What I would love would be more Lenten and Holy Week recommendations, most books have a more Easter morning focus. Any must have suggestions?
A beautiful story of sacrifice, a rose gives up her most prized possession (her lovely petals) to save a baby dove. The illustrations are beautiful, a favourite. 4 Star
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
Another story about continual self-sacrifice, the Giving Tree continually gives to a boy/man who took and took and never appreciated the sacrifices of the tree; the fruit, the branches and finally the trunk. Truthfully I find this book boring but it appeals to some of the children. 2 Star
The Story of the Cross - Mary Joslin
Every year we use this book for meditation on Good Friday, very basic but clear to children. 4 Star
Children's Stations of the Cross - Susan Andrews Brindle
Lengthy text both in English and Spanish. Brindle's books are too waffly for me, gathering dust. 1 Star
Benjamin's Box - Melody Carlson
One of our very, very favourites:) the children eagerly look forward to this book on Good Friday morning and the accompanying treasure egg hunt. Benjmin has gathered treasures that represent moments throughout Holy Week 5 Star
The Thornbush - Michael Laughlin
A small thornbush grows in the streets of Jerusalem, the bush feels ugly and unwanted. Jesus passes with his hands tied and gazes at the bush with gentle care. The soldiers make a crown of thorns from the bush's branches. The bush is ashamed and refuses to bloom, but when Jesus' rises from the dead, the bush blooms. Illustrations use warm colours
Gentle, reflective. 4 Star
Easter Swallows - Vicki Howie
The Easter story retold by a pair of swallows who are building a nest in the garden in which Jesus is buried. Simple enough to hold the interest of little ones. My favourite line is "Backwards and forwards they flew, carrying great globules of mud in their beaks." Isn't globules a delicious word? Very simple illustrations, light colours, sweet, but undiluted.
4 Star
The Legend of the Three Trees - Catherine McCafferty
A beautiful story about three trees who have big dreams, dreams involving grandeur, their dreams are doomed to fail or so they think. A favourite of ours suitable for either Christmas or Easter. 4 Star
The Proud Tree- Luane Roche
This storyline is similar to the 'Three Trees'. 'Rex' thinks he is a tree worthy for a king. But to his horror he is chopped down to be a cross for a crucifixion. However the proud Rex learns a lesson from the humble, gentle Jesus. A longer text, black and white illustrations. 4 Star
The Tale of The Three Trees - Angela Elwell Hunt
We found this copy at the op shop, now totaling three books based on the similar storyline. Three trees, all have grand dreams, it appears that their dreams fail miserably and yet.... their dreams do come to fruition. A big favourite. Clear illustrations. 4 Star
The Easter Story - Brian Wildsmith
The story of Easter retold through the eyes of the little donkey that carried Jesus. From Palm Sunday throughout the events of Holy Week till the Resurrection we follow the donkey. Incredibly illustrated like all of Brian Wildsmith's books, a treasure we love. *Contains an inaccuracy, Mary the Mother of God goes to the tomb on Easter Sunday morn.
4.5 Star
The Story of Easter - Mary Joslin
An easy to follow storyline, the story of Easter, with soft illustrations. My only reservation about this book is early on when the author writes "Mary traveled to Bethlehem with her husband-to-be Joseph." This inaccuracy jarrs in an otherwise great book. 3.5 Star
On That Easter Morning - Mary Joslin
Retelling of the Easter story from Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection. Accurately told, a fair amount of text on each page, the casual rewording of Scriptural style is slightly jarring. Soft illustrations.
3.5 Star
Easter Story - Gennady Spirin
After reading reviews highly recommending it we ordered this book. Based on the KJV with gorgeous illustrations, it is just perfect! 5 Star
The Very First Easter - Paul Maier
This book has lengthy text, plenty of Biblical quotes and beautiful illustrations. The text is so long I rarely read it, tending to give to an older child to read to themselves. Told mostly in a dialogue style between a child and his parents, not Catholic in tone. 2 Star
The First Easter - Carol Heyer
Clear illustrations with straightforward text describing Holy Week and Easter. The Last Supper needs some alteration for clarity to reflect our Catholic worldview, this book bothers me a little. Easy for the younger children to follow. 2.5 Star
Introduction to the Liturgical Year - Inos Biffi
My friend Jenn has urged me to collect all of Inos Biffi's books, when I purchased this one I was very pleased I did. (Thanks Jenn) To be used throughout the whole liturgical year. We read several pertinent pages . Extremely in depth and yet concise. The illustrations have an iconic feel.
Excellent!! 5 Star+!
The Way of the Cross - Inos Biffi
Another excellent book of Biffi's. Perfect for children to gain an indepth understanding of their Faith, by no means watered down.
Excellent! 5 Star+!
Egg Titles
![The Legend of the Easter Egg Board Book [Board Book]](http://www.fishpond.com.au/affiliate_show_banner.php?ref=343&affiliate_pbanner_id=746591)
The Legend of the Easter Egg - Lori Walburg
By the same author as 'The Legend of the Candy Cane'. Written for little ones to explain the meaning of Easter. I was disappointed as it wasn't as well done as the 'Candy Cane.' 3 Star
Rechenka's Eggs - Patricia Polacco
Vibrant pictures depicting the decorative beauty of Ukrainian painted eggs. The tale of Babushka who is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose who shows her miracles happen. We enjoy looking at the pictures for inspiration when we paint our eggs. 5 Star
The Egg Tree - Katherine Milhous
Katy is on an egg hunt on Easter morning at her Grandmom's when she finds a special set of eggs. Grandmom decided to hang the eggs from the branches of a tiny tree - an Egg Tree, beginning a very special Easter tradition. 4 Star
Easter Eggs for Anya - Virginia Kroll
Another new purchase, Anya's family is too poor to buy eggs to decorate then Anya finds goose eggs and plans a surprise for her family. But God has an even better surprise in store. My children were mesmerised. The illustrations are very colourful, informative information about pysanky eggs and their symbolism. 5 Star
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes - Marjorie Flack
A fun tale about five Easter Bunnies who delivered eggs to all the boys and girls. 3 Star
Chapter Books
Vinegar Boy - Alberta Hawse
This as our Lenten read aloud each year. The story of a disfigured boy who takes the vinegar to Christ on the Cross and his life is changed forever.
5 Star
*I'd love any other read aloud recommendations.
The Spear - Louis de Wohl,
For the older reader by one of my favourite authors. The last days of Christ, climaxing at the Crucifixion written from the eyes of the soldier, Longinus, who pierced Christ on the Cross.
5 Star
The Robe - Lloyd C Douglas
The story of a soldier's quest to find truth in a corrupt world. The soldier Marcellus, wins Christ robe during the Crucifixion, thus begins his quest.
The Big Fisherman - Lloyd C Douglas
Set before the robe, this book focuses on Peter although not exclusively.
The Silver Chalice - Thomas B Costain
The story of Basil of Antioch who was commissioned to make the casing for the Chalice Jesus used at the Last Supper. Basil travels to Rome to meet the apostles, braves persecution and makes a fateful choice.
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
Another story about continual self-sacrifice, the Giving Tree continually gives to a boy/man who took and took and never appreciated the sacrifices of the tree; the fruit, the branches and finally the trunk. Truthfully I find this book boring but it appeals to some of the children. 2 Star
The Story of the Cross - Mary Joslin
Every year we use this book for meditation on Good Friday, very basic but clear to children. 4 Star
Children's Stations of the Cross - Susan Andrews Brindle
Lengthy text both in English and Spanish. Brindle's books are too waffly for me, gathering dust. 1 Star
Benjamin's Box - Melody Carlson
One of our very, very favourites:) the children eagerly look forward to this book on Good Friday morning and the accompanying treasure egg hunt. Benjmin has gathered treasures that represent moments throughout Holy Week 5 Star
The Thornbush - Michael Laughlin
A small thornbush grows in the streets of Jerusalem, the bush feels ugly and unwanted. Jesus passes with his hands tied and gazes at the bush with gentle care. The soldiers make a crown of thorns from the bush's branches. The bush is ashamed and refuses to bloom, but when Jesus' rises from the dead, the bush blooms. Illustrations use warm colours
Gentle, reflective. 4 Star
Easter Swallows - Vicki Howie
The Easter story retold by a pair of swallows who are building a nest in the garden in which Jesus is buried. Simple enough to hold the interest of little ones. My favourite line is "Backwards and forwards they flew, carrying great globules of mud in their beaks." Isn't globules a delicious word? Very simple illustrations, light colours, sweet, but undiluted.
4 Star
The Legend of the Three Trees - Catherine McCafferty
A beautiful story about three trees who have big dreams, dreams involving grandeur, their dreams are doomed to fail or so they think. A favourite of ours suitable for either Christmas or Easter. 4 Star
The Proud Tree- Luane Roche
This storyline is similar to the 'Three Trees'. 'Rex' thinks he is a tree worthy for a king. But to his horror he is chopped down to be a cross for a crucifixion. However the proud Rex learns a lesson from the humble, gentle Jesus. A longer text, black and white illustrations. 4 Star
The Tale of The Three Trees - Angela Elwell Hunt
We found this copy at the op shop, now totaling three books based on the similar storyline. Three trees, all have grand dreams, it appears that their dreams fail miserably and yet.... their dreams do come to fruition. A big favourite. Clear illustrations. 4 Star
The Easter Story - Brian Wildsmith
The story of Easter retold through the eyes of the little donkey that carried Jesus. From Palm Sunday throughout the events of Holy Week till the Resurrection we follow the donkey. Incredibly illustrated like all of Brian Wildsmith's books, a treasure we love. *Contains an inaccuracy, Mary the Mother of God goes to the tomb on Easter Sunday morn.
4.5 Star
The Story of Easter - Mary Joslin
An easy to follow storyline, the story of Easter, with soft illustrations. My only reservation about this book is early on when the author writes "Mary traveled to Bethlehem with her husband-to-be Joseph." This inaccuracy jarrs in an otherwise great book. 3.5 Star
On That Easter Morning - Mary Joslin
Retelling of the Easter story from Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection. Accurately told, a fair amount of text on each page, the casual rewording of Scriptural style is slightly jarring. Soft illustrations.
3.5 Star
Easter Story - Gennady Spirin
After reading reviews highly recommending it we ordered this book. Based on the KJV with gorgeous illustrations, it is just perfect! 5 Star
The Very First Easter - Paul Maier
This book has lengthy text, plenty of Biblical quotes and beautiful illustrations. The text is so long I rarely read it, tending to give to an older child to read to themselves. Told mostly in a dialogue style between a child and his parents, not Catholic in tone. 2 Star
The First Easter - Carol Heyer
Clear illustrations with straightforward text describing Holy Week and Easter. The Last Supper needs some alteration for clarity to reflect our Catholic worldview, this book bothers me a little. Easy for the younger children to follow. 2.5 Star
Introduction to the Liturgical Year - Inos Biffi
My friend Jenn has urged me to collect all of Inos Biffi's books, when I purchased this one I was very pleased I did. (Thanks Jenn) To be used throughout the whole liturgical year. We read several pertinent pages . Extremely in depth and yet concise. The illustrations have an iconic feel.
Excellent!! 5 Star+!
The Way of the Cross - Inos Biffi
Another excellent book of Biffi's. Perfect for children to gain an indepth understanding of their Faith, by no means watered down.
Excellent! 5 Star+!
Egg Titles
The Legend of the Easter Egg - Lori Walburg
By the same author as 'The Legend of the Candy Cane'. Written for little ones to explain the meaning of Easter. I was disappointed as it wasn't as well done as the 'Candy Cane.' 3 Star
Rechenka's Eggs - Patricia Polacco
Vibrant pictures depicting the decorative beauty of Ukrainian painted eggs. The tale of Babushka who is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose who shows her miracles happen. We enjoy looking at the pictures for inspiration when we paint our eggs. 5 Star
The Egg Tree - Katherine Milhous
Katy is on an egg hunt on Easter morning at her Grandmom's when she finds a special set of eggs. Grandmom decided to hang the eggs from the branches of a tiny tree - an Egg Tree, beginning a very special Easter tradition. 4 Star
Easter Eggs for Anya - Virginia Kroll
Another new purchase, Anya's family is too poor to buy eggs to decorate then Anya finds goose eggs and plans a surprise for her family. But God has an even better surprise in store. My children were mesmerised. The illustrations are very colourful, informative information about pysanky eggs and their symbolism. 5 Star
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes - Marjorie Flack
A fun tale about five Easter Bunnies who delivered eggs to all the boys and girls. 3 Star
Chapter Books
Vinegar Boy - Alberta Hawse
This as our Lenten read aloud each year. The story of a disfigured boy who takes the vinegar to Christ on the Cross and his life is changed forever.
