I Am God’s Storyteller

I was immediately drawn to the title of a children’s picture book recently published by Paraclete Press: I Am God’s Storyteller written by Lisa M. Hendey with colorful and cheerful illustrations by Eric Carlson. In my work with those in children’s ministry, I often tell them that they are privileged to be part of a long line of storytellers who share the story of God and Jesus with the next generation.

I Am God’s Storyteller focuses on a young girl who has been given gifts and talents to share God’s stories so the world will know God’s love. She emphasizes that “Our world needs storytellers, now, more than ever, to fill our homes and communities with peace, love, and joy” and states that everyone tells stories in their own way and can find a special story that’s “perfect for them just as they are.”

The book then turns to the Bible, showing how God’s message has been shared since the beginning of creation by storytellers such as Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Esther, and David. We’re told that Isaiah shared with people stories that were hard to hear but also promised God would send them a savior as a sign of God’s great love for them.

Those who lived when Jesus was on earth were also storytellers and Jesus’ ministry was his “storytelling mission.” After Jesus went to heaven, his stories were passed on to others who shared them until the storytelling “grew and grew.” The charming illustrations of the biblical storytellers include our storytelling girl and her friends, showing how powerful storytelling puts us into the midst of stories and makes them come alive for us.

The author then tells those reading her book that it is now their turn to be God’s special storytellers. This can be done not only by writing words or telling stories out loud but also through art, music, games, and acting. Illustrations of the storytelling girl and her friends show them using these various methods to enthusiastically share God’s stories.

The book ends with these encouraging words.

My stories are God’s stories,
told my way, with the
imagination he gave especially
to me, and the love he pours
into each of us.

I am God’s storyteller – and
you are, too.

Let’s go share his story of
love today!

There is also a list of ways to build a love for storytelling in children provided for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.