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Catherine's Pascha: A Celebration of Easter in the Orthodox Church
Catherine's Pascha is a beautiful children's picture book about a perfectly ordinary young girl at Pascha, the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter.
Catherine doesn't like vegetables. She doesn't like naps. She doesn't like it when her mom combs her hair. She loves hot dogs, chocolate cake, and her best friend, Elizabeth. Most of all, she loves Pascha!
Pascha! It's celebrated in the middle of the night, with processions and candles and bells and singing. And Catherine insists that she's not a bit sleepy.
Catherine doesn't like vegetables. She doesn't like naps. She doesn't like it when her mom combs her hair. She loves hot dogs, chocolate cake, and her best friend, Elizabeth. Most of all, she loves Pascha!
Pascha! It's celebrated in the middle of the night, with processions and candles and bells and singing. And Catherine insists that she's not a bit sleepy.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Riggle
5 books32 followersWhen Charlotte Riggle was growing up, her family moved frequently. She never knew what to say when people asked where she was from. Did they want to know where she was born? Where she had lived most recently? Where she had lived the longest?
She hasn't moved as often as an adult, so those questions are now easier to answer. She was born in Oxford, Mississippi. She's currently living in the Pacific Northwest, between Seattle and Mount Rainier. She's lived here longer than she's lived anywhere.
Her children are mostly grown now. She and her husband share a charming old house full of books and music, laughter and joy.
She hasn't moved as often as an adult, so those questions are now easier to answer. She was born in Oxford, Mississippi. She's currently living in the Pacific Northwest, between Seattle and Mount Rainier. She's lived here longer than she's lived anywhere.
Her children are mostly grown now. She and her husband share a charming old house full of books and music, laughter and joy.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 30, 2023
Please note that while the author is a GR friend, I was not asked to provide a review for Catherine's Pascha (in fact, I had already downloaded a Kindle version before Charlotte Riggle accepted my friendship request, and I then proceeded to also purchase a print copy, as the Kindle version was just a bit too hard on my aging eyes).
Charlotte Riggle's Catherine's Pascha is a glowing, evocative, and yes, in all ways simply wonderful, informative basic introduction to Orthodox Easter (Pascha) celebrations (both historical and contemporary in scope, the narrative clearly presents and demonstrates just how truly universal Eastern Orthodoxy is, reaching from Alaska to the Middle East and Northern Africa, from Asia to North America). Encased in an engaging framework of how Catherine and her family celebrate Pascha (and what constitutes Orthodox Easter/Pascha celebrations, not just the church service itself, but also the long fasting period that happens beforehand and the joyful post church feasting), I so much enjoy the smooth and flowing combination of fact and fiction (and very much appreciate the informative and detailed author's note with the supplemental links to even more information, recipes and such, although as a hopeless academic, I would have also liked a detailed bibliographical list of recommendations for further reading, but guess what, I always want and tend to ask for that). And just a small nugget of additional knowledge (and I hope you do not mind this, Charlotte), that while the English word Easter is definitely based on Eostre and Eosturmonath (Eostre was likely an ancient Germanic goddess of spring), the German word for Easter, Ostern, is actually also based on the same, which is really rather interesting and intriguing, considering that in most other Germanic languages, the word for Easter is based on Pesach, Pascha, Paques and such, is based on, is taken from the Hebrew (or perhaps actually even the Aramaic).
Now while personally, I happen to especially adore and love the addition of parts of the Orthodox liturgy (surrounding the main illustrations of Catherine's Pascha), I also do realise that this might be problematic and uncomfortable for and perhaps even considered as inappropriate by those vehemently anti-religious or so set in their own religious ways as to not be willing or able to consider any deviance from their own beliefs and dogma as acceptable (although truly, the liturgy parts are very unobtrusive and at least for me, provide a beautiful and enchanting spiritually enlightening, uplifting accompaniment to both text and images). And finally, with regard to R.J. Hughes' illustrations, while colour wise, they are actually a bit too pink and purple hued to be considered personal aesthetic favourites, they do provide a simply marvellous (and light infused) mirror to and for Charlotte Riggle's narrative, to and for the story of Catherine's and her family's Pascha, both complementing the same, as well as vividly expanding upon the written words by having as their background almost twenty Orthodox churches and cathedrals from all over the world (however, I did and do have to wonder and with expectant sadness whether the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus, Syria still exists, whether it has not been destroyed by bombs and the cultural hatred of ISIS extremism, but thankfully, according to information provided to me by the author, at present, the Mariamite Cathedral has not been damaged or destroyed).
