The season of Lent is such a beautiful season! It is the time when we prepare our hearts for the most important events in a Christian's life, the death, and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, we spend a lot of time reflecting on our sins and our need for a savior. We also spend time learning about what Easter is all about. Books were one of the best ways to help my children to prepare their hearts for the coming of Easter.
We kept our favorite Lenten books in a box in the attic. On Ash Wednesday, I would bring in the box of books and place them in a basket in the living room. The kids were always so excited to see these books that had been stored away! Each child would grab their favorite and for the next couple of hours, there would be complete silence as they looked through the books. The books were a powerful teaching tool to help my children understand what Easter is really about.
Today I am sharing some of my favorite Lenten children's books that your family can use during the season of Lent. I hope they are a blessing!
Twas the Season of Lent by Glenys Nellist
Y'all know by now that Glenys Nellist is one of my favorite children's books authors! I love her "Twas" series and am so happy that she has just released her latest in the series, Twas the Season of Lent! 'Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. This book focuses on Jesus's mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to.
The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith
Brian Wildsmith's books are some of my favorites. His illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! The Easter Story tells the story of the last days of Jesus' life, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, as seen through the eyes of a small donkey. It is such a sweet story!
The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano
Anthony DeStefano begins his telling of Christ’s triumphant entry by introducing a young donkey who has yet to realize his important mission. The lowly creature believes he can do nothing noble, but that’s before he meets the Master...
Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary.
Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God. This unique book integrates themes of hospitality and self-giving that echo Jesus’ life. Make Room invites children to wonder about the story, to encounter Lent with all their senses, and to experience activities in Lent as part of a life of discipleship.
The Story of Easter by Alexa Tewkesbury
Alexa Tewkesbury offers a timeless retelling of the Easter story. The story moves from Palm Sunday to the Last Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection. Your children will learn about the Easter story in a memorable, engaging way, and gain a new understanding of why we celebrate Easter.
Humphrey's First Palm Sunday by Carol Heyer
Humphrey the Camel is part of a traveling caravan, thinking up ways to become the leader of the pack. As the caravan makes its way to Jerusalem, they witness Jesus entering the city. Humphrey is delighted to see Jesus. Beautiful and engaging, this book is a wonderful way to introduce the events of Palm Sunday.
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by Mike Berenstain
My children loved the Berenstain Bears! The book teaches that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as you read about the Bear cubs at Sunday school learning about Jesus’ resurrection and salvation.
The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier
Follow along with Christopher, a ten-year-old boy who only wants the real stories of Christian holidays. His family sits him down and reads him the story of Easter straight from the Gospel of Luke.