In addition to our Resurrection Tree, during these weeks leading up to Easter, I like to read books and devotions that prepare my boys to celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. Just as we read books during Advent to prepare for Christmas, reading books that focus on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection plows the soil of our hearts for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday.
Below is a list of books we have read or are reading now:
The Donkey Who Carried a King
: I love R.C. Sproul’s children’s books and have reviewed many of them. This one is perfect for Easter. It is the story of a donkey who was never chosen for important jobs until the day he was selected to take Jesus into Jerusalem. After this important job, he was filled with pride and became self-righteous. This story focuses on lessons in humility and points us to Jesus, the humble Servant/King. You can read my review of the book here.
Why Easter?
: This is a devotional to be used in the weeks leading up to Easter. It includes scripture passages to read, songs to sing, a devotional to read as well as discussion questions. My friend Melissa, at Hive Resources, has a helpful interview with the author here.
Christ in Easter: A Family Celebration of Holy Week
: This is another devotional we have used. It contains stories written by well known authors, as well as songs, scripture to read, activities, and questions. It begins with Palm Sunday and highlights the events of Holy Week.
Mission Possible: A 40-Day Adventure With Jesus
: We read this book last year. This is a forty day devotional designed to help children seek and discover who Jesus is. Using a mystery solving theme, it includes activities and clues to help children investigate and learn more about Jesus and what he came to do.
Case for Christ for Kids, Updated and Expanded (Case for… Series for Kids)
: We are reading this one now. I loved the adult version of this book and thought my son would enjoy the child’s version. It’s focus in on the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, looking at the arguments people have against the truths of Christ.
Do you have any book recommendations for Easter?
Giveaway: I am giving away one copy of The Donkey Who Carried a King. To automatically enter the drawing, leave a comment below. Random.org will select the winner on Saturday, March 9 at 8:00pm EST. Update: Random.org selected Carrie as the winner of the book. Congratulations, Carrie!
Thanks!
great books! we also like Benjamin’s Box :0)
Sounds like a great book to share with my children.
I have been SO blessed by your site Christina-these last few months since God first led me here, your posts are always so timely. Your depression story has ministered to me greatly. Blessings!
We enjoyed a barber who wanted to pray!
Would love to win these books!
Thanks for these ideas! I’m looking forward to next year when my littles will get it a little better.
I was just asking Melissa ( Hive) a few days ago of she had some good recommendation. These are great, thanks!
Thanks for sharing, sounds like a sweet book to share with the kiddos!!
Would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway and the ideas in your post.
Thanks Christina.Would love a copy of it.
I would love to have this book to continue to teach my young children how amazing our humble Lord is! We are trying to expand our christian book collection to raise them in the way they should go~
My son is four months old, and I’m always looking out for book recommendations. Thanks for the suggestions!
Great inspirational ideas Christina! Thank you for sharing! xoxo
Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
What a fun giveaway!
I love the Sproul children’s books!
Thank you for sharing these books!
Wonderful suggestions! I don’t have any of these books and am excited to check them out
We’re doing Ann’s Easter devotional this year again because I didn’t get my act together and plan something else-and I loved it so much last year.
and I need to get my hands on some Sproul children’s books-thank you, Christina!
I have never read the book but would like to. I would be grateful for a copy. Thanks!
Great ideas as always!
I have heard great things about this book and would love to win a copy! I’ll check out the others as well
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks for the ideas! Always like to know what others use!
looks and sounds like such a great book- love the name Davey!
I’ve been looking for some new books for my Sunday School class. Thanks for the giveaway!
Great books - would live to win one.
I couldn’t fit another book on my bulging shelves, so I am glad the book went to Carrie! Two of my favorite picture books for Easter are”The Very First Easter” by Paul Maier https://www.christianbook.com/the-very-first-easter-softcover/paul-maier/9780758606273/pd/606273. Maier is a professor of ancient history, and he teamed up with an incredible illustrator from Lucasfilms and the style is a question and answer series from a young boy asking about the Gospel texts, as he and his parents do devotions together. Kind of like the Case for Christ, but with beautiful illustrations. Kind of talky for little kids, but your older boys will like it.
My other favorite is “Easter” by Jan Pienkowski. You can read the whole book online here. The illustrations are magnificent silhouettes that express pathos even better than the pretty ones above. I love this book, we read a little bit of it every day before Easter, and I have designed a banner similar in style to accompany its reading, inspired in part by Ann Hibbard’s “Road to Calvary.” I’ve like her banner idea very much, but find the art style wanting, and have always wanted to make my own with an expressionistic style like Pienkowski’s — it seems to express the drama of Passion week more satisfyingly to me.. I’m finally making time this year, it has been on the bucket list for too long, and I have another student graduating this year. When I get it finished, I’ll post a picture on my blog, and will link to it here, so you can see that I have not wholly crucified that Martha Stewartitis that is so especially annoyingly evident at holiday times. Ah, me.
What a long comment. Never get me talking about books! And I have really enjoyed reading your blog.
Whoops, forgot the link to read Pienkowski. Here’s the place to start. https://www.janpienkowski.com/fun-and-games/books.htm
And here is my favorite page of the book.
https://www.janpienkowski.com/fun-and-games/books/easter/page13.htm
Thanks so much Karen! I love learning about new books. And I appreciate you visiting here!