Charlotte Riggle's Catherine's Pascha is a glowing, evocative, and yes, in all ways simply wonderful, informative basic introduction to Orthodox Easter (Pascha) celebrations (both historical and contemporary in scope, the narrative clearly presents and demonstrates just how truly universal Eastern Orthodoxy is, reaching from Alaska to the Middle East and Northern Africa, from Asia to North America). Encased in an engaging framework of how Catherine and her family celebrate Pascha (and what constitutes Orthodox Easter/Pascha celebrations, not just the church service itself, but also the long fasting period that happens beforehand and the joyful post church feasting), I so much enjoy the smooth and flowing combination of fact and fiction (and very much appreciate the informative and detailed author's note with the supplemental links to even more information, recipes and such, although as a hopeless academic, I would have also liked a detailed bibliographical list of recommendations for further reading, but guess what, I always want and tend to ask for that). And just a small nugget of additional knowledge (and I hope you do not mind this, Charlotte), that while the English word Easter is definitely based on Eostre and Eosturmonath (Eostre was likely an ancient Germanic goddess of spring), the German word for Easter, Ostern, is actually also based on the same, which is really rather interesting and intriguing, considering that in most other Germanic languages, the word for Easter is based on Pesach, Pascha, Paques and such, is based on, is taken from the Hebrew (or perhaps actually even the Aramaic).
Now while personally, I happen to especially adore and love the addition of parts of the Orthodox liturgy (surrounding the main illustrations of Catherine's Pascha), I also do realise that this might be problematic and uncomfortable for and perhaps even considered as inappropriate by those vehemently anti-religious or so set in their own religious ways as to not be willing or able to consider any deviance from their own beliefs and dogma as acceptable (although truly, the liturgy parts are very unobtrusive and at least for me, provide a beautiful and enchanting spiritually enlightening, uplifting accompaniment to both text and images). And finally, with regard to R.J. Hughes' illustrations, while colour wise, they are actually a bit too pink and purple hued to be considered personal aesthetic favourites, they do provide a simply marvellous (and light infused) mirror to and for Charlotte Riggle's narrative, to and for the story of Catherine's and her family's Pascha, both complementing the same, as well as vividly expanding upon the written words by having as their background almost twenty Orthodox churches and cathedrals from all over the world (however, I did and do have to wonder and with expectant sadness whether the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus, Syria still exists, whether it has not been destroyed by bombs and the cultural hatred of ISIS extremism, but thankfully, according to information provided to me by the author, at present, the Mariamite Cathedral has not been damaged or destroyed).
April 3, 2015
I realized, when I was looking at the Easter Listopia, that I'd never marked that I'd read my own book! That seemed odd. It also seemed odd to rate my own book. So feel free to skip this review if that seems odd to you, too.
When my children were young, I wanted to give them stories about Easter from a child's point of view. There was a sweet Little Critter story by Mercer Mayer, and they read that, and enjoyed it, but it was a saddle-stitched paperback. The book I wanted was a lavishly illustrated picture book, as beautiful and magnificent as the celebration of Pascha itself.
I couldn't find such a story, so I wrote it. And now, more than 20 years later, it has been published, and it is exactly the book I wanted for my children all those years ago. The story is sweet, the main character is as real and solid as the main character in a picture book can be, and the illustrations simply glow with the joy of Easter.
When my children were young, I wanted to give them stories about Easter from a child's point of view. There was a sweet Little Critter story by Mercer Mayer, and they read that, and enjoyed it, but it was a saddle-stitched paperback. The book I wanted was a lavishly illustrated picture book, as beautiful and magnificent as the celebration of Pascha itself.
I couldn't find such a story, so I wrote it. And now, more than 20 years later, it has been published, and it is exactly the book I wanted for my children all those years ago. The story is sweet, the main character is as real and solid as the main character in a picture book can be, and the illustrations simply glow with the joy of Easter.
February 23, 2015
In the interest of full disclosure, I am blessed to call the author a dear friend.
However, even if I had no idea who wrote and illustrated this book, I would still love and recommend it. A two-story book - one level is the charming story of Catherine experiencing Pascha, the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter, told with gentle humor, an eye for the way a child experiences life, and just a touch of explanation of the feast. The second level is the way that each page is framed like an icon with lush illustrations that incorporate historical churches from around the world, as well as delightful "Easter eggs" relating to Orthodoxy, hagiographies, culture, and history.
Just beautiful! A treasure for all ages.