5 Star
*I'd love any other read aloud recommendations.
The Spear - Louis de Wohl,
For the older reader by one of my favourite authors. The last days of Christ, climaxing at the Crucifixion written from the eyes of the soldier, Longinus, who pierced Christ on the Cross.
5 Star
The Robe - Lloyd C Douglas
The story of a soldier's quest to find truth in a corrupt world. The soldier Marcellus, wins Christ robe during the Crucifixion, thus begins his quest.
The Big Fisherman - Lloyd C Douglas
Set before the robe, this book focuses on Peter although not exclusively.
The Silver Chalice - Thomas B Costain
The story of Basil of Antioch who was commissioned to make the casing for the Chalice Jesus used at the Last Supper. Basil travels to Rome to meet the apostles, braves persecution and makes a fateful choice.
Fabulous complilation and reviews. There are a few here I don't have, so I can't comment, but the ones I have and own I agree almost entirely on your assessment. I ended up selling my Brindle and Maier books, I disliked them so much. And I am picky about books that portray Jesus' life that change the Scripture words -- that's my pickiness with Joslin's books. They would be perfect, otherwise. My boys know the Gospel passages, so to hear it differently frustrates them (and me). I might have a few more ideas for chapter books.
ReplyDeleteI think I did a blog post on other Lenten reading we do. I focus on the Old Testament stories that either are Lenten symbolism or will be portrayed in the Easter Vigil. So Jonah and Moses/Exodus, Joseph and his brothers, Genesis.... And St. Patrick's Summer is one of the best books to encapsulate all of the Easter Vigil through the book!
Jenn
ReplyDeleteI added some extra info to the review for clarity, and slightly changed some of my ratings too. Good to take another look.
Can you supply links to your post please:) Love to see a post on chapter books.
Thanks for suggesting St Patrick's Summer, adding it to the box.
Did you add Carol Heyer? That's another one that I ditched after a while. Maier and Heyer just felt really Protestant
ReplyDeleteLike the updates. ;-)
http://familyfeastandferia.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/our-lenten-plans-2011/ here's the humble post...
Heyer was there all along. I do understand what you mean, that's why Heyer has some pencil marking in my copy;) I'm happier with the updates too, they reflect deeper thinking. Thanks for the post:)
ReplyDeleteJenn
ReplyDeleteRead your post, that was the one that sold me on buying the Biffi books. Begging you now to write a post on chapter books:)
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteI think the stars are helpful(more so if I'm familiar with the person doing the rating) but I find it hard to use the stars to rate a book myself.
Carol
ReplyDeleteI do understand what you mean, it's particularly helpful if you know the reviewer has similar 'tastes' to you.
At first I found it hard to do star rating, but after a while it became easier, as I shared though reviews are subjective.
I'm less tough on my goodreads stars (they won't let me half star:( )
but for blog reviews I'm conscious my audience need disclaimers, extra info etc
Apologies, I meant to thank you too for your feedback:):)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a thorough list of books. Thanks for sharing at The Children's Bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great list. I'm always looking for new books for Easter. I wrote my list from memory based on last year's lists and missed the inaccuracies in Wildsmith and Joslin. I'll have to go back and re-look at those books.
ReplyDeleteI do really love Spirin but I think that Wildsmith and Joslin's books are more accessible for kids. Fiona French also has a lovely book that you might be interested in. We really love The Jesus Storybook too.
Thanks for linking up to The Children's Bookshelf.
Love the stars! This is the first time I've been on your blog, but your descriptions combined with the stars gave me a great feel for the books I haven't read. Thanks!
ReplyDelete