The Easter Storybook: 40 Bible Stories Showing Who Jesus Is

by Laura Richie, Ian Dale (Illustrations)

Starting with Jesus’ time in the temple as a boy and ending with His appearances after the resurrection, The Easter Storybook invites readers into the big picture of God’s love. Each of the 40 full-color, beautifully illustrated stories includes a Bible passage and a conversational question to guide families through the Easter season together.

Unlike other children’s Easter books, The Easter Storybook focuses not just on Jesus’ last days but on the journey of His whole life leading to the joy of Easter morning. Every story will give children a glimpse into Jesus’ identity—as Teacher, Good Shepherd, Savior, and King—making this a rich book to read throughout the year.

The Easter Storybook explains who Jesus is, what He did, and why His death and resurrection matter, in a simple way that children ages 4–8 can understand and remember. As a fitting companion to the bestselling The Advent Storybook, this book is a wonderful way to discover as a family why Jesus came to earth as Rescuer, Redeemer, and Friend.
 

Genres: Childrens, Religion

96 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a children's book focusing on the week prior to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. However, it is basically a children's book of main events in the life of Jesus culminating in the resurrection.

The illustrations beautifully and realistically depict the times, the people in the pictures are true to Jews and others populating the area at that time.

The stories are Biblically sound and well written. They are, however, on a level for ages 7 to 12 rather than the stated ages 4 to 8.

Produced in association with David C. Cook Publishing who has long had a sterling reputation for producing high quality and well written Biblical products, the book's text, illustrations, binding reflect well for this company. I found this to be a very good storybook.

Each of the 40 stories has a question pertinent to the story the answer to which involves having a grasp of the story, drawing conclusions, looking at a broader scope of what is being told in the story.

I did have one objection and that is the short, one-page allegory in the back. This is quite out of place in a book based on the Bible that is written to educate children in Biblical concepts, theology, and the person and life of Jesus, the Christ. My opinion is that a man's allegory, even if the concept is on the right path, has no place in a book that is suppose to be the truth of the Bible retold for the young.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the storybook that everyone needs. It features beautiful illustrations as well as great lessons. This book features a different lesson for each day. Which are illustrated in the pictures as well as from the various Bible verses.

There is compassion, forgiveness, grace, love, etc. In fact, I did not read this book as a regular book without stopping. I would read a few pages and stop to reflect on the words I had just read. This storybook may be geared towards the younger children readers but it can be enjoyed by the whole family.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressively illustrated and collected, this artistic storybook appropriate for children and families spans the Lenten Season, beginning with Jesus in childhood teaching in the Temple and completing at the Resurrection on Easter. Although the stories may be too complex for very young children, they can certainly enjoy the accompanying paintings, and THE EASTER STORYBOOK is ideal for family sharing of one entry per day.

[Sarah Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Laura Richie’s advent storybook. This one was pretty good but there were a number of issues and so for that reason I can only recommend it with qualifiers. One illustration depicts Satan as an (albeit creepy) man, which confused my kids and required a clarifying conversation about how Satan is not human. Day 36 describes Nicodemus going to Jesus’s grave which is not biblical and Day 37 describes Jesus “breathing God’s Spirit and life” on His disciples in the upper room (also not biblical). One day calls us to “look for the Light that Jesus brings to us”, which is weird language. There were one or two other brief sentences that required a pen streak through them and the “Allegory” at the end was completely unnecessary.

All that being said, most of it was fine, but I’m going to look around for another Lenten children’s read-aloud for next year.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Illustrated Story of Major Incidents in Jesus’ Life Leading to Easter

Unlike many storybooks that have Easter as a major theme, this book includes incidents in Jesus’ life leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. The illustrations are wonderful and true to the characteristics of people who would have lived during Jesus’ lifetime.

The stories are a single page and clearly written. The older children, seven or eight, should be able to read the stories for themselves. However, the book is designed for families to read together, which is the best way to introduce children to the story of Jesus. Each story starts with the Bible quotation on which the story is based and finishes with questions for parents and children to discuss.

I recommend this book as a way to share Jesus and the story of his sacrifice with your children,

I received this book from Karen Campbell Media for this review.

[JoJo Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done. Each Biblical account gives a title, references indicating where the account can be found in Scripture, a verse relating to the theme, a full page telling of the account, a question to provide discussion and insight, and a full page color illustration. The Biblical accounts deal with Jesus's life, work, parables, death, and resurrection; and are simple enough for young children without being watered down or compromising of the message. Throughout, the author focuses on the fact that our good works do nothing to earn God's favor, but His love is freely given to us in His Son.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

Perfect for Easter, but also nice to bring a faith based group of amazing stories to young minds. Each page is a new story with a great illustration it will not take long to read and at the end is a thought prompt perfect for discussion.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

This is a beautiful hardcover book that is perfect for reading aloud to children. Our family read aloud each day's passage leading up to Easter. Each day is accompanied by a glorious illustration that perfectly depicts the events in the story from the Bible.

I think this will be a great addition to any family who wishes to make Easter more meaningful each year.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5-year-old daughter and I read this together leading up to Easter. We didn't start it 40 days prior as intended, so to make up for it, we read multiple Jesus stories each night. It worked out well this way, because she loved the stories so much that she wanted to read several each night! She loved the illustrations and she loved learning about Jesus so much. Unlike other childrens' books which can be really watered down or corny, these stories of Jesus are all well written, and again, the illustrations are excellent. I intend to make this a Lent tradition every year.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
Such an amazing book! This book has become a Lent tradition with our kids. The stories are easy to read and the perfect length for bedtime. The stories portray the Gospel so well.

[Charles]

I need to read this book

[Kerr Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the flow of this family devotion. The stories were point on. And my kids enjoyed questions at the end of each reading. We will use the advent one this year as well.

[Chris Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I did the advent book for Christmas too, really great!

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Easter storybook I have read. The pictures are beautiful and realistic and the book does a great job of sticking to the original text, but also making it understandable for kids.