Picture books to read for the Easter season

Easter is the most important holiday of the year. Lent and Holy Week give us time to reflect, pray and think about all the sacrifices Jesus made.  These books are a great collection of books to help children understand the importance of sacrifice Jesus made for us. I love the variety of these books to read aloud or read with your children.

1.   “Twice Yours” by Nan Gurley:   In this story a grandfather tells his grandson the story about a boat he made.  After losing it, another boy found it near the river.  He gave the boy everything he had to buy back his boat. The boat was so special because it was twice his, once when he made and once when he bought it.  After telling the story, grandpa gives his grandson a cross he carved.  He tells him the cross is a reminder of the one who made him and bought him. Jesus made you and bought you, with his life.  This is a simple and easy way to explain to kids all Jesus did for us. 

2.  “Little Rose of Sharon” by Nan Gurley: This is the story of a beautiful rose that sacrifices all to save a dove egg. Soon Jesus will come and sacrifice everything to save us sinners.  Another wonderful story that explains all Jesus sacrificed for us. 

3.   “The Easter Swallows” by Vicki Howie:  Two swallows observe all the events of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.  I love how simply this book explains the story of Jesus for children. We love to read this each year.

4.  “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt   Three trees dream of what they wanted to do as they waited.  Eventually three woodcutters came to transform the trees.  See how these trees were turned into the most amazing and important parts of the story of Jesus

5.  “The Easter Cave” by Carol Wedeven:  This book is full of repetition, which is great for early readers. The story tell of the events of Jesus from crucifixion to resurrection.  

6. “The Selfish Giant”  by Oscar Wilde:  The selfish giant shows children that not allowing others in your life does not allow you to experience all the goodness of our world.  He soon discovers how much joy all around him can bring.  

7.  “The Story of the Cross” by Mary Joslin:  Each station of the cross is covered in a detailed way that is easy for children to understand.  A great book to read during Fridays in Lent.  

8.“The Easter Eggs for Anya” by Virginia Kroll:  Anya discovers fours abandoned eggs and saves them to decorate for Easter.  But, when they hatch she has no eggs to decorate.  Until her father returns home.  How wonderful Spring is as it brings new life, just as Jesus gave us new life with his sacrifice. 

9. “The Donkey that No One Could Ride” by Anthony De Stefano:  Little donkey is not able to do much as he is so small.  Until one day Jesus shows him how important he is as the donkey carries him into the city of Palm Sunday. 

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