The Easter Story [Hardcover]

Carol Heyer (Author)

Book Description

Award-winning artist Carol Heyer brings her brilliant illustrations to the pages of this beautiful retelling of the Easter story. This inspiring book takes the young reader from Christ's birth through His life, His death, and His Resurrection.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Using Easter celebrations as her frame--and drawing on all four Gospels, Heyer presents a workmanlike compression of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus into a standard picture book format. Her vividly colored paintings are the book's best aspect, although Heyer interestingly chooses not to portray Jesus's face, concentrating instead on his hands. This may be a wise choice, as her illustrations of people are less successful than her generally convincing depiction of mood and place. More information on the Passion and Resurrection or discussion of the Easter symbols (rabbits, eggs, lilies, etc.) might have helped better focus the book on the holiday itself. The Easter Story can serve as a creditable catalyst for family discussions regarding the true meaning behind this important celebration. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Ideals Childrens Books (March 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824984390
• ISBN-13: 978-0824984397
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,580,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Easter Story, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

The text of "The Easter Story" is a simplified retelling of the Biblical narratives from the nativity through Christ's resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdeline and the disciples.

The story line is simple enough for young children and provides a nice synopsis for older readers.

The illustrations are a disappointment. The illustration on the book's cover is the best composed and best-drawn of all the illustrations, and it is not representative of the pictures within the story. While the paintings are vivid in color and contail historical details which add to a child's understanding of the stories' context, they are poorly composed and leave even a adult puzzling over just what is being shown. The artist has chosen to avoid showing the face of Jesus, which is not in itself a problem, but the perspectives of the illustration shift often enough to be confusing. In one picture, the viewer is looking out over Jesus's shoulder; in another, toward him; in another, he is not included at all. The artist's choice of subjects is somewhat surprising, as well. In the illustration of the crucifiction, the cross is shown in deep shadow, with light and emphasis on a slumbering Roman guard.

Altogether, The Easter Story is not a bad children's book. It covers the basic events of the life of Jesus Christ at a level appropriate to children of widely varying ages. However, given the emotional, historical, and spiritual impact of the subject matter, The Easter Story leaves much to be desired.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easter for Children, January 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

It is not easy to retell the Easter story for young children. How do you portray the horror of the crucifixion or the joy of the disciples? This simple retelling never talks down to the child, yet doesn't shock with graphic detail. The illustrations are beautiful. reverent, and show realistic people and faces rather than cartoonish ones. This rendition clearly converys the awe and wonder of those who cherish this story.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wonderful book, May 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Easter Story (Hardcover)

Our family has fallen in love with this book and its beautiful pictures. It's my 22 month old son's favorite book. I found it interesting that Jesus' face is never shown in the pictures. There are a few details in the story that are not completely accurate, but overall it's a wonderful book.