The Story of Easter: A Christian Easter Book for Kids

ISBN 030798902x - Well. Color me shocked. I just reviewed The Easter Story (Storyland Books), which is an Easter story based on Mark. I would have thought that a children's Easter book based on the bible would've been the best kind possible, but it wasn't very good. So I wasn't expecting much, at all, from a Little Golden Book. And... wow, was I wrong! Because the story is so well-known, I'm not going to re-cap it much: Jesus and his followers go to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, where he announces that one of them will betray him. Judas does and Jesus is crucified. Three days later, he rises from the dead and tells his mother and Mary Magdalene to bring his followers to Galilee. There, he tells his disciples to spread his teachings and promises to be with them, always. Failings: the book doesn't mention that Jesus is a Jew, but does have him and his disciples celebrating Passover. Some parents might be bothered by "The people of Judea hated the Roman rulers..." for the use of the word "hated". When the Marys go to the tomb, they are told Jesus is not there, but they never look for themselves, which makes no sense. Positives: The book dances around how Jesus died, but at least mentions it. "There he was crucified in the Roman fashion... This leaves out details young children don't really need to know just yet. The book explains why Judas sold out Jesus (for money), the first time I've seen it brought up in a kids' book. The mention of both Marys, as well as Joseph of Arimathea was nice, leaving the door open to more biblical teachings. The final 9 pages are dedicated to explanations. First, Holy Week and the days that make it up, including Easter, are explained. The cross as a symbol, the Resurrection, the Madonna lily, Easter eggs... even how the name "Easter" came from a pagan (they say "ancient") celebration of spring. The last two pages have some information about Easter in other countries (outside the United States). Author Jean Miller really did a superb job with this telling, and this is from a non-Christian! The illustrations, by Debbie Pinkney-Davis are very attractive without being cartoon-y colorful. All in all... I'm sticking with "wow!" - AnnaLovesBooks