The Easter Story

I originally checked this book out from the library for my son last Easter. My husband and I were so impressed we bought it this year for him as a gift. The illustrations positively glow. And, the story line is captivating and easy to follow, unlike other children's versions I've read. It's a beautiful book that my two year-old will continue to enjoy for many Easters to come.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and make you think differently about the Easter story. I had never really thought about there being so many people there watching it all happen. It's a beautiful family book, for everyone to gather around and read.

We use this book in our church school classes, mostly because of the way it depicts the events of Holy Week. The illustrations often take a panoramic perspective, giving the sense of the crowds in Jerusalem during the Passover. The story is told from the point of view of the little donkey that Jesus rode into the city on. This is somewhat distracting but the wonderful illustrations make this much more of a discussion than a read story. There are some illustrations that are not quite true to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus - the trial before Pilot is held in a strange amphitheater setting, but the view of the Last Supper is right on target. The best part about the book is the way the angels (in all their glory) watch over the events. For young children the ideas of the crucifixtion are particularly alarming. Here the sky is filled with angels that remind us that Jesus was never abandon during this horrible time. The scene at the Tomb gives an interesting interpretation of all the gospel versions with angels sitting atop the tombstone, hovering aloft and waiting inside. This book does a wonderful job of supporting discussion and deepening mediation.

We bought this book because my daughter became very upset at the thought of having to return it to the library! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is an excellent adaptation of the Bibilical story of Easter - beginning with the Triumphal entry and going on to Jesus' ascension.

I am so glad that I purchased this book for my children! The story is written in a very simple and straightforward way which is easy for children to understand. This book could be a very useful tool in opening up biblical discussions for the whole family. The illustration is beautiful and captivating.