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That Grand Easter Day!

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T hat Grand Easter Day! is a cumulative story that begins with the stone in front of the tomb and ends with a new beginning -- the Resurrection of Christ. The lively narrative builds as it progresses, adding people, objects, and animals that may have witnessed the events of that day long ago. Little ones will love the repetition, which adds a pleasing level of predictability and helps to make the story of the first Easter more memorable. The upbeat, reverent story is accompanied by luminous illustrations which bring the story to life. This engaging picture book will be a read-aloud favorite at Eastertime and throughout the year.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2018

2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Jill Roman Lord

31 books56 followers

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5 stars
41 (43%)
4 stars
36 (37%)
3 stars
16 (16%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
2,038 reviews60 followers
February 8, 2018
This is a very well done picture book that recounts the day of Christ's resurrection. The day is told in verse by verse rhyme that follows the cadence of an old familiar nursery rhyme (House that Jack Built). This cadence makes it easy to grab the attention of young listeners and they can repeat the lines with the reader. The verses are cumulative building with repetitions on the previous verses.

The illustrations are very nicely done and the artist has pictured the people realistically and appropriately as middle eastern in skin tone and not caucasian.

This story focuses on the discovery of the empty tomb and the Resurrection of Christ.

The book begins with John 3:16 "For God So loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." and concludes with John 10:10 "I am come that they may have life and have it to the full." (NIV version)

I absolutely love the focus on the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ. I think this is a lovely book and recommend it. I do, however, have one small drawback which is simply personal. I don't care for the inclusion of a bunny in the story. While surely there were birds and animals in the area on resurrection day, the universally accepted inclusion of bunnies into the celebration of this very special day in the Christian year is cause for concern. In this book, the bunny is simply there and carries no significant or stated purpose.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from WorthyKids/Ideals to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.
Profile Image for Desiree reilly.
419 reviews38 followers
February 24, 2018

I WON THIS BOOK OFF A BLOG ON THE INTERNET .
THIS IS GOING TO GIRL I NOW FOR EASTER AND THEN I WILL GET HER TO DO A VIDEO HER READING THE BOOK AS GIFT

THE BOOK IS WELL PUT TOGETHER AND IT DOES HAVE THE PIC BIG ENOUGH EVEN FOR THE LITTLE ON TO SEE THE PICTURE
AND IT TELL OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

THE BOOK TELL YOU THAT THE PEOPLE WHO GUARD WHO SUPPOSE TO BE GUARDIAN OF TOMB. WHEN HE SEE THE ANGLE APPEAR IT WILL BE SURPRISE FOR THE LADIES WHO CAME TO THE TOMB WHO WAS GOING T GIVE JESUS THE THINGS AS
THEY WERE TO BE GIVEN.

THEY ARE RUNNING BACK TO VILLAGE TO TELL THE ONE WHO WILL HEAR THEM HE IS ROSEN AND GONE AND THEY HAD TO
SEE IT FOR THERE EYES ONLY.

THE GIRL WHO GOING TO GET THE GIFT FOR EASTER WILL REMEMBER THIS FOR LONG TIME AND THE VIDEO IS BEING UP LOADED
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,954 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2018
I loved how this story rhymes. The illustrations are wonderful. This is a beautiful story of the first Easter. I believe this will be a book that should make a staple during Easter every year. I received this from Worthykids for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Profile Image for Set.
2,196 reviews
November 29, 2022
The Resurrection story of Jesus Christ. Beautiful illustrations of Jesus Christ. I rather enjoyed the picture of the grouchy roman. xD
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,918 reviews47 followers
February 13, 2018
My 4 year old enjoyed this book. My 6 year old, who is reading chapter books was not as huge as a fan. However my 4 year old loves to hear messages about Jesus - and we have been really focusing on understanding what Jesus did for us. Colorful Pictures, easy storyline for younger children to follow, provoked a lot of questions. Highly recommended.