Released February 23, 2015
However, even if I had no idea who wrote and illustrated this book, I would still love and recommend it. A two-story book - one level is the charming story of Catherine experiencing Pascha, the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter, told with gentle humor, an eye for the way a child experiences life, and just a touch of explanation of the feast. The second level is the way that each page is framed like an icon with lush illustrations that incorporate historical churches from around the world, as well as delightful "Easter eggs" relating to Orthodoxy, hagiographies, culture, and history.
Just beautiful! A treasure for all ages.
Released February 23, 2015
April 12, 2016
The book contains a story told with a child experiences life of the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter. The illustrations not only describe the story, but also present a historical Orthodox churches from diverse places of the world. The double images give the book a unique style. I highly recommend this book for those who appreciate traditions, culture and religion.
January 29, 2016
Catherine's Pascha is a wonderful book to share with the whole family. It's a lovely explanation of Pascha (Orthodox Easter.)
May 3, 2018
I read Catherine’s Pascha, written by Charlotte Riggle and illustrated by R J Hughes, on Clean Monday. It seemed appropriate that right after Compline and the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, I sat down and read a delightful and evocative children’s picture book about the purpose of this long, arduous and hopefully fruitful journey through Lent.
Catherine’s Pascha is the story of one child’s experience of the holiest feast in our calendar, the brightest jewel in the liturgical year. It’s laced with individual impressions, from Catherine’s claim that she wasn’t actually napping before the service, “I’m just resting my eyes” she insists, to her curiosity about the contents of the Pascha baskets, “One of them is full of little ham and cheese sandwiches. The other has sticky sweet rolls shaped like bunnies”, to the tradition of bashing the ends of red eggs together at the feast afterward and to the fact that hot dogs, Catherine’s favourite food, is considered one of the Paschal treats in her parish.
On one level, it’s the story of a single child, with a specific Paschal experience. Charlotte brings the character to life, along with the celebration in that fictional parish. On another level, it reaches deep into each reader, bringing, through the particularity of Catherine’s experience, the commonality that we all experience every year. We may not have ham and cheese sandwiches, we may not have hot dogs, we may not put the shroud on the altar at exactly the same time Catherine’s parish does, we may celebrate at dawn instead of midnight, but we all experience that spine-tingling, joyous resurrection in our own churches and we remember ours through Catherine’s experience of hers.
I have to admit that as I sat in my easy chair, tired from the Canon and the contemplation of the work ahead, I got chills up my spine and a lump in my throat as I shared Catherine’s Paschal experience. It brought back all the high points of our own Pascha, and I felt again the joy of that first “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!” I felt the bodies pressing in on me in the crowded nave, and heard the ragged responses “En verite, Il est ressuscité!” to our Québecoise: “Le Christ est ressuscité” and all the other languages we shout as Catherine’s parish called out their Arabic, Slavic and Spanish responses.
It’s not just Charlotte’s text that evokes that response. R. J. Hughe’s illustrations are deliberately crafted to connect a particularity to a general experience, and she does it magnificently. The detailed illustrations are framed by quotes from the main text, or by responses from the Paschal Liturgy. The page backgrounds show different Orthodox churches from all over the world, and from different eras. There is a church in Antarctica built in 2005 set on a page facing a church built in Kodiak, Alaska in 1796. On another page, we see a cathedral in Damascus that was built during the 2nd century AD. It’s a subtle and effective way to remind adults and teach children that in some mysterious way we cannot understand, it is always NOW for God, and that at Pascha most especially, but whenever we enter into God’s presence, we also enter that eternal NOW.
There is nothing new, or startling or surprising about the book. It’s a view of Pascha from a child’s perspective, with all the wonder, delight and newness bright and sparkling off the page into our hearts. Charli, as she’s known to her friends (of which I am one), and RJ Hughes have caught a child’s impressions and wonder beautifully in the text, and through it and the illustrations, remind us all what this whole faith and celebration is about.
Catherine’s Pascha is the story of one child’s experience of the holiest feast in our calendar, the brightest jewel in the liturgical year. It’s laced with individual impressions, from Catherine’s claim that she wasn’t actually napping before the service, “I’m just resting my eyes” she insists, to her curiosity about the contents of the Pascha baskets, “One of them is full of little ham and cheese sandwiches. The other has sticky sweet rolls shaped like bunnies”, to the tradition of bashing the ends of red eggs together at the feast afterward and to the fact that hot dogs, Catherine’s favourite food, is considered one of the Paschal treats in her parish.
