Children’s book author Glenys Nellist recommends these Easter books focusing on Christ’s resurrection to churches and families during this holy season.

GLENYS NELLIST
Children’s book author, member of Dearborn: First UMC

When I’m choosing Easter titles to share with children and families, I’ve learned to ask three important questions:

1. 1. Is this a book that leaves room for children to wonder?
   2. Is this a book that deals gently with the crucifixion of Jesus and focuses more on resurrection?
   3. Is this a book with inclusive illustrations, so that all children will be able to find themselves in its pages?

If the answer is yes to all three of these questions, then I know I’ve found a great Easter story—one that I can trust, and one that I would be happy to read with my grandchildren. The following eight titles all meet those criteria.

Board Books (baby to age 5)

Good News! It’s Easter! by Glenys Nellist is a joyful celebration of new life, from bunnies to frogs to chicks to Jesus! What’s not to love about this fun read-aloud? Download your free activity pack here.
Jesus Is Risen by Agostino Traini is a lovely pop-up book that celebrates, in just seven spreads, the resurrection of Jesus.
Lift-the-Flap Easter Stories for Young Children by Andrew J. DeYoung and Naomi Joy Krueger begins with the Last Supper and ends with the Ascension. The inclusion of interactive flaps adds to the appeal of this title for young children.
Make Space for Jesus: Learning about Lent and Easter by Laura Alary is a delightful adaptation of Make Room, which she wrote for older children. This gem of a book is a thoughtfully crafted exploration of the Lenten and Easter seasons for little ones.

Picture Books (ages 4 to 8)

Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary contains four sections: Making Time, Making Space, Making Room, and Holy Week. Focusing on discipleship and service, Laura succinctly and skillfully relates the events of Jesus’ life and invites children to consider how they might be disciples of Jesus too.
Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus by John Hendrix is a visually stunning book that tells the story of Jesus’ miracles, including the resurrection, in a refreshing, innovative way. Who wouldn’t be drawn in by a book that begins: “On a day that didn’t seem at all unusual, there came an unusual Man.”
This Is the Mystery of Easter by Amelia Richardson Dress takes the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection and makes it accessible to children in a thoughtful, gentle way. Her words, along with the simple illustrations, not only embrace the wonder of Easter but also create space for children to ponder this great mystery for themselves.
’Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist is a retelling of the resurrection story through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. Beginning at the empty tomb and ending with the resurrection, this story is told in the familiar rhythm and rhyme of Clement C. Moore’s classic, “’Twas the Night before Christmas.” Download your free activity pack here, which also includes instructions on how to organize an Easter StoryWalk.

Last Updated on March 20, 2023