I received a copy of this book through Worthy Publishing --- All thoughts are my own.
1,067 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2023
To make a long story short, I suggested this book and 'Twas the Morning of Easter to my library in hopes of these books could be used for an Easter storytime and to update our religious Easter books. I cannot tell you how please I am about this book! It hit the jackpot that other Easter picture books at my library did not. The other picture books focus not only on Easter, but they also focused on the Crucifixion. While the Cross is at the center of the story, it is little hard to explain that to preschoolers and hit the right tone. This conjecture on my part, but it seems like those older Easter picture books felt like it couldn't make a whole story just about Easter Sunday. Yet, this book and 'Twas the Morning of Easter were able to do that.

This hit the right tone and it was just so perfect! The art is really light happy even when we talk about "...the man, quite grumpy with gloom...". That line gets me every time! This book even through in a bunny! The bunny is not really doing anything besides munching on a flower, but still there was a bunny.

This story is set up like "This is the house that Jack built". Everything builds in the story to the final reveal.

Verdict: I think this should be read by everyone! If you are interested in acknowledging the religious part of the holiday in an Easter storytime then I think this would be a good addition to that storytime.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,271 reviews
February 7, 2018
Beautifully illustrated book that tells of Jesus's resurrection through a lilting and rhythmic rhyming style that builds and changes throughout this fun filled read.



I absolutely adored this beautiful book that tells of the marvels of Easter Sunday. I loved how the illustrations had a purple hue, and a lovely dappling that gives a sun-spotted morning glow to every picture. I loved the inclusion of the bunny to the story, so cute! I loved how some of the verses of the poems were predictable, while others changed and grew throughout.

This book has a lovely, catchy rhythm to it that children will love, and with the beautiful illustrations this is sure to become an instant favorite. This is a wonderful book to share with young ones. Highly recommend!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
1,269 reviews
February 5, 2018
Does anyone under the age of 50 remember the poem The House That Jack Built? It was a favorite of mine while growing up. I loved the repetition and the fun associated with this beloved nursery rhyme. In the same vein of cumulative story structure, Jill Roman Lord retells the most important story in the world, the story of Jesus’ resurrection. With the beautiful illustrations, the rhyming structure, and the message of the gospel of Christ, That Grand Easter Day! will soon become a favorite with your family. Unlike the old English nursery rhyme, the story that Lord tells changes as the miracle of Easter Day unfolds. You and your child will meet the many people involved in the story — the Roman guard, the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body, the disciples, the angel, and finally Christ Himself as He appears alive! The story begins and end with scripture promises of eternal life — a great way to introduce the story and begin discussion. A great addition to a family library, That Grand Easter Day! will become a perennial family favorite.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-7.

(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Profile Image for Autumn Eaton.
13 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2018
Easter is coming! One of our favorite holidays. Not because of the Easter Bunny, hunting eggs or Easter baskets either. Ask my kids what Easter is all about and they will tell you it's the day Jesus rose from the tomb and took his place next to God in Heaven. AMEN!!

What a wonderful occasion to celebrate right?! So very thankful that I have the chance to be forgiven of my sins and know I have a place waiting in Heaven. And so blessed to be able to share this will my children too.

That Grand Easter Day! is all about what happened when the stone was rolled away. It's full of rhyming words and has beautiful, engaging illustrations to go with the story. The story starts with the tomb and ends Jesus being risen! Using imagination about the people, places and things all around the tomb that might have played a part on that wonderful Easter day.

I truly adore this book! It just draws you in and truly makes you think about what was going on around the tomb that day. This is a perfect book for kids to understand what Easter is really all about.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are always my own.
Profile Image for Amanda.
3,892 reviews44 followers
March 9, 2018
Dropped it down to one star because I was so vexed over the bunny and the soldier "fled away with a zoom!" Seriously people, if you are going to tell a story as important as this one, please, please oh please, tell it RIGHT.

There could have been a bunny there, along with all sorts of various woodland creatures, but the bunny feels like a gimmick, a cheap Easter bunny tie-in gimmick. Gross.

And as for the Roman soldier? Let's check in with the Bible's account of what happened; okay, Matthew 28:3-4 says in talking about the angel, "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men." Do you know anyone who is dead who could have fled away from anywhere, let alone with a zoom? Most people who are dead exhibit the characteristic of being very, very NON-MOVING.

Seriously.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,260 reviews495 followers
February 2, 2018
A beautifully and colorfully illustrated book about the true meaning of Easter, and presented in a sturdy hard covered book.
The rhyming prose drew my child in, and kept her attention right to the end, asking to be reread. The perfect read to share the true meaning of our faith, and the real reason we celebrate Easter.
The book is geared to five and six year olds, but found my younger ones were listening, as they heard of “What happened the day the stone rolled away”. They sat listening as the story continued to build, until the tomb was empty, a wonderful way to bring this story of faith alive.
A book not just for Easter time, but for the whole year!

I received this book through the Publisher Worthy/Kids/Ideals and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Laura.
380 reviews27 followers
April 17, 2020
This was exactly the introduction to the Easter story I wanted for my 4YO. The illustrations are pretty enough for an adult while still being cutesy enough for kids. The building rhyme structure is fun to read and apparently fun to hear, because my son engages well with this book. He was invested in it enough to announce his intention to roll the stone away and let Jesus out himself.

Also, it's become a rule of thumb in our house that we prefer books and art where Jesus doesn't look like he'd blend in at a Swedish festival if only he wore a Christmas sweater. This one passes that test.
Profile Image for Sandra Hart.
Author 39 books350 followers
July 23, 2021
What a delightful children’s picture book!

I love children’s stories that rhyme, especially when it builds and expands it with each new page. What I mean by that is that the phrase on the first page is included in following pages to tell the story.

This book is about the day that Jesus arose from the dead on that first Easter. I’ve read this to my children in my life who were captured by the story and the rhythm of the words.

Well-done! I love this book and its illustrations. Recommended for children from 2 – 7.

Profile Image for Becky B.
9,510 reviews199 followers
February 17, 2020
A retelling of the basics of the Biblical story of Jesus' resurrection in a rhyming cumulative story.

This does a surprisingly good job of conveying the main points of the various Biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection in a very succinct format. The rhyme is well done, and the illustrations are gorgeous. Highly recommended for Christian families, Sunday schools, Christian schools, and those looking for Biblically-based Easter reads.
Profile Image for Joey Gremillion.
704 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2018
When I was a child, Easter was not as "fun" as Christmas. However, as an adult, as I become a catechumen (inductee into the Catholic Church) and as I continue my faith formation, I am finding that Easter is the foundation of my faith (we celebrate for EIGHT WEEKS!!).See you all at the Baptismal Font, down front, in about ten months!
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,655 reviews
February 18, 2020
In the repetition and rhyme of this is the house that Jack built, the story of Christ's resurrection is told with bold, beautiful illustrations and a joy bursting right off the page. I don't normally love nursery rhyme stories, but this one was such a creative way to retell the resurrection, and I think little kids will love it too.
Profile Image for Sara.
178 reviews
April 29, 2022
We didn’t get this in time for Easter but if we had I would have read it to her. It’s a very gentle telling of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday, appropriate for a small child, and gives a little context for the religious side of Easter without getting into the more potentially frightening parts of the story. I’ll try to get it for next year.
1,590 reviews
February 24, 2025
3 1/2-4. The story is written in a somewhat cumulative style. There are some things about the prose I would have written differently. (Nothing offensive or wrong, just annoying to me in a literary sense.) But the illustrations are SO beautiful!!! The animation style is so luminous and captivating that I may have to purchase the book just so I can enjoy them each Easter.
Profile Image for Joyce.
88 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2018
Review by my 11-year-old: This book is about the first Easter, which was not about Easter egg rolls or chocolate candy. I like the bunny and how the ladies’ eyes seem to show all the emotions they were feeling.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,449 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2023
This is a great Easter book for preschoolers and toddlers who love repetitive verse similar to "I know an Old Lady who swallowed a fly" style . "This is the bunny that munched on a bloom, next to the man, quite grumpy with gloom"
Profile Image for MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book.
2,156 reviews29 followers
April 21, 2019
Not a read aloud, but w rhyming text and beautiful illustrations it’s a great read w my kids to help us remember why we celebrate Easter.
Profile Image for Amanda.
235 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2021
Beautifully illustrated with repeating rhythmical text. A lovely story of Easter Day.
Profile Image for Natalie.
1,778 reviews
March 31, 2022
Set to the pattern of a cumulative rhyme, this retelling of the true Easter story starts at the tomb with beautiful pictures to accompany it. Highly recommend for pre-K.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews