Easter Books to Recenter Your Family

Easter: It’s not just bunnies and chocolate, noodle salad, and colored eggs. It’s betrayal and denial. Blood and spit. Desperation and Hope. Easter is death overcome by Life.

In my house, we love to celebrate the fun and family the holiday offers. But most importantly we take purposful pause to redirect and remember what Easter is all about… True Love… Rescue… Jesus.

Here are a few books we love to read together around Easter time. We know you and your children will enjoy them, as well.

For the Littles:

We love JellyTelly and What’s in the Bible with Buck Denver. This little book sums up Easter in their charming puppety way. It’s great to share as a family and wonderful to share with a Sunday School Class. My son once led Easter Sunday School with this book and a few songs. It’s wonderful. Just heavy enough to be serious without being confusing or scary for little ones.

For the Middles:

Going a little deeper with middle-aged kiddos is easy with this historical fiction novel. Based on Paul’s letter to Philemon, the story focuses on a bitter heart surrendering to Jesus Christ and learning what it means to be a Slave to Christ and not to men. Be ready: This book is a wonderful conversation starter in your home. It also can drum up a healthy dose of conviction in the parent reading it. As it did with me.

For the Bigs:

For your older, more mature audiences, I can think of no other historical fiction book better than The Bronze Bow. Beware: it contains a bit of gore and has frightening elements. As you travel back, during Roman Occupation, you follow Daniel, who is a hot-headed, vengeance-bent boy. After his father is crucified, and his sister submerges within herself, Daniel sidles up to the best source of power he can find… a rouge and his band of thieves. His heart is torn between duty and pride, love and revenge… until he comes face to face with Jesus. Have a box of tissues ready!

One more suggestion:

A good book never ages and you can never outgrow it Though the 3 fictions I listed are wonderful they are no substitute for the real thing. The Bible will always be the worlds only Living Library of truth. Do not neglect it for another.

However, if you’re looking to get to the meat and spotlight God’s love for us… just in time for Easter consider reading:

The Jesus Storybook Bible is an easy but poignant read. Deep and gentle all in one. Colorful and reflective. If you haven’t scored a copy for your home… I urge you to find one. I love love love this book. And so does my family. Reading it through during the Easter season is not strenuous or heavy but it does the job of turning distracted hearts back to their first love.

PSST… moms of teen or tweens: If the book above sounds like what you’ve been waiting for but you know your kiddo will roll their eyes at a “KIDS PICTURE BOOK” try this one… it’s the same thing in a more grown up package.

Let me know what you think of our family’s Easter reads. What are your favorites?

Until next time. Happy Resurrection Day!

Sarah