PDF - Christian Library Journal

Celebrate the Triumph of Easter
...with Books
by Lydia E. Harris
˘Hope! Triumph!
Victory! Celebration!
These joyous words describe Easter.
Although Christ’s resurrection is the
pivotal event of history, Easter is often
overshadowed by Christmas. Refocus on
the true significance of Easter by adding
some of these titles for children and
adults to your library collection.
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Children’s Books
1. BENJAMIN’S BOX by Melody Carlson
(Zonderkidz, 1997, ISBN 1-57673-139-1.
HB, 31 pages, $10.99)
Benjamin, a young boy who lives during the
days of Christ, wants to know who Jesus is.
As he follows Jesus during his last week on
earth, Benjamin gathers special reminders of
events for his treasure box. For example, a
bit of donkey fur reminds him of Jesus’ entry
on a colt. After Jesus’ death and resurrection,
Benjamin tells friends the Easter story using
his special treasures. But he realizes Jesus is
the real treasure. Use it in homes, churches,
and neighborhoods to share the true meaning
of Easter with children ages five to ten. Tips
for leading children to Christ are included.
FamilyLife’s collection of Resurrection Eggs
are available to accompany the story.
2. THE DAY JESUS DIED by Bryan Davis
(Concordia, 1998, ISBN 0-570-07543-2. PB,
16 pages, $1.99)
Although the story of Jesus’ death is often
difficult for young children to understand, this
Arch Book emphasizes it was part of God’s
plan. Written in poetry, it retells the events of
Jesus’ last day on earth and includes the
resurrection. Parents are encouraged to
explain to their children that Jesus’ death
shows his great love for us.
3. EASTER ABCs by Isabel Anders (Concordia,
2000, ISBN 0-570-07020-1. HB, 32 pages,
$7.99)
This cheerful book, with cut-out cover and
bright illustrations, shares the wonderful
events of Easter alphabetically. Children
ages four to seven will enjoy rhyming verses
that tell the Good News and reinforce the
alphabet.
4. EASTER BUNNY, ARE YOU FOR REAL?
by Harold Myra (Tommy Nelson, 1979, 1998,
ISBN 0-8499-1493-0. HB, 24 pages, $7.99)
In this story, a father explains the difference
between the commercial and biblical
meanings of Easter to his family. His
children learn the history behind the holiday
and that it’s all right to celebrate spring
festivities if they don’t overshadow the real
meaning of Easter-Jesus’ resurrection.
Written for children ages three to seven, this
book helps parents and children discover the
Easter that is central to our Christian faith.
5. AN EASTER HUNT: A Hide-and-Seek Story
by Sarah Reid Chisholm (Augsburg, 1994,
ISBN 0-8066-2740-9. PB, 32 pages, $6.99)
A mother tells her children why Easter is
special by hiding items that teach about
Jesus’ last week on earth. For example, a
shoe reminds them how Jesus washed his
disciples’ feet and taught them to serve one
another. Children three to eight will enjoy this
family Easter hunt with objects hidden amidst
detailed illustrations.
6. THE EASTER PROMISE by Brian Cochran
with text adapted by Lila Empson (Tommy
Nelson, 1998, ISBN 0-8499-5827-X. HB, 32
pages, $7.99)
Adapted from THE EASTER PROMISE
VIDEO, the story tells of three children who
witness Jesus’ triumphal entry, betrayal,
death, and resurrection. Although they
expected a mighty earthly king, seeing the
empty tomb and Jesus’ ascension into heaven
convince them he is the King above all kings.
7. JESUS by Rick Osborne and K. Christie
Bowler (Zondervan, 1998, ISBN 0-310-
22087-4. HB, 32 pages, $9.99)
Bible stories, facts, activities, and puzzles
provide creative tools to learn about Jesus’
life, love, and example. Part of the “I Want
to Know” series for children eight to twelve,
the first section tells of Jesus’ incarnation and
life on earth including his teachings and
miracles. The remainder covers the Last
Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Preteens will enjoy the youth-friendly writing
style plus full-color photos, graphics, and
cartoons. Included are a few practical
questions and answers plus how to become a
Christian and follow Jesus.
8. THE LEGEND OF THE EASTER EGG by
Lori Walburg (Zonderkidz, 1999, ISBN 0-
310-22447-0. HB, 32 pages, $14.99)
A young boy named Thomas must temporarily
live with another family when his sister
contracts scarlet fever. While there he learns
the legend behind the Easter egg and how it
relates to Christ’s resurrection. Just as chicks
break out of eggs, so Jesus broke free from
the tomb of death. Helpful background
information about traditions and symbols of
Lent and Easter are included. Suitable for
children four to eight, this beautiful book
should stimulate further adult-child
discussion about Easter.
9. MARY AND THE EMPTY TOMB by Alice
Joyce Davidson (Zondervan, 1998, ISBN 0-
310-97455-0. HB,12 pages, $3.99)
Colorful illustrations and rhyming verse make
this die-cut board book appealing for children
four and under. It tells the resurrection story
from Mary’s viewpoint, who found the tomb
empty. It concludes with the reassuring
words, “And Jesus loves YOU also and will
always be with YOU!”
10. THE PARABLE OF THE LILY by Liz Curtis
Higgs (Tommy Nelson, 1997, ISBN 0-7852-
7231-3. HB, 32 pages, $7.99)
A farmer secretly mails his daughter Maggie
a surprise present. Young Maggie is
disappointed with her gift of a bulb and dirt.
She waters the bulb for a while, then throws it
out the window. Easter morning she finds a
beautiful, fragrant lily blooming in her yard.
“The gift is alive!” she exclaims. When
Maggie learns the bulb was from her father,
she realizes her ungrateful attitude hurt him.
Her father’s response teaches her that Easter
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