My Easter Basket: The True Story of Easter

by Mary Manz Simon

Book Overview

Look in my basket to see what Easter is all about
Easter is about much more than yellow chicks and white bunnies. Young children can use the colors in this basket to discover the real meaning of this special day. As they walk through the Bible story, they will learn why we celebrate Easter--because Jesus is alive

• Format: Board book
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1433689901
• ISBN13: 9781433689901
• Release Date: February 2016
• Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
• Length: 14 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.7" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 4 years and under

Customer Reviews

A brilliant book!

In this book Mary Manz Simon encourages a symbolic connection between the cultural aspects and the religious foundations of this holiday. It begins "The colors in this basket are my own special way for me to tell the story of that first Easter Day." Through sturdy die-cut pages, the text then highlights different colors (green, purple, red, white, brown and yellow) and tells what these can remind us of the biblical story of Jesus. For example, green (this page shows an egg dyed green, but this could also relate to the green Easter grass) reminds us of the palm branches set before Jesus during his triumphal entry. The story, as told through these symbolic colors, goes from Palm Sunday through the resurrection on Easter Day. The book concludes with John 11:25, quoted from the International Children's Bible, New Century Version. "Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will have life even if he dies. And he who lives and believes in me will never die.'" The illustrations by Linda Clearwater feature heavy outlines, vibrant colors and lots of glitter. While the main part of the book shows an Easter basket and all the goodies stuffed inside, an inset shows the events of the first Easter: Palm Sunday, the last supper, the rock rolled away, etc. What I Like: Everything! This book incorporates current cultural traditions without making them the focus of the holiday. Rather it reminds children what's important about Easter by giving an accurate, but easy to understand retelling. The book is solid and attractive. What I Dislike: Nothing. Overall Rating: Excellent. Tanya - Christian Children's Book Review

Had I seen it years ago, my daughter would have owned it

If I had encountered this book when my daughter was young, she would have owned it. The structure is a basket containing a white rabbit, chocolate rabbit, a chick, flowers and Easter eggs. These items are depressed, so as the thick pages are turned, the items are "removed" from the basket. The pages are very colorful and the "basket" items sparkle, features that will capture and keep the attention of young children. The text, which appears in captions at the bottom, explains the religious significance of Easter.

My Easter Basket: And the True Story of Easter

Excellent introduction to the Easter account in terms toddlers and preschoolers can understand.

Excellent Book!

First of all, this book just looks fun! It is shaped, has many bright colors, and it SPARKLES!! This is a book that you will not mind reading several times. It also has a great message. It begins with, "The colors in this basket are my own special way for me to tell the story of that first Easter Day." Kids will hear the TRUE story of Easter in a fun, colorful way. By using the many colors commonly found in Easter baskets, the author takes us through the entire Easter story. From the green palm leaves, to the purple wine, to the red blood, to the brown cave, to the white angel, to the yellow sun. Each section is presented in rhyming format. "The purple in my basket reminds me of the time that Jesus shared with his friends a meal of bread and wine." In addition, the children depicted in this book are very diverse, which is an added bonus. This book shows asian, black, white, and biracial children, all experiencing the love of Jesus. A unique and welcome accomplishment.