat on a garden bench and looked up at the House of Worship. The prayer of the Báb, “Is there any remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants and all abide by His bidding!” came into his mind and he said the prayer over and over again. The night grew darker and some fireflies began to distract him from his prayers. He smiled at the little dots of light that suddenly became little dots of inspiration. He sprang to his feet and ran toward the park. Days later Liang and Cubby woke up to the sounds of birds singing and sunlight flowing into their little apartment. Liang believed that the birds sang more beautifully, the sun was brighter and the colors of spring more vibrant, on May 23, the Declaration of the Báb. Cubby did not tell Liang about his inspiration he received in the House of Worship gardens. It was so hard for him to keep a secret but he was determined to give Liang and the other animals a wonderful surprise. The big day had finally arrived. All of the animals at the One World Family Zoo were working together to make this a special day. The giraffes were decorating the gazebo with roses. The elephants were giving rides to all the children. Liang was sitting on a park bench, surrounded by children, telling them stories about the Báb. There were games and races and plenty of time to sit down and talk with old friends. Everyone ate supper sitting on the lawn. Dozens of white swans danced a ballet on the gazebo stage. All the animals had heard rumors about a special event being planned by Liang and Cubby, but no one knew what it was.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Liang walked over to Cubby and asked him if he needed help passing out candles. Cubby held out a small piece of paper instead of any candles. Liang read the words on the piece of paper and was shocked. It was a receipt from the treasurer for a large sum of money made out to Liang. Liang was speechless. “I had to find a way to have for you to give your donation and still be able to light up the sky. Look Liang.” Thousands of fireflies came from everywhere and gathered high over the gazebo. Oohs and aahs were heard from the crowd...and then a large collective gasp as the fireflies spelled out the words to “Shine your light on me Bahá’u’lláh.” The exotic birds began singing the words and soon all the animals and children joined in. They sang song after song holding hands, paws, tentacles or whatever they had. Mr. Duffy was so overwhelmed that he gave Liang and Cubby a hug and said, “Very well done boys!” Liang and Cubby were all smiles as they walked through the quiet streets of Wilmette. “What do you think, Liang, was that a sacred step?” Liang put his arm around Cubby and replied, “I think it was two sacred steps.”
11.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Visual Virtues
Words and Actions to Live By Three quotations illustrated by Jeannie M. Hunt
When a man turns his face to God he finds sunshine everywhere. All men are his brothers. ’Abdu’l-Bahá
12.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
...let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path. ’Abdu’l-Bahá
13.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. Bahá’u’lláh
14.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
15.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
���� �
����� ����� ���� © 1995 Leona Hosack ������� � �� � � � �� � � I want to see the world livin’ in harmony � �� � � � �� � � I want to see the world workin’ on unity, unity, unity.
�
����� �� Austria, Bangladesh, Senegal (Senegal) -- Germany, Canada, Russia (Russia) Philippines, Israel, Jordan (Jordan); -- Latvia, Lebanon, Kenya (Kenya) ������ ����� �� Taiwan, Belarus, Poland (Poland) -- Sweden, Estonia, Thailand (Thailand) Iceland, Hungary, India (India); -- Mozambique, Paraguay, Pakistan (Pakistan) ������ ������������ ������ ������� �� �� �� �� Wish I could travel through the continents And see my sisters and my brothers �� �� �� � �� � � We are related in our hearts and spirits And we all are one --- under the sun.... ����� �� China, Ecuador, Denmark (Denmark) -- Greece, Guatemala and Panama (Panama) Italy, Luxembourg, Haiti (Haiti) -- Norway, Netherlands, Portugal (Portugal) ������ ��� ������ �� ����
16.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Activity Page
See if you can answer these questions. What is the little girl whispering to her mom in the picture on page 14? How many animals can you find in the illustration on page 11? What do you think Mooshi in the story which starts on page 4 will do next? What are the seekers, in the counting story on page 2, seeking?
Don’t Forget to write to us and tell us what you think.
Pearls Mission Statement:
children’s materials, and to stimulate and inspire the production of those materials. The ultimate aim of all Pearls is an electronic children’s magazine published by of these endeavors is to support the core activities of The Spirit of Children. Pearls’ mission is to provide a the initiatives emphasized by the Universal House of venue for children, parents and teacher to access a wide Justice in the current plan, and to highlight the use of range of spiritually based children’s material for the the arts in the development of study circles, devotional education and enjoyment of children and to provide an gatherings, and classes for the spiritual education of outlet for the creative talents of numerous writers and children and youth. illustrators for their works which may not fit into the framework of existing Bahá’í publications. The written and illustrated works that are published in Pearls will “As to thy question regarding the education of children: it uphold the standard of the Oneness of Humankind behoveth thee to nurture them at the breast of the love of and the spiritual nature of children. God, and urge them onward to the things of the spirit, that they may turn their faces unto God; that their ways may Submission Guidelines: conform to the rules of good conduct and their character We encourage all writes and illustrators to submit be second to none; that they make their own all the graces you material to Pearls. You can receive submission and praiseworthy qualities of humankind; acquire a sound guidelines by emailing knowledge of the various branches of learning, so that Pearls-Submissions@gmail.com from the very beginning of life they may become spiritual beings, dwellers in the Kingdom, enamoured of the sweet Spirit of Children Mission Statement breaths of holiness, and may receive an education religious, The Spirit of Children upholds the standard of the spiritual, and of the Heavenly Realm. Verily will I call Oneness of Humankind, and recognizes the spiritual upon God to grant them a happy outcome in this.” nature of children. Our mission is to nurture the creative process in those who produce spiritually ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections of the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p.143 meaningful, globally educational and engaging
17.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children
Use this page to draw or write a story of your own.
18.
Pearls is an email publication published by Spirit of Children