On one level, it’s the story of a single child, with a specific Paschal experience. Charlotte brings the character to life, along with the celebration in that fictional parish. On another level, it reaches deep into each reader, bringing, through the particularity of Catherine’s experience, the commonality that we all experience every year. We may not have ham and cheese sandwiches, we may not have hot dogs, we may not put the shroud on the altar at exactly the same time Catherine’s parish does, we may celebrate at dawn instead of midnight, but we all experience that spine-tingling, joyous resurrection in our own churches and we remember ours through Catherine’s experience of hers.
I have to admit that as I sat in my easy chair, tired from the Canon and the contemplation of the work ahead, I got chills up my spine and a lump in my throat as I shared Catherine’s Paschal experience. It brought back all the high points of our own Pascha, and I felt again the joy of that first “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!” I felt the bodies pressing in on me in the crowded nave, and heard the ragged responses “En verite, Il est ressuscité!” to our Québecoise: “Le Christ est ressuscité” and all the other languages we shout as Catherine’s parish called out their Arabic, Slavic and Spanish responses.
It’s not just Charlotte’s text that evokes that response. R. J. Hughe’s illustrations are deliberately crafted to connect a particularity to a general experience, and she does it magnificently. The detailed illustrations are framed by quotes from the main text, or by responses from the Paschal Liturgy. The page backgrounds show different Orthodox churches from all over the world, and from different eras. There is a church in Antarctica built in 2005 set on a page facing a church built in Kodiak, Alaska in 1796. On another page, we see a cathedral in Damascus that was built during the 2nd century AD. It’s a subtle and effective way to remind adults and teach children that in some mysterious way we cannot understand, it is always NOW for God, and that at Pascha most especially, but whenever we enter into God’s presence, we also enter that eternal NOW.
There is nothing new, or startling or surprising about the book. It’s a view of Pascha from a child’s perspective, with all the wonder, delight and newness bright and sparkling off the page into our hearts. Charli, as she’s known to her friends (of which I am one), and RJ Hughes have caught a child’s impressions and wonder beautifully in the text, and through it and the illustrations, remind us all what this whole faith and celebration is about.
March 19, 2017
Catherine's Pascha by Charlotte Riggle is the perfect introduction to the Eastern Orthodox Easter celebration. It is written from a child's point of view and her handicapped friend, who's in a wheelchair. Upon their arrival to church in the middle of the night, they participate in a lively vigil of traditional liturgy, prayers, and festivities. The book is beautifully illustrated depicting the ancient orthodox church to real life form. I was impressed with the detailed artwork used to accent the religious figures. I learned a lot about the Eastern Orthodox Easter celebration and would recommend this book for any home or school library. As a teacher, I think this book is perfect to use with a Venn diagram to find the similarities and differences of how other religions celebrate the Easter Season. The author has a website for the book which offers more history on the Eastern Orthodox religion, various learning activities, and many wonderful recipes. What compelled me about the book is that it teaches the importance of the Pascha Season regardless of religious affiliation. Adults and children will feel like they have traveled back in time to ancient Greece to celebrate Pascha. Five brilliant stars for Catherine's Pascha!
February 28, 2018
Catherine can't wait for Pascha, the middle of the night Easter celebration at her church. And this year, she is definitely not going to fall asleep and miss Pascha. She'll keep her eyes open all night for the candles and giggles with her best friend. Plus, there's a giant feast afterward! But she's might close her eyes for just a minute...
I love this book for two reasons. It's a peek inside how another culture celebrates Easter. But it's foremost, a really amusing story told from a child's perspective.
A disclaimer: Charlotte and I have never met in person, but we travel in many, many of the same online circles. Over the years, she has firmly come over to the side of being a friend rather than just a colleague. However, she did not ask me to write this review.
I bought her book for my own kids long before we "met" online. Her work speaks for itself in its quality. The best testament I can give is that my kids pull it off the shelf all year long to read. They quote it at Easter time. We're on our third copy because we loan it out and the little readers can't part with it.
I love this book for two reasons. It's a peek inside how another culture celebrates Easter. But it's foremost, a really amusing story told from a child's perspective.
A disclaimer: Charlotte and I have never met in person, but we travel in many, many of the same online circles. Over the years, she has firmly come over to the side of being a friend rather than just a colleague. However, she did not ask me to write this review.
I bought her book for my own kids long before we "met" online. Her work speaks for itself in its quality. The best testament I can give is that my kids pull it off the shelf all year long to read. They quote it at Easter time. We're on our third copy because we loan it out and the little readers can't part with it.
September 1, 2018
This book is great way to introduce children to Pascha. The illustrations look good, and the ending is sure to please children-- hot dogs and sticky buns!
February 5, 2020
Mom's Review
Catherine's Pascha is hard to review because there are so many things I like about it. It is absolutely worth reading if you have any interest in an Easter story What. So. Ever. Orthodox Christian children will identify with Catherine, Elizabeth, and Peter, and others will gain an understanding of the most holy day for Orthodox Christians.
The book begins with Catherine and her younger brother napping before attending church at midnight (Holy Saturday into Easter Sunday). While Peter sleeps through the entire liturgy, Catherine and her best friend Elizabeth are determined to stay awake. Spoiler: they don't manage to do so. Readers can see much of the sequence of the liturgy. At the end, Catherine and Elizabeth are excited to join the feast in the church hall; they have eaten no animal products during Lent and are excited for hot dogs, fried chicken, and dessert.
As we read, T and I talked a lot about the similarities and differences between Orthodox and Catholic Christians; T recognized several similarities, but we were both surprised by how the congregation celebrated Easter at midnight. He is now dead set on attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (I'm crossing my fingers that he forgets in the next 12 months). Aside from the look at a different religious celebration, we enjoyed reading about such a happy and determined character. T really identified with Catherine – he, too, is determined to stay up late. Furthermore, after reading The Saint Nicholas Day Snow last year, where Elizabeth was the main character and Catherine was a supporting character, we were excited to read the companion book about Catherine. In Snow, Elizabeth uses a wheelchair. In Catherine's Pascha, she is depicted with crutches and a wheelchair.
One more thing...
Something really cool is the layout of Catherine's Pascha: Each page features a different Orthodox church from around the world in the background; the story (text and illustrations) is in an inset box that covers a two-page spread.
Son's Review
(Age:4)
[My favorite part was] Mass in the middle of the night because I like staying up late. I knew it was Easter because of the bunnies and the eggs. They say, "Christ is risen." That's on Easter. I changed my favorite part because I never knew there was a church on Antarctica. That's my favorite part.
[It's good to read] especially on Easter and Christmas because it is a mix of Easter and Christmas because you go to Mass at night on Christmas. [Readers] should know that it's about people going to Mass in the middle of the night, which clearly I like.
Note: A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for MCBD 2020.
Catherine's Pascha is hard to review because there are so many things I like about it. It is absolutely worth reading if you have any interest in an Easter story What. So. Ever. Orthodox Christian children will identify with Catherine, Elizabeth, and Peter, and others will gain an understanding of the most holy day for Orthodox Christians.
The book begins with Catherine and her younger brother napping before attending church at midnight (Holy Saturday into Easter Sunday). While Peter sleeps through the entire liturgy, Catherine and her best friend Elizabeth are determined to stay awake. Spoiler: they don't manage to do so. Readers can see much of the sequence of the liturgy. At the end, Catherine and Elizabeth are excited to join the feast in the church hall; they have eaten no animal products during Lent and are excited for hot dogs, fried chicken, and dessert.
As we read, T and I talked a lot about the similarities and differences between Orthodox and Catholic Christians; T recognized several similarities, but we were both surprised by how the congregation celebrated Easter at midnight. He is now dead set on attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (I'm crossing my fingers that he forgets in the next 12 months). Aside from the look at a different religious celebration, we enjoyed reading about such a happy and determined character. T really identified with Catherine – he, too, is determined to stay up late. Furthermore, after reading The Saint Nicholas Day Snow last year, where Elizabeth was the main character and Catherine was a supporting character, we were excited to read the companion book about Catherine. In Snow, Elizabeth uses a wheelchair. In Catherine's Pascha, she is depicted with crutches and a wheelchair.
One more thing...
Something really cool is the layout of Catherine's Pascha: Each page features a different Orthodox church from around the world in the background; the story (text and illustrations) is in an inset box that covers a two-page spread.
Son's Review
(Age:4)
[My favorite part was] Mass in the middle of the night because I like staying up late. I knew it was Easter because of the bunnies and the eggs. They say, "Christ is risen." That's on Easter. I changed my favorite part because I never knew there was a church on Antarctica. That's my favorite part.
[It's good to read] especially on Easter and Christmas because it is a mix of Easter and Christmas because you go to Mass at night on Christmas. [Readers] should know that it's about people going to Mass in the middle of the night, which clearly I like.
Note: A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for MCBD 2020.
