A Very Happy Easter By Tim Thornborough and Illustrated by Jennifer Davison

 This article was first published in French at TPSG.

A Very Happy Easter opens like no children’s book I’ve ever read. Beyond inviting children to listen to the story and observe the pictures on the pages, it issues a special appeal: To notice the varying emotions of those taking part in the drama of Christ’s last week on earth and imitate what these characters are experiencing. What better way to get kids ages 2-4 to actively participate in a story? 

 

Employing simple terms accessible for little ones, Thornborough walks his readers through Christ’s Passion Week. He begins with Palm Sunday and ends with the Great Commission. In light of the latter, he concludes by offering a final challenge and a question. The challenge: Will you also go tell your friends about the risen Saviour? What a powerful way to instill in children the value of their contributions as Christ’s ambassadors. And the question: Will you be very happy this Easter? He thus reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is a subject of great joy for both young and old. 

 

Jennifer Davidon’s beautiful illustrations connect well with small children. Little ones will identify with the adorable, chubby faces of the characters that mirror their own. Yet adults may also notice that, unlike many children’s books we read which depicted Jesus as blue-eyed, blond-haired, and fair-skinned, these portray them as decidedly Mediterranean. 

 

You’ll find A Very Happy Easter here.