Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide ― Part of the "Circle of Wonder" Series

by Laura Alary, Giuliano Ferri (illustrator)

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Many years have passed since Laura used to make her own books with manila paper, mucilage and crayons. Nowadays her books look much more professional, but the process of creating them is as much fun as it always was!

In her writing , Laura draws upon her background in Classics, theology and biblical studies, as well as her long-standing interest in ancient history, folklore, mythology, and science.

Her books are meant to teach and to entertain, but most of all, to encourage children to wonder about the world and to ask really big questions.

Laura's books include: All the Faces of Me (Owlkids, 2023); Here: The Dot We Call Home (Paraclete Press, 2022); Sun in My Tummy (Pajama Press, 2022); The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything (Kids Can Press, 2022); Breathe: A Child's Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Time (Paraclete Press, 2021); What Grew in Larry's Garden (Kids Can Press, 2020); Read, Wonder, Listen: Stories from the Bible for Young Readers (Wood Lake Books, 2018); Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas (Paraclete Press, 2017); Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter (Paraclete Press, 2016); How Do I Pray for Grandpa? (CopperHouse, 2014); Mira and the Big Story (Skinner House, 2012); Victor's Pink Pyjamas (CopperHouse, 2013); Jesse's Surprise Gift (CopperHouse, 2012); and Is That Story True? (CopperHouse, 2010).

Reviews

[Courtney Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Alary continues to write books that are wonderful intergenerational resources for families, worship and faith formation. Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide simple and clear, yet has many layers with poetic depth. It offers a marvelous balance of biblical storytelling, examples of faith in practice, and a deep connection with creation. The illustrations by Giuliano Ferri are subtle yet rich with colour and help the words come alive.

Laura doesn’t shy away from writing about all human emotions, even the hard ones. This gives space for children to articulate feelings that might be hard for them to put words. She also gives readers the ability to wonder and asking heart questions. Laura uses imagery that is accessible for all ages and helps complex theological ideas like resurrection become easy to grasp and relatable to everyday life. Laura helps the reader see themselves in the story and this is a true gift!
Courtney Morris Crawford, Presbyterian Minister & Parent

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm delighted with Laura Alary's newest book! Eastertide is the season between Easter and Pentecost, and encompasses 50 days. It is a season that is often neglected, and even unknown by many. While Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Lent are recognized and celebrated, the joyful season of Eastertide is often forgotten. As a pastor and a writer of children's books, I appreciate all of Laura's wonderful books in her "Circle of Wonder: Liturgical Year Resource Set" that explain the church seasons in lyrical text and in language for children that is also helpful for adults, including pastors and Christian educators. "Rise" shares a child's journey through the 50 day period, as she delights in the season and its joys while also figuring out what Easter means to her, personally. All church libraries should include this book, and it's a great resource for preachers, too! I highly recommend "Rise" and the rest of the books in the series.

[Tanya Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of transformation and change as we look for Jesus and the power of redemption even after making mistakes is thoughtfully and powerfully communicated throughout this book. Laura Alary brings the significance of Easter into focus as important for the here and now, not just something that happened a long time ago. She connects the different experiences of the season of death and grief, mystery, amazement and gently leads readers to reflect and ponder the depth of the Easter season and the hope and new life it truly brings. More than just communicating the story of Easter, this book offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of resurrection in ways that invite both children and adults to be transformed.
As with all her books in this series I highly recommend adding this one to your library at church and home.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rise, we find a theologically grounded, beautifully articulated (and illustrated) book that is really accessible to children. The stories of Easter are described so well, I may quote them in my sermons! Somehow, she makes Easter concrete, while artfully sliding in kids questions about the death of a loved one, and forgiveness. I'm looking forward to sharing parts of Rise during children's time at church, and with our leaders of Kids Club. I also think it would be a perfect Easter gift for your child or grandchild.

[Gayle Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Alary masterfully shows children that in the ordinary things of their own lives—including the painful things—they can hear the Biggest Mystery of all singing. Resurrection is everywhere and for everyone. I especially liked the gentle encouragement that we can trust our hearts to sense the presence of the Living Christ.