This collection of Easter books for kids will give you plenty of reading fodder leading up to the holiday season. In addition, these Easter books for kids make a great addition to their Easter baskets. Grab a handful of jelly beans and sit down for a fun story time!
What Is Easter?
Where it lost my son and I was when it said that Jesus was crucified on a tree. You don’t have to be Christian for that to make you say WHAT? My son interrupted my reading and said: “You are tricking. No, he died on a cross!” ( glad he listens in church!) So I discussed it on twitter and while the poetry of it is apparent, as a mom and former Sunday School teacher, let’s give the kids the basics and then branch out into discussions about interpretations later. If you have this book I’d love to hear your take.
*Interestingly as I said, I reviewed this book years ago and gave it a positive review and didn’t mention the tree, nor do I remember it being an issue. My only explanation is I read it as poetic language and as an adult, it didn’t phase me, and as a toddler, my son didn’t stop me reading it like he did today at 4.
Ollie’s Easter Eggs (a Gossie & Friends book)
Where Are Baby’s Easter Eggs?
The Story of Easter
laura@art4littlehands says
I actually learned once that many believe that he did actually die on a tree not a cross. The cross has become a symbol of his death so for many that would be a concept that would bother them.
In Acts 5:30, the apostle Peter used the word “xylon”, meaning “tree,†It was not until about 300 years after Jesus’ death that some Christians promoted the idea that Jesus was put to death on a two-beamed cross. However, this view was based on tradition and a misuse of the Greek word stauros — the word used in Matthew, Mark, and Luke referring to the place Jesus died (stauros meaning pole or stake.) Some ancient drawings depicting Roman executions feature a single wooden pole or tree. My religion believes he died on a stake not a cross. Jehovah Witnesses believe it was on a tree.
Anyway, the important thing is not that he died on a cross, tree, or stake. If you believe in him then the important thing is that he died and then lived again.
admin says
As I dug further I found the same things. There is some pretty heated debate if you google it . As far as the review goes though I still think that it’s an important thing to note as most children young enough to be reading a board book would not be old enough to understand the issue of biblical translations and interpretation. However a quick switch of the word or disscussion if a parent wants will suffice.
Marci says
Thanks so much for all your book reviews. I have found so many great books from your site. I so often am opening up my library website to place a request as I read your posts.
Carin S. says
Do you know The Country Bunny and The Little Gold SHoes? MY all-time favorite Easter picture book. A classic! Lovely story and teaches a few excellent lessons without being pedantic.
Brenda says
Long time reader…first time comment. I am so glad you have mixed feelings about “What is Easter.” My girls received it as a gift for their first Easter. Just a piece of advice for those looking for Easter books to give to little ones, unless you are comfortable with the family’s religious beliefs and affiliations please don’t give this book as a gift. The ideas of death and resurrection are huge IMO and not something I wanted introduced to my children in the manner it was presented. We’ve put the book away for now. Thanks for all your posts, insight, projects, etc. You are an inspiration!!
Danielle says
I guess it wouldn’t bother me either way since as the first poster stated- what matters is he died and lived again. And it just reminded me of the Christmas story of the three trees (one of which becomes the cross) so I just thought tree=wood=cross. That would be an explanation that a young child could understand. Thanks for the heads up though and for all of your great reviews!
Apex says
Great Reviews Thank you