the story
Rooted in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach sees children as natural learners—eager explorers who absorb knowledge from their environment. By creating intentional, supportive spaces, Montessori empowers young minds to thrive and grow.
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the lesson
Stardust and You is a captivating children’s book that introduces young readers to the wonders of the universe—showing them that they are, quite literally, made of stars. The very elements in their bodies were born from a giant star’s brilliant explosion, known as a supernova.
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the author
Carol Gamble is a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and Montessori-trained educator with a passion for nurturing a child's sense of wonder through nature and exploration. She created Stardust and You as a space for children to discover where life comes from and feel awe in the process.
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the art
Sandy Vaillancourt is a Santa Fe–based artist known for her vibrant watercolor, oil, and mixed media paintings inspired by French Fauvism and the Southwest. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and has been an artist-in-residence at La Fonda Hotel for over 14 years.
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the exhibit
Developed in collaboration with Flying Fish, a renowned traveling exhibition producer, Stardust: The Universe and You is a dynamic and interactive journey designed to bring the story of the universe to life. Through scientific discovery, hands-on exploration, and endless play, the experience reveals how everything—from the smallest atom to the farthest star—is intricately linked.
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