Easter is a great time of year as we welcome spring.
I remember getting a frilly new dress and having a fun barbecue at my aunt’s house. She always had an Easter egg hunt, even though it was just for me and my two close-in-age cousins.
I love these Easter books about eggs, bunnies, and the resurrection of Jesus.
And there are some fun silly books too.
Books make great Easter gifts – fill those baskets with more than just candy!
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by Mike and Jan Berenstain
The Bear cubs are candy-crazy this Easter! But Missus Ursula and some Sunday school students tell the cubs about Jesus’s resurrection and show them that salvation is much sweeter than candy!
The Biggest Easter Basket Ever by Steven Kroll
As Mouseville prepares for a gala Easter celebration on the village green, complete with a biggest Easter Basket contest, two lovable mice learn a lesson in cooperation — and fun!
Town mouse Clayton and country mouse Desmond continue to teach the benefits of collaboration and friendship in another sweet story centered around this joyful holiday.
Egg by Kevin Henkes
This masterful and stylistically original picture book introduces young children to four eggs. One is blue, one is pink, one is yellow, and one is green. Three of the eggs hatch, revealing three baby birds who fly away. But the green egg does not hatch. Why not? When the three birds return to investigate, they’re in for a big surprise! What will happen next?
The Easter Egg Artists by Adrienne Adams
The Abbotts, established Easter egg artists, let their son develop a style of his own when he shows interest in painting.
The Best Easter Egg Hunt Ever by Dawn Casey
It is Easter and Rabbit is on the hunt for the most special egg of all and with help from her friends she hopes to find it.
The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous
One Easter morning, Katy and Carl went on an egg hunt through Grandmom’s house. Katy couldn’t find anything until she went up to the attic. And there she discovered a very special set of eggs…
Grandmom had painted them when she was a little girl. And now, she hung them from the branches of a tiny tree — an Egg Tree! So began a very special Easter tradition.
The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s lovable bunny hero, Hoppi, and her remarkable Easter Rabbit will enchant readers as they pore over illustrations filled with dazzling eggs made by Flora Bunny, Aunt Sassyfrass and others.
If Hoppi can make the best Easter egg, he will get to help the Easter Rabbit with his deliveries on Easter morning. But it is not so easy. Discouraged, he goes into the woods to think when a blue robin’s egg tumbles out of its nest. Hoppi keeps it safe and warm until the baby bird hatches, and when the Easter Rabbit arrives, he declares the empty blue eggshell the very best one to reward Hoppi for his kindness.
Spring is everywhere in gorgeous illustrations framed with pussy willows, flowering vines and flowers. Side borders feature busy rabbits making their unusual eggs and, in a border above, the Robin’s family drama unfolds.
A gatefold surprise reveals the Easter Rabbit.
Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ by Virginia Kroll
A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ Children love coloring Easter eggs, and here’s a story to explain one of the origins of this tradition. In early nineteenth-century Ukraine, Christians celebrated Easter by exchanging colorful, hand-decorated pysanky eggs—but with Papa away at the war and Mama struggling to make ends meet, Anya’s family was too poor to buy eggs to decorate one year. That is, until Anya discovered an abandoned nest of goose eggs and began planning an Easter surprise for her family. But God had an even better surprise in store, and when the eggs unexpectedly began to hatch, Anya learned what the Easter story teaches: spring brings gifts of myriad new beginnings, just as the risen Christ gave the gift of new life to us all. Each Traditions of Faith book features a story of how significant Christian traditions emerged in cultures around the world, with a note about the origin and history of the tradition, and offers ideas and activities each family can adopt as its own.
Petook: An Easter Story by Caryll Houselander
Petook and Martha, proud parents of twelve chickens, are visited by a stranger, and years later, they learn the meaning of Easter when they witness that stranger lifted onto a cross, as another batch of Martha’s eggs hatch.
Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Babushka, known for her exquisite hand-painted eggs, finds Rechenka, a wounded goose, and takes her home. When she’s ready to try her wings again, Rechenka accidentally breaks all of Babushka’s lovingly crafted eggs. But the next morning Babushka awakens to a miraculous surprise
Easter Bugs: A Springtime Pop-up by David A. Carter
All kinds of bugs are hiding behind colorful Easter eggs, just waiting for you to find them!
