For Christians, Easter represents the pinnacle of joy and celebration throughout the year. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and His victory over sin and death. The wonder of this event extends beyond a single day, giving rise to an entire season dedicated to Easter. Throughout these fifty days, known as the Easter season, we immerse ourselves in the magnificence of the resurrection. We feast, sing, and rejoice in the new life granted to us through Christ. As Wendell Berry says, "We practice resurrection."
One of the best ways to practice resurrection in our homes is by reading wonderful books on Easter to our children. The books are a powerful teaching tool to help children understand what Easter is all about and to help them remember that we are in a season of praise and thanksgiving for the resurrection of Jesus.
I kept our favorite Easter books in a box in the attic. On Easter morning, I would bring in the box of books and place them in a basket in the living room. My 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.
Today I wanted to share some of my favorite children's books for Easter that your family can use during the season. I hope they are a blessing!
Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist
Y'all know by now that Glenys Nellist is one of my favorite children's book authors! I love her "Twas" series, including Twas the Morning of Easter! 'The book reveals the joy and beauty of the resurrection of Jesus in a fresh, inspiring way. Using the classic cadence of Clement Moore's iconic poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," this gorgeous picture book shares the true story of Easter with little ones with read-aloud rhymes and engaging illustrations by Elena Selivanova.
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 First Easter by Carol Heyer
Award-winning artist Carol Heyer brings her brilliant illustrations to the pages of this beautiful retelling of the Easter story. This inspiring book takes the young reader from Christ's birth through His life, His death, and His Resurrection.
The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhouse
One Easter morning, Katy and Carl went on an egg hunt through Grandmom's house. Katy couldn't find anything until she went up to the attic. And there she discovered a very special set of eggs...
Grandmom had painted them when she was a little girl. And now, she hung them from the branches of a tiny tree -- an Egg Tree! So began a very special Easter tradition.
This Caldecott Medal-winning story of a Pennsylvania Dutch Easter will surely inspire children to make Egg Trees of their very own.
My First Easter by Tomie de Paola
Celebrate the holiday with this charming book from the legendary Tomie dePaola. This board book is the perfect size for little hands.
The importance of family and sharing are beautifully shown in this board book all about Easter celebrations. Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations and easy-to-follow text explain the traditions associated with this special holiday.
Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Old Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka's lovingly crafted eggs.
But the next morning Babushka has a surprise awaiting her in the basket. She cries: "A miracle!" It is one of many in this charmingly told tale of friendship and caring.
With vibrant illustrations, Patricia Polacco has joyously re-created the flavor of Old Moscow and its festivals. The eggs, stunningly colored and intricately designed, are authentic reproductions of eggs painted in the Ukrainian style. Rechenka's Eggs is a timeless story of classic beauty.