Picture Book: Mira and
the Big Story
Author: Laura Alary
Illustrator: Sue Todd
Summary: Mira’s village is in a valley, one of two on
either side of a river.
The two sets of villagers are enemies because of
differing origin stories. One involves the King of Heaven and some enormous
birds.
Across the river, their story is of the Queen of the Earth and giant
turtles.
As each village celebrates aspects of their beginning, the other complains:
That is not how the story
goes!
This is our valley.
It was a gift to us.
We belong here.
There is no room for the
Others.
Although they’re enemies, curious Mira often watches the other
villagers from a tree. Sometimes she sneaks across the river and is struck by the
familiarity. While on the other side, Mira gets hurts.
Immediately, a boy greets
her and helps her back to her side. He has been watching Mira and commends her
for having the courage to cross over. Before crossing back home, he says he
wishes they would meet again.
Confused, Mira visits Old Alfred, who is wise and
kind and willing to hear her big question: “Are the stories wrong?”
Old Alfred
explains that stories can make you bigger or smaller, depending on how much
space they take up in your mind and heart. That determines whether there is
room for new stories, new people, and new ideas.
Then he says, “There will
never be peace in this valley until the people in both villages find a story
big enough for all of them.” Old Alfred offers Mira such a story.
All matter began small, the size of a chestnut. With the light of pure energy, stars were made.
Stars exploded and became the source of everything, including their valley,
river, and two villages.
Now, they are all neighbors, with the same origin. Old
Alfred explains that his story is big enough to allow for Mira’s curiosity and
the boy’s open-hearted kindness.
Such a story allows Mira to look forward to
sharing the big story with the boy and other children and grownups who might
cross the river with her.
Hanna’s Comments: Recently I read this wonderful book to my adult Sunday school class. They
loved the story and the woodcut illustrations. After reading, I simply asked
them to find connections to our church’s 6 priorities:
Practicing Hospitality
Embodying Diversity
Doing Justice
Encouraging Authenticity
Creating an Inclusive Community
Embracing Tough Questions
Each priority is grounded in scripture. More about that can be
found [here]. Laura Alary is a Canadian writer whose other books I highly
recommend. They can be found on her website [here] or at Amazon [here]. PBT was
privileged to have Laura write a guest post in which she talked about the
inspiration for her books. It’s a great read! Check it out [here].
Original Publisher & Date: Skinner House Books, 2013
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and
up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Check out the link above
of my church’s priorities; …and so he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25-37)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group
of children or adults when exploring the concept of truth, the value of diverse
perspectives, or the importance of being neighborly.
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