The Story of Easter (Little Golden Book) [Hardcover]

Jean Miller (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up | Series: Little Golden Book

This is the basic story of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus that became the Christian holiday of Easter. It covers the latter part of his life when he attracted a following as he taught about the love of God and then was betrayed to the Romans. Although the book discusses the crucifixion, there is no graphic text or illustration depicting this event. After the events of the death and resurrection are retold, the author goes on to explain how the holy day that became Easter got its name and discusses some of the practices and traditions that are part of the holiday in different places, including intersting information about the custom of decorating Easter eggs. This is a well told, informative look at the most holy of Christian holidays.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Golden Books (December 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 030798902X
• ISBN-13: 978-0307989024
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,754,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Easter (Little Golden Book), April 2, 2009

By 

Anna M. Ligtenberg "AnnaLovesBooks" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Story of Easter (Little Golden Book) (Hardcover)

ISBN 030798902x - Well. Color me shocked. I just reviewed The Easter Story (Storyland Books), which is an Easter story based on Mark. I would have thought that a children's Easter book based on the bible would've been the best kind possible, but it wasn't very good. So I wasn't expecting much, at all, from a Little Golden Book. And... wow, was I wrong!

Because the story is so well-known, I'm not going to re-cap it much: Jesus and his followers go to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, where he announces that one of them will betray him. Judas does and Jesus is crucified. Three days later, he rises from the dead and tells his mother and Mary Magdalene to bring his followers to Galilee. There, he tells his disciples to spread his teachings and promises to be with them, always.

Failings: the book doesn't mention that Jesus is a Jew, but does have him and his disciples celebrating Passover. Some parents might be bothered by "The people of Judea hated the Roman rulers..." for the use of the word "hated". When the Marys go to the tomb, they are told Jesus is not there, but they never look for themselves, which makes no sense.

Positives: The book dances around how Jesus died, but at least mentions it. "There he was crucified in the Roman fashion... This leaves out details young children don't really need to know just yet. The book explains why Judas sold out Jesus (for money), the first time I've seen it brought up in a kids' book. The mention of both Marys, as well as Joseph of Arimathea was nice, leaving the door open to more biblical teachings. The final 9 pages are dedicated to explanations. First, Holy Week and the days that make it up, including Easter, are explained. The cross as a symbol, the Resurrection, the Madonna lily, Easter eggs... even how the name "Easter" came from a pagan (they say "ancient") celebration of spring. The last two pages have some information about Easter in other countries (outside the United States).

Author Jean Miller really did a superb job with this telling, and this is from a non-Christian! The illustrations, by Debbie Pinkney-Davis are very attractive without being cartoon-y colorful. All in all... I'm sticking with "wow!"

- AnnaLovesBooks