Writing & Publications

Some things we teach. Some things we learn. And some things we can only begin to understand through words.

Reading Golden Sparkles together

My Relationship with Writing

Writing has always been a space for exploration, expression and discovery. A place where I can question, imagine, reflect and make sense of the world around me.

My writing moves between children’s literature, educational publications and poetry, each offering a different way of connecting with ideas, experiences and emotions.

While my educational writing is rooted in professional experience, poetry gives me the freedom to explore the complexities of being human, often finding words for the awareness that emerges through inner reflection.

Children’s Literature

Golden Sparkles (2018)

Golden Sparkles marked an important chapter in my journey as a published children’s author inspired by the journey of mindfulness in the classroom.

Through children’s literature, I hope to create stories that engage children’s imaginations while leaving space for curiosity, conversation and reflection.

Discover Golden Sparkles
Golden Sparkles — An introduction to mindfulness, by Catarina R. Peterson

Testimonials

Kate Beddow

Kate Beddow (Calmer Classrooms)

“Golden Sparkles is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have ever read. Its simple but powerful message is so needed in a world which is increasingly drowning in technology and stress. By teaching children to be more mindful and tune into their inner wisdom from an early age, we give them skills for life. There are no better gifts than those of self awareness and calm. This book will provide children with both.”

Kailey and Josianne

Kailey and Josianne (Educalme Podcast)

“We absolutely LOVE this book! Not only is it beautiful but it’s also educational. It teaches little ones about mindfulness using the idea of golden sparkles – sensations in the body. SO PERFECT! Reading through this book and looking through the wonderful and calming images, you can’t help but take long, deep breaths.”

Dr. Peter Montminy

Dr. Peter Montminy Child Psychologist and Mindfulness Teacher (A Mindful Village)

“This book guides your child on a magical journey of self-discovery into the wisdom of one’s own mind and body – found simply by noticing the sparkling gifts of life all around us and within us.”

Neila Steele

Neila Steele (Mindfulness Teacher & Practitioner)

“Catarina R. Peterson has created a lovely way for both adults and children to pause & practice the sparkling potential of being mindful each and every day.”

Educational Writing & Publications

My professional writing is an extension of my work as an educator and my belief that education must nurture both the mind and the heart.

Some of my Publications include:

  • The Benefits of Playful Learning (IB World Magazine, 2020)
  • The IB Learner Profile in Action: A Mindful Journey of Pre-Schoolers – IB PYP Blog (2018)
  • The Why Not? of Mindfulness in Education – The Pursuit of Mindfulness (2018)
Cat Peterson with Adrian Bethune holding Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom and Golden Sparkles
Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom — Second Edition (Bloomsbury)

Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom — Second Edition (2023)

I love collaborating with fellow authors and exchanging ideas. It was a pleasure to contribute to Adrian Bethune’s mindfulness chapter, sharing my experience of how children engage with mindfulness to develop emotional awareness and self-regulation.

Explore

Poetry — Reflections on Being Human

Poetry occupies a different space in my writing.

It is where I allow myself to be more vulnerable, where memories surface, emotions find expression and questions do not always need answers.

I write about love and grief, belonging and identity, relationships, change and the contradictions of being human. Some poems emerge from mindful moments of joy and gratitude; others are born from loss, uncertainty or the need to understand an experience that has left its mark.

Poetry reminds me that we do not always need to resolve an experience to find meaning in it. Sometimes, giving it words is enough.

Read My Poetry

  • Fine LineIn silence I honour this pain. / Whilst in the quiet of uncertainty, I can still grasp on to gratitude. …Read
  • HomeOnly when you allow yourself to witness the truthfulness of nature, / Will you fully understand the meaning of true freedom where all limits are unbound. …Read
  • ImpermanenceTemporary is the sunrise / Temporary is the sunset …Read
  • Twenty First Century LivingSociety’s confined us to boxes, / And now we seek liberty. …Read
  • The EndThe end in near my Dear, / And so is the fear that fogged your sight along your healing Plight. …Read
  • TogethernessTogether. / Together we walk …Read

Poetry — Kindred Spirit (September/October 2019)

Three of my poems, Heaven, Shedding and Thy Mother, were featured in the Writer’s Work section of Kindred Spirit magazine, exploring themes of nature, awareness and our inner emotional landscapes.

Kindred Spirit magazine, Writer’s Work: three poems by Catarina R. Peterson

Let’s Connect Through Words

I welcome opportunities to connect with publishers, editors, literary organisations and fellow writers, as well as collaborations that bring stories, poetry and educational ideas to new audiences.

Enquire About Writing & Collaborations