Book Review: Why Do We Celebrate Easter? by Mark Sutherland

Looking for a way to explain Easter to your child? Then consider picking up a copy of Why Do We Celebrate Easter? by Mark Sutherland.

In this beautifully illustrated story, children learn that God had planned Easter a long, long time ago--even before the world was created. The book swiftly moves along from creation and the Fall of Man, to the birth of Jesus, His ministry, the Last Supper, Jesus' death and his glorious Resurrection.

Sutherland did an excellent job of providing young readers with a book that explains the Easter story in greater depth than many books do. While it is a large picture book (30 PDF pages/28 printed pages) the explanations provided by the author will be helpful in assisting readers to grasp the full message.

The book opens by asking the reader, "Do you ever wonder what Easter is all about?" Immediately the author works to engage the reader. This is a nice style, and one I think young readers will enjoy.

Julie Hammond's artwork is lovely. The soft, warm colors keep with the peaceful tone of the book.

My only slight criticism is that I felt the book would end on a more powerful note without the last page. The second to the last page talks about how we become Jesus' friends by believing He is God and that He died and rose again as payment for our sins. The final page acts like a summary of the entire book, and ends with the words, "And that's why we celebrate Easter." I truly felt that last page deflated the strong words of the page before it.

That aside, Why Do We Celebrate Easter? by Mark Sutherland is a great way to share the Easter story with the child in your life.

Paperback: 28 pages

Publisher: Dunrobin Publishing (January 21, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0983236305

ISBN-13: 978-0983236306

SRP:  $9.99

Spring Titles for Your Young Reader

Here are a few books I've had the chance to review at my kid's book blog that will make excellent Easter reading.

Stubby’s Destiny is an inspirational story about a defeated donkey, Stubby, who feels he was born wrong. He was just about to give up when divine destiny tapped him on the shoulder. He was chosen to carry the King of Kings upon his back. Stubby’s Destiny will bring hope to hurting children who feel their situation is hopeless.

This book is great to read this time of year because it tells the story of how a donkey who feels he will never amount to anything ends up carrying Jesus into Jerusalem on his back, where palms are laid on the ground as they pass by.

You can read my full review at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection.

Purchase Stubby's Destiny by Dixie Phillips at the Guardian Angel Publishing website.

This is a heartwarming adventure of two cherubs, Kennedy and Tristan. They help children understand what the angels might have felt when Jesus came to Earth and was crucified.

This book covers a lot of ground. It starts with the cherubs being upset that Emmaunuel is leaving them. They hear about His baptism and soon turn sad over news of His death. Luckily their sorrow only lasts three days, as Emmanuel's Resurrection means all the people can live in Heaven one day.

You can read my full review here.

Purchase Angel Eyes by Dixie Phillips at the Guardian Angel Publishing website.  

Jordan's Guest is the latest book in Davy Liu's Invisible Tails series. The author tells the story of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem and his arrest and crucifixion from the perspective of the animals living in the stable.

I've read all the books in this series, and I highly recommend them. You can read my review of Jordan's Guest at my kid's book blog.

Purchase Jordan's Guest from Amazon.com.

Here are a few books I found online that I thought looked cute. I haven't read them:

The importance of both family and sharing are emphasized in this board book with simple descriptions about Easter celebrations. Sparkling glitter and velvety flocking highlight Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations, while his easy-to-follow text explains the special traditions associated with the holiday.

Features of Every Day of Lent and Easter:
48-page booklet packed with colorful illustrations
Games, puzzles, mazes, and activities
Explanation of themes and traditions of the season
Lenten calendar
Helps children focus on the meaning of Lent and Easter in their lives
For children in grades 1, 2, & 3

This book retells the events of Palm Sunday through Easter day (Matthew 21:1-28:10; Mark 11:1-16-8; Luke 19:29-24:12; John 12:12-20:10). The Arch(R) Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. This product is part of the Accelerated Reader(TM) program and carries a point value of .5.


These and more spring titles are available at Amazon.com!