Reviews

The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins

corriespondent's review

5.0

The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins is another library book that I intend to purchase! It is such a beautiful book — pictures and words — about God, humans, and the four elements, woven together to tell the story of creation, chaos, redemption, and restoration. The relationship between humans and nature shapes the narrative, and the illustrations by the Howdeshells give shape to the words in gorgeous color and texture.

lifeisstory's review

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

 

Air. Water. Earth. Fire. In Greek philosophy, these were the four elements that comprise the Universe. Using that concept, The Story of Us offers a Creation retelling that purposefully connects humanity intimately to the universe in which they were created. They were for Us. We were for Them. Critically-acclaimed author Mitali Perkins exults over the Edenic paradise, highlighting humanity’s connection with nature, in poetic and powerful language that is accompanied by some incredible illustrations. 

 

But then…We said: “No, Creator!” We said: “No Creator.” And with that, we went from being in harmony with Creation to fighting against it. Perkins emphasizes the struggle with nature, the tragedy of natural disasters, the attempts to subdue the earth and rule it through technological advances. It’s poignant and harsh. 

 

But…One day, Redeemer came…And the script flips again, as The Story of Us speaks about how Jesus’s use of the natural elements in his healings and ministry foreshadowed a day when we would brought back into harmony with Creation. 

 

There’s a lot going on in this book. A lot of unpack. And it works on multiple levels. Your youngest kids will be drawn in by the enrapturing illustrations, done by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell. Those slightly older and beginning to read will find The Story of Us accessible with a few challenges that will add to their vocabulary. And those of all ages can have conversations about the theme of The Story of Us and humanity’s connection with nature. 

 

In a world that seems increasingly disconnected from nature, or whose encounters with nature are more of the subdue/dominate kind instead of nurture/love, The Story of Us is a reminder of how we are part of Creation and that we are meant to both join with creation and join with the Creator in collaborating together a world of flourishing.