The Easter Story

by Carol Heyer

Award-winning artist Carol Heyer brings her brilliant illustrations to the pages of this beautiful retelling of the Easter story. This inspiring book takes the young reader from Christ's birth through His life, His death, and His Resurrection.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Religion, Christian, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Easter Story by Carol Heyer is a very nice children's Easter picture book. The illustrations are pretty, but have realistic-looking people. The first page has a picture of a bunny, a basket of eggs, and a couple of chicks in a springtime setting, while the text reads, "At Eastertime we think of fresh new grass and baby animals and warm sunshine. We think of baskets full of candy and brilliantly colored eggs. But most of all, at Eastertime we think about Jesus and all that he did for us." I really like the tone the beginning sets, simultaneously non-judgmentally acknowledging the fun aspect of Easter as well as the reason for the season.

The text is pretty thorough in its coverage of the Easter story, beginning with Jesus's birth and ending after Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, with the final page depicting a pretty church in the country with a very short summary of "why Christians celebrate Easter" today.

I like that the story included many details of the Easter story, but not every single one - neither overly simple or complex. Perhaps not everyone would agree with me, but I liked that there was a picture of a cross, but not of Jesus hanging on it. (Depending on the child's maturity and curiosity levels, more in-depth information can be discussed, and a picture can be shown from another source to indicate what Jesus hanging on a cross would look like.) It's wordy enough that I wouldn't read it to a child younger than three, but each page turn has only maybe four sentences. Just right for most readers of picture books, I'd say. I personally appreciated the artsy illustrations.

[Lizzette Armendariz · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a version of the Easter story that is shorten without eliminating any of the very important parts of the story this would be a good book to read. The author did a good job in retelling the story with accuracy. The illustrations also were great they illustrator made it a point to make the main topic of the page stand out in order to relay the importance of the meaning of the story. The important parts of the story stand out through the illustration along with the narrative elements. Please do be aware that she did leave out some key words that are found in the bible and she probably did it because she figures children would not understanding the meaning behind them. She kept the story very focused.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great retelling of the Easter story without over simplifying it too much. Just the right length for my 5 year old, and beautifully detailed acrylic illustrations without being graphic or too dark. The death scene is shown with a Roman soldier in the foreground with the cross at a distance with a stormy, lightning-lit sky. Jesus' face is never shown. Would read again.

[Kevin Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to read this as a kid. Cute.

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good story

[Mrs. Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd & 3rd

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect "Easter" story for my 8-year-old. Enough detail to understand but not too much to overwhelm.

It began with a quick description of Jesus' birth then moved to him as a man when he entered Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. It briefly told the stories of going to the temple and throwing out the moneychangers, the Last Supper, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, going before Pilate, His crucifixion, the tomb, and Jesus' return.

I thought it was strange that it left out Judas betraying Jesus (it said a large crowd of people arrived and arrested Jesus). It didn't go into detail about the crucifixion nor tell the words that Jesus spoke before dying. It didn't say that it was Joseph who requested Jesus' body. It doesn't specifically say an angel appeared to the women after Jesus had risen (it says "a man dressed all in white"). But overall, I think the book worked nicely in telling the Easter story.

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations and an easy story to listen to for the kids. We really liked this Easter Story, my 4 year old was captivated which is saying something, because she would usually be up dancing and singing while I tried to read this sort of story, but she listened to the whole thing keeping her eyes on the page so she wouldn't miss anything.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar text The First Easter by Carol Heyer. This must've been an earlier version with slightly different illustrations. It is a very detailed account (read: more text than most preschoolers' attention span) so it may or may not work for our 5 yr old class...

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think for a children's toddler book this does a really good overview of Christ's life and the events leading up to Easter. It could be a little more clear on salvation, but it does well. The illustrations are realistic and not graphic.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated Easter book for children.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Christian retelling of Christ's life, crucifixion and resurrection. Beautiful paintings accompany this account.

[Elizabeth C S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations. Says ages 4-8 but high vocabulary would appeal to the 8+ range.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an Easter gift to my children from my parents. While I liked the illustrations, I prefer the LDS perspective on the resurrection of the Savior.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice overview of Jesus's life, wonderfully illustrated.