May 16, 2023
I was fortunate to be able to obtain Catherine's Pascha: A Celebration of Easter in the Orthodox Church from ILL and am grateful I was able to read it. It presents a warm, loving glimpse into one family's (and congregation's) midnight Pascha (PAH-ska) celebration at their Orthodox Church as seen through the eyes of the little girl, Catherine. She is determined to stay awake for the whole celebration this year and her delight in the experience shines through. The format of the book is so well thought-out, as the center illustration is always what is happening with Catherine at her church, framed by relevant sacred text. Yet each spread is bordered by changing cathedrals from one page to the next, allowing readers a glimpse into the beautiful and varied architecture of Orthodox churches throughout the world and, in so doing, reminding us that Orthodox Christians can be found in many countries. The Afterward includes the Paschal greeting ("Christ is risen" "Indeed, he is risen") in English, Greek, Russian, Arabic, Spanish and Yup'ik (along with pronunciation guide) and explains how Pascha traditions may very slightly from country to country, but all are rooted in the joy of the Resurrection of Christ. Those looking for further information beyond what is contained in the Afterward are invited to explore catherinespascha.com for more information about Pascha, recipes, history of the churches depicted in the book, activity sheets, and more. I enjoyed everything about the book except that I didn't particularly find the depiction of the people that aesthetically pleasing, it felt too computer-generated for my taste, somehow, but that is a small detraction to an overall excellent book.
January 31, 2020
In Catherine’s Pascha, young Catherine is celebrating Pascha (Easter) with her family at their Orthodox church’s midnight service. She is determined to stay awake for the entire service, but will she? Her best friend Elizabeth sits with her during the service and enjoy the Feast of Feast afterwards where everyone enjoys many of the food they gave up during Lent. Will she stay awake to see the dawning of Pascha, and remember how to say “Christ is Risen” in Russian and other languages used in her church?
Riggle tells a touching story celebrating Easter through the eyes of a young girl. Each page tells the story in a 2-page spread with framed text surrounded by colorful illustrations of Orthodox churches around the world (Russia, Japan, Brazil, Alaska, Syria, and more). The dark print on some of the backgrounds can be hard to read, but the story is absolutely delightful! Riggle is an excellent writer and illustrator R. J. Hughes enhances the story with her detailed work.
Readers will discover a glossary and frequently asked questions section in the back of the book. One of the surprises in the story is Elizabeth, Catherine’s friend, is disabled, but the reader can only tell that from the illustrations. Elizabeth is in a wheelchair at one point and uses leg braces. One doesn’t know what caused her to require them, but that is the point. Her physical disability doesn’t distract from the story. Both girls enjoy one another’s company and the celebration.
The author gifted me with a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review on it.
Riggle tells a touching story celebrating Easter through the eyes of a young girl. Each page tells the story in a 2-page spread with framed text surrounded by colorful illustrations of Orthodox churches around the world (Russia, Japan, Brazil, Alaska, Syria, and more). The dark print on some of the backgrounds can be hard to read, but the story is absolutely delightful! Riggle is an excellent writer and illustrator R. J. Hughes enhances the story with her detailed work.
Readers will discover a glossary and frequently asked questions section in the back of the book. One of the surprises in the story is Elizabeth, Catherine’s friend, is disabled, but the reader can only tell that from the illustrations. Elizabeth is in a wheelchair at one point and uses leg braces. One doesn’t know what caused her to require them, but that is the point. Her physical disability doesn’t distract from the story. Both girls enjoy one another’s company and the celebration.
The author gifted me with a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review on it.
April 19, 2019
April 2019 - I got this on interlibrary loan in my quest to find good Easter books to read aloud, and I think we have a winner! I don't love the illustration style, but that's really my only complaint - they do their job telling the story, and the background images of churches around the world are a nice touch. The depiction of Pascha felt so true to my own experiences, both as a child and a parent. The only detail not true for our experience is pews (and enough room for children to fall asleep on them!) I vividly remember napping under a pew as a kid, and now our balcony is carpeted in sleeping children. Add a picture of someone tripping over a child, adults attempting to climb over piles of children, or children stepping on each other, and it would be perfect. I'm looking forward to sharing it with Ben as we get ready for Holy Week.
March 2, 2023
Been a Christian 40 years and I am still learning new ways Christ's church celebrates his resurrection. The church tomb, the shroud, the mystery and eventual celebration. All rich, meaningful traditions I was unaware of.
July 21, 2019
This is a lovely story with a disabled main character who is treated as a regular kid. It's very well written, includes a lot of historical tidbits, and has beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews