My First Easter

by Tomie dePaola

Celebrate the holiday with this charming book from the legendary Tomie dePaola. This board book is the perfect size for little hands, and makes a great addition to any Easter basket.

The importance of family and sharing are beautifully shown in this board book all about Easter celebrations. Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations and easy-to-follow text explain the traditions associated with this special holiday.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Family

12 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can you think of some common Easter traditions and activities? Tomie dePaola leads the youngest readers on a brief, cheery tour of why kids look forward to Easter Sunday every spring.

Families dye eggs beautiful colors, and decorate their homes with flowers. They dress to the nines to attend Easter church service, and afterward search for baskets hidden by the Easter Bunny that are packed with treats. Someone hides the colored eggs in different places so the rest of the family can work together and find them. Easter is a unique Sunday in the year's calendar of events.

My First Easter is positive and family friendly, but doesn't strike a balance between the holiday's secular and religious aspects. Tomie dePaola's My First Christmas, My First Chanukah, and My First Passover manage that balance well, but there's virtually no acknowledgment of the day's Christian roots in My First Easter. I can't criticize dePaola too harshly because Easter was highly secularized in the cultural mainstream by the time this book was published, but I only rate My First Easter one and a half stars.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple look at common Easter traditions, like egg coloring and having special Easter clothes. The reference to Easter bonnets does feel dated.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of those nice little books that our library has sitting out for readers who may want to purchase them. As it is a Tomie dePaola book I was intrigued in it while my husband encouraged me to get it so that he could spoil me even though I would probably have been just as fine with reading it there on the spot.

The illustrations were straight on the point and are classic dePaola. There were a few characters that seemed a bit youngish for their roles but otherwise the characters are portrayed quite classic while the colors are bright but still with a tint of soft pastel to them.

What disappointed me with this book is that it is much too brief and only covers the non-religious aspects of Easter. This was a surprise to me since of the facts that the author has done many religious-focused works while some of the aspects that he hosts in the book suggests towards the religion before skipping it.

All in all it was a decent book but not one that I would strongly suggest if you are seeking a religious Easter book. Otherwise if you want to treat your youngest children to how we celebrate a non-religious Easter this would be the perfect stepping stone to the very basic of the holiday.

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've shared this book with both kids now. Its a simple introduction to the traditions of Easter - dying eggs, fancy clothes, the Easter Bunny, egg hunts. The illustrations are easily recognizable as dePaola's. Prefect for just what the title suggests - a small child's first real Easter.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly fine book, with lovely illustrations. Robin was nonplussed.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with Mom just before my second Easter.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely, lovely illustrations, but this descriptive picture book is lacking due to the absence of a narrative.

[Baylee B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to help me celebrate my first Easter.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this simple book.

[Lynna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomie signed this board book for Sarah in 1991! Golden visit with him.

[Michelle Madrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. Not something I would look to recommend or buy for someone. Very basic in it’s reference to traditions for Easter. I also agree with another review, referring to wearing bonnets is a little dated. I would look to another book for this occasion.

[Mariah Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet dePoala book about Easter traditions both secular and religious. Doesn't get into the Easter story very much but does mention the Easter bunny, new life in the spring, and Easter lilies.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just was not a fan. There’s no real story to speak of what so ever. Even as a “first-reads” book I wouldn’t be too eager to pass this along. It’s a little blah.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good intro to Easter activities. Would have liked some Jesus.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple! Sweet! Cute quick book for the kiddos this easter 🐣

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to go into the real meaning of Easter when it started talking about church clothes, but then it just went right back to Easter bunnies and eggs and baskets.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is no reference to Jesus Christ or any of the religious aspects of the holiday, which was disappointing, considering the religious focus of the book “My First Passover” by the same author.