Queen of Easter

Ann Estelle Stories

by Mary Engelbreit

With the neighborhood Easter Parade coming up, Ann Estelle dreams of wearing a hat covered with ribbons and pretty flowers galore. But when her mother gives her a plain straw hat instead, she wonders how she can be the Queen of Easter in a hat like that! Luckily Ann Estelle has plenty of ideas up her sleeve, and nothing could be more fun than watching her get to work on her masterpiece. But the magic of spring brings unexpected visitors, who make a hat so cute that not even Ann Estelle would want to compete! Mary Engelbreit's irrepressible alter ego is back in a story full of all the warmth and humor that her many fans have come to expect. Perfect for tucking in Easter baskets or reading aloud on the porch swing, this Ann Estelle story is just in time for spring!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 24, 2006

About the author

Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more.

Mary’s New York Times bestselling The Night Before Christmas is part of the holiday tradition for families across the country. Other beloved additions to a child’s first bookshelf are her New York Times bestselling Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose and Mary Engelbreit's Nursery Tales, which are perfect companions to this volume.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I actually thought this story was written better than most of Engelbreit's forays in to children's literature. And, of course, the illustrations are very cute if you're a ME fan (I am!) I love the idea of creativity in this story and how Ann Estelle has to make her own "perfect" Easter bonnet, not just get handed everything she wants. But, I found it a little annoying that she received no reprimand for leaving the new Easter bonnet her mom bought for her outside--nor did she apologize for doing so. Of course, it leads to a very cute twist to the story and a happy ending, but, still, I'd have liked a bit more personal responsibility and respect for her parents' money shown.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because she makes her old hat from last year become a new hat so she can become Queen of Easter. And she says "maybe let's put a new ribbon on," and she didn't just put a new ribbon on, she put lots of new stuff on, like hat stuff, beautiful hat stuff, and so nothing fell off because she just put some eggs on. She needs to balance it very carefully. And it's also super heavy, so another reason, so it won't fall off her head so the eggs won't be broken... or the flowers... or so nothing falls off, either. "Uh-uh, nothing's gonna fall off my hat, because it doesn't have any heavy stuff, it has one ribbon. HONK HONK! Well, not that kind of ribbon. Ribbons, that's it!"

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. An Easter story to share with children which is non-religious. A little girl leaves her new, very plain Easter hat outside and a bird uses it for her nest. That is the very best Easter hat ever!

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed this book. Not excellent children's lit, but a nice spring story - includes a bird nesting in her hat.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter Ella loves this book and all other Mary Engelbreit books. The stories are always cute & sweet. The the artwork is vintage looking and great!

[Anamosa Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Mary Engelbrett book. It will make all young girls
Want to decorate a Easter Hat.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

2026 Reading Alphabet Challenge (Kids' Edition): Q

This is a quaint story about a girl who wants the "perfect" hat for the Easter parade and is less than enthusiastic about the hat her parents buy for her. Although it glosses over the girl's lack of responsibility for the hat her parents gave her (chalk it up to a "happy accident," maybe), it does teach children about the importance of personal initiative, creativity, having an interest in/appreciation of nature, and modesty.

I was very surprised to find out that this book was not written in the 80s —the artwork definitely has that vintage aesthetic, which is cool. I also appreciate that it is a non-religious Easter book.

My daughter and I agreed that it is a three-star book: good, but nothing amazing.

[Nicoleta]

Ouă albastru deschis, margarete și crini pe pălăria care devine prea grea.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this charming book. Anne Estelle seeks the perfect hat for the Easter parade. Mary Engelbreit has delivered a sweet story and her illustrations are adorable.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ann Estelle isn't the biggest fan of the new Easter bonnet her mom gets her, finding it too plain. She ends up making her own and accidentally finding another use for the one her mom got. A cute story for Easter with Mary Engelbreit's signature illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute! Love the illustrations and the story is sweet too.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute pictures in this Easter story by Mary Englebreit

[Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dial-a-story at the library.