Why Is There a Cross?

(Little Blessings)

by Kathleen Long Bostrom

This delightful volume in the Little Blessings line helps young children understand basic truths about Jesus. Why Is There a Cross? tackles the difficult subject of Christ’s death. This read-to-me book for children ages 3–6 explains both the how and the why of Christ’s death in simple words and pictures that communicate the wonder of his sacrifice.

Genres: Christian, Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2005

About the author

Kathleen Long Bostrom is a full-time writer who lives in Carlsbad, California, with her husband and little dog, Sophie Grace. She served as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 30 years but now focuses on her writing. She has published over fifty books, most of them for children. Her books are published in 30 languages around the world, with well over two-million copies sold since her first book, What is God Like?" was published in 2008.

Two of her books—Stories from the Bible, and Since the Baby Came (2023), received first place honors from the Northern Lights Book Award. Her book, "Who is Jesus?" was a finalist for the 2000 Gold Medallion Award, awarded to the outstanding books in Christian publishing,."What About Heaven?" was nominated for the People's Choice Award. She is included in a 2003 and 2021 edition of "Something About the Author" and "Contemporary Authors," two of the premiere reference sources for information on children's authors.

Kathy is the recipient of the 2014 David Steele Distinguished Writer Award, the highest award for writing awarded by the Presbyterian Church. She was named the Distinguished Alumna of Princeton Theological Seminary in 2013, most because of her books for children. Over the years, she won awards for preaching and is often requested to speak for groups at the national level. She has published numerous articles in various journals and newspapers as well.

Kathy served on the board of the Presbyterian Writers Guild and served two terms as president. She is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and The Authors Guild. She earned a master of arts in Christian education and a master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, and a doctor of ministry in preaching degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Kathy and Greg have three children: Christopher, Amy, and David, all living in LA and in the film business.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding description of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, told simply and intentionally.

[Set · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is clear but I wish there was more scripture. The illustrations are from the Care Bears artist. I thought this book would have the blond, brunette and red head trope but they omitted the brunette. They only represent the blond, red head, African, and Oriental. It was expected since Care Bears had the same representation overall. It's very odd considering that Elena Kucharik is brunette... I guess I wouldn't have minded since I was a blond toddler but it would be nice to have brunette representation once in a while.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a blessing

Delightful illustrations and beautiful poetry will delight children and adults alike in this book about the cross. The author includes scripture references on each page for further study.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complexity yet innocence found within a children's book will always amaze me. This read was quick and easy, but utterly powerful at the same time. I love reading to my children, especially when it's something meaningful and worthwhile.

[Joel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children are curious about the Cross

This sweet rhyming sorry helps children understand the story of Our JESUS and why it is important He died for us, conquered sin for us, and His Resurrection was for all who love JESUS and is Saved.

[Sienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and awesome

Such a great book for kids (and adults) to see what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross and tying in Bible verse references. Absolutely love it!

[Elpha Farrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and clear

This book has summarized the story of the cross very accurate and simple for pros ones. It's also easy to read for new reader.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one daughter was about four and five, she started asking some very good questions about Christianity and becoming a Christian. Our church recommended this book as a gentle, nonthreatening way to answer some of her questions. It can bring clarity in a very Biblically based way.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures, fun rhymes