No comments about Easter In The Garden.

5 comments about The Very First Easter.

1. This book follows the same format as Paul Maier's companion book, The Very First Christmas. Maier embeds the story of the first Easter inside the story of a 10-year-old boy named Christopher, who lives with his mother and father, a forest ranger, in a remote area of America's western mountains. As Christopher and his parents are sitting around the table dying Easter eggs, Christopher wonders aloud what the true story of Easter is. His Dad picks up the Bible and the two of them begin to read aloud from the book of Luke.

   The narrative follows their discussion as they read, with Christopher asking questions that any child might typically ask -- "How do we know Jesus was really God?" "Why did they hang people on crosses, Dad?" "But if Jesus had a solid body and wasn't a ghost, how did he get through the walls?" Maier's format works well in this setting. Quotations from Luke tell the story, but the discussion between Christopher and his Dad explain the Easter story in a way that seems natural and easy to understand.

   While the text of this book is quite good, what makes this book a excellent addition to the Easter collection is the outstanding artwork of Francisco Ordaz. Beautiful, full page pictures take up the right hand side of each spread. These realistic and detailed illustrations do a superb job of furthering the viewer's understanding of the Easter story. Especially well done is a portrayal of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane and an illustration showing the women standing in amazement before the empty tomb. The Very First Easter is an wonderful book to share with a child, or anyone, who wonders what more there is to Easter than bunnies and painted eggs.




2. I believe that this is a good book to introduce children to the Christian faith. It is definately not a fiction. It lets us know and apreciate the passion, the sacrifice and love that our dear Lord suffered for salvation of the world. We celebrate Good Friday because on that Holy day, the Lord opened the gates of Heaven to all His people and reminds us how a wonderful God humbled Himself on the cross for the love of us to save us from eternal damnation. Any person who claims to read and know the Bible should agree with simple truths like this one. By the way If any Christian believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, It was the Catholic Church aproximately in the year 400 A.D who came with the decision that the gospels we read today are worthy for the faithful to believe. The Catholic Church never deceived any one when it comes to faith and morals, but rather lead them to holyness and sanctity and prepare the faithful to eternity which all of us Christians know is the destiny of mankind.



3. I was looking for a "real" Easter book for the kids. Found The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier. I can't tell you how much my girls LOVE this book. The format is a Mom and Dad telling their son about Easter based on scripture. Both the writing and the illustrations are just excellent!!!



4. Impressively enhanced with museum quality artwork by Francisco Ordaz, The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier has as its principle focus the story of Easter and the trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God's plan for the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ is showcased in a perfect picture book format for young readers. Winner of The Gold Medallion Book Award, The Very First Easter is ideal as a memorable parent-child bonding experience within the framework of an Easter celebration in Christian homes and communities.



5. I got this book to better explain to the kids the true meaning of Easter, something desparately needed in our culture of giant, chocolate-bearing bunnies. This book was an excellent idea in theory, but (unpopular opinion as I know it will be) the writing was just plain lame. Why does everything have to be "cool" when it's written for children. Ok, Christopher may have had a few good questions, but he also says, "ewwww," when Judas kissed Jesus. For this point alone I would have chosen not to read it to my boys - I don't want them thinking that there's anything wrong with 2 people kissing out of love and friendship, 2 men or otherwise and yes, even today (ok, I realize that's not why Judas did it, but that's beside the point).
   
   But there's more: The story starts out that little Chrissy doesn't want anything but "true" stories anymore. No more fairy tales for him. Again, why would I want to even introduce an idea as ridiculous as this - I want my boys reading and enjoying fiction for the rest of their lives and refuse to plant a dangerous idea like this into their heads.
   
   Overall, I found the text patronizing to children and chose not to read it at all to them. Granted the artwork was beautiful, but not worth the risk of putting drivel in front of my boys. (The artwork and the idea are what got the 3 stars.) We just went right to the bible and told the story and answered questions from there.

1 comments about The Cross in the Egg: The Easter Story Retold for Children.

1. This was a great book, that kind of snuck in Jesus amongst the animals, for children who will argue with you about reading another book about Jesus. This book touched me, too.

No comments about Song of the Morning: Easter Stories and Poems for Children.

No comments about The First Easter (Bible Story Time).

No comments about The Story of Easter (Little Golden Book).

2 comments about Strawberry Shortcake and the Easter Bonnet Parade: All Aboard Reading Station Stop 1 (Strawberry Shortcake).

1. "The Easter Bonnet Parade" is a "Strawberry Shortcake" Level 1 Station Stop book, designed to help younger readers learn to read. It's a pleasing Strawberry Shortcake story that can be enjoyed by any fan of the show.
   
   Strawberry and her friends are celebrating Easter. They decide to put on an Easter parade --- an Easter bonnet parade to be exact. They all have hats they can decorate to make into fun bonnets, well, all except one. It turns out that Honey Pie Pony doesn't have a hat, so she's worried she won't be able to join in. But Strawberry and her friends work together to help Honey Pie.



2. 
   This is a really sweet Strawberry Shortcake book. My girls really enjoyed it.

2 comments about The Velveteen Rabbit.

1. Any book with Lisa McCue's name as author or especially illustrator will be a winner with your little one. The bunnies are so winsome and adorable that this will become a favorite! The story is a classic and an easy to understand version for the younger child coupled with the wonderful illustrations, it will easily become a must read for you and your child!



2. I bought this for my daughter (age 2) because she loves the Lisa McCue bunny stories. This is such a beautiful and classic story. Lisa's illustrations are so real and details - you want to pick up the bunnies from the book and just hug them (as my daughter pretends to do). And since it is a board book - even better! Highly Recommended!

1 comments about The Royal Easter Tea Party.

1. This is a truly adorable little book. Help four bunny princesses (Rose, Tulip, Clover, and Lilac) find their extra special Easter eggs, and help them discover the surprises inside. Each page has a sparkly, 3 dimensional egg that opens up to reveal a hidden treasure. At the end, all the princess bunnies attend a royal Easter tea party.
   
   As all little girls do, my daughter loves princesses, glittery things, and surprises. This is another book she requests repeatedly. The story is sweet and very simple; the illustrations are opulent and quite lovely. It is also a very sturdy book. It has withstood many repeated viewings by young hands and still looks brand new.
   
   The Royal Easter Tea Party is the perfect Easter gift for your little princess.

1 comments about Duncan Carries a King: A Donkey's Tale (God Can Use Me Series).

1. Most of us search for purpose in our lives, and children are no exception to this. In the new book Duncan Carries a King (Kregel Kidzone, January 2005, hardcover, 32 pages) authors Dan Taylor and Damon J. Taylor introduce the character Duncan the Donkey. Duncan feels lost and useless, unable to ascertain his purpose in life. He looks around him and sees the friends he grew up with pursuing meaningful jobs that make a difference. He has a strong desire for God to use him in some way, but he sadly is unable to determine a vocation.
   
   Blending fiction with Biblical accounts, the authors introduce the story of Jesus sending his disciples to find a young donkey that he will ride into Jerusalem, fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah. Duncan the donkey learns that God does indeed have a purpose for his life - God has specifically chosen him to carry his son Jesus into Jerusalem. Duncan's triumphant entry into the holy city leaves him wondering what plan God has in store for him next.
   
   With bold illustrations and a plot that aligns closely with the New Testament account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Duncan Carries a King is the perfect tool for parents looking to teach children the message that God has given each of us unique and precious talents. Also included in the book is a special section for parents including objectives and discussion questions for parents or teachers. Children will love Duncan Carries a King for its creativity and the loveable Duncan. Parents will appreciate the book for its emphasis on prayer, patience, perseverance and a serving heart.