Stories with Starlight was born from a longing to create something gentle and enchanting for our children, a world of stories that would not only spark imagination but nurture a deep connection with nature, kindness and inner peace. As a primary school teacher inspired by the philosophies of Steiner education, and as the former lead teacher at the Steiner kindergarten in Motueka, New Zealand, I had witnessed the power of storytelling in shaping young hearts and minds. I wanted to offer children who may not have the chance to experience the magical story times of Steiner education a gentle bridge, something that connects the ordinary to the extraordinary, nurturing a sense of wonder while staying grounded in care for the Earth and themselves.
I’ve always been drawn to magic, animals and the idea of a peaceful, balanced planet. These themes live in my lead character, Starlight, a celestial being devoted to protecting the Earth and all its creatures. As she puts it: “Our mission is to restore peace on Earth and freedom for all magical creatures (and earthly ones too!).”
A quote by Rudolf Steiner continues to guide me: “It is essential that we help children experience the world in such a way that they feel they belong to it, so that they can meet it with confidence. Books should open their hearts to the world, not close them off”.
From Dream to Page
The idea began taking root back in 2012, when I was living on Magnetic Island, surrounded by natural beauty and the desire to reconnect children with their inner light. I hand-bound my first book as an experiment, a tangible vision of what could be. Then life took over, and the stories lay dormant until I found the tools to self-publish.
Learning to navigate platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark gave me the confidence to bring my stories to life as quality paperbacks and hardcovers. I also launched my website, StoriesWithStarlight.com, and began showcasing the books at local markets. The positive response encouraged me to expand into other magical items, including backpacks, T-shirts, water bottles, keychains, and now, affirmation and bedtime ritual cards.
Bridging Worlds with Ritual
One of the most meaningful expansions was Bridget’s Bedtime Rituals cards. These emerged from a desire to support families in creating calm, mindful moments at bedtime. Inspired again by Steiner’s emphasis on rhythm and connection, these cards blend story with ritual, supporting emotional wellbeing through familiar routines.
And yes, Bridget Bantam herself was inspired by my son’s childhood pet bantam, a feisty little hen with a gentle heart. She’s now reimagined as a magical companion on the journey to peace and imagination.
