Media Matters

 Picture book by Jill Roman Lord. The story is written in a somewhat cumulative style. There are some things about the prose I would have written differently. (Nothing offensive or wrong, just annoying to me from a literary standpoint.) But the illustrations are SO beautiful!!! The animation style is absolutely luminous and captivating!

 Picture book by Anthony DeStefano.  I worry a bit about taking a true story and elaborating on it so fictitiously,  as kids may get confused about what is real and what is fictional. But this is really meant to be more allegorical, with the donkey representing us. We may feel little, weak, and useless, but when Christ enters our story, He can make us strong and fill us with power to do things we otherwise couldn’t do. He uses us, the weak things of the world, to accomplish His work. Allegorically, the story is cute and effective.

 Picture book by Patti Rokus. The text is simple and theologically sound, and each page has a scripture verse as reference if you want to read more about that part of the story. But the real stars of the book are the illustrations. These scenes created entirely from rocks are so well done! My husband even got teary eyed when he saw the one of Christ in Gethsemane carrying all our sins and burdens. A perfect addition to our Easter book collection!

 Board book by Danielle Hitchen. This was a really interesting idea for a board book. Each spread is a simple scene from Holy Week that depicts someone experiencing an emotion (ie. excited-triumphal entry, angry-cleansing the temple, loved-washing disciples feet, thankful-prayer during last supper, overwhelmed-Gethsemane, frustrated-Pilate, scared-soldiers, sad-death and burial, surprised-women at the tomb, and joyful-apostles with Jesus). There is also a simple description/scripture verse about the scene. So you can discuss emotions with very young children and have them pantomime what that emotion looks like or talk about what it feels like. You can talk about the various stories in simple terms and build familiarity with those stories. Parents could tell the stories in greater detail or read the full scriptural accounts as children get older. Note: the book I ordered from Amazon arrived very warped in shape and I suspect it was a manufacturing error, so there was likely a large ...

 Picture book by Lauren Chandler. I loved this book! It tells the story of Lazarus in a way that is funny, appealing, and emotionally stirring, then ties it to the death and resurrection of Christ and His promise that goodbyes are not forever. Destined to be an Easter favorite for sure!

 Board book by Jill Roman Lord. This is a great Easter board book for the target toddler audience. Rhyming prose that is fun to read. Animals aplenty. A joyful, celebratory tone. And a 100% focus on Jesus.

 Picture book by Sierra Wilson. A charming version of the parable of the lost sheep, aimed at young children.