(And there are lots more fun surprises, too!)
Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Generations of children have followed this furry, lovable bunny on his springtime journey to find a home. A family favorite since 1956, Margaret Wise Brown’s simple yet playful tale is perfectly complemented by Garth Williams’s exquisite artwork.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Celebrating 75 years, The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, beloved children’s book author of Goodnight Moon.
“If you run away,” said his mother, “I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.”
A little bunny keeps running away from his mother in this imaginary game of hide-and-seek. Children will be profoundly comforted by this lovingly steadfast mother who finds her child every time.
The Runaway Bunny, first published in 1942 and never out of print, has indeed become a classic. Generations of readers have fallen in love with the gentle magic of its reassuring words and loving pictures.
The Night Before Easter by Natasha Wing
“Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn, Not a creature was stirring out on the lawn.” The Easter bunny takes center stage in this delightful spin on a beloved poem that will send families hopping to the bookstore for an Easter treat sweeter than any sugar plum!
The Story of the Easter Bunny by Katherine Tegen
Everyone knows who the Easter Bunny is. Each year, he comes with a basket of painted eggs and chocolates for children. But not everybody knows where he comes from. On a snow-cold day in a snug little house… So begins the true story of the Easter Bunny!
With gorgeous and peaceful art, this fresh, innovative story describes how one little rabbit became a legend. The perfect addition to Easter baskets!
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward
The country bunny attains the exalted position of Easter Bunny in spite of her responsibilities as the mother of twenty-one children.
It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler
Meet P. J. Funnybunny in this humorous and touching Beginner Book by Marilyn Sadler and Roger Bollen. It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny tells the “tail” of P.J. and his quest to become something other than what he is. Is it more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig? Read along as P.J. tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs.
How to Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace
Is this the year you’ll be able to catch the Easter bunny in action? Start an Easter tradition with this fun and funny children’s book, from the New York Times bestselling creators of How to Catch a Leprechaun!
“I’ve been working long and hard
with all my peeps and crew.
We’ve made the eggs, and now I’m here
to bring them all to you!”
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Peter Rabbit is the original classic by Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published by Frederick Warne in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter’s most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr McGregor’s vegetable garden!
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes “Real,” a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.
How to Be a Bigger Bunny by Florence Minor
When Tickles the bunny’s family goes on an adventure without her, Tickles reads her book, How to Be a Bigger Bunny, and then winds up on an adventure of her own. When she finds her furry family in trouble, she must become a bigger bunny and save the day. Perfect for Easter time and springtime as well as year-round reading aloud and sharing.
The Little Rabbit Who Lost Her Hop by Jedda Robaard
Little Rabbit is on her way to the party, but something has gone wrong! Somehow, she’s lost her hop! Join Little Rabbit on a lift-the-flap adventure as she tries to get to the party in time without it.
Little Rabbit has lost her hop! Can you help her find it? Children can lift the flaps to help Little Rabbit look for different ways to get to her party without her hop.
Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins
Once upon a time there was a book about . . .
MONSTERS!
No.
SPACE ALIENS?
Nope . . . a BUNNY!
A GIANT SCARY TRUCK-EATING BUNNY?!?
Um . . . well, maybe it was a tiny bit big.
From the curious mind of Rowboat Watkins comes a ginormously imaginative story that is as funny as it is philosophical. How big is Big Bunny? And how will this story end? Delightfully meta and humorously subversive, Big Bunny will take its place as the next go-to story about stories.
Marshmallow by Clare Turlay Newberry
Oliver is a tabby cat who is always the center of attention.
Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver’s home.
At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny’s charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.
The Story of the Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Mackall
In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?”“We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said.Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures.Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin.Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Story of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.
The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs
Maggie, the farmer’s youngest daughter, loves getting gifts, especially mysterious ones. One wintry day, she receives a package in the mail. She excitedly opens the package to find a bulb buried in a crate of dirt. This was not what Maggie expected. She had hoped for a doll or a game, not a bulb that would one day become a plant. When spring comes, she finds the bulb in the cellar and tosses the lifeless thing into the garden, never to think of it again. . . . Until she walks outside on Easter morning and finds the most beautiful lily she has ever seen. Through the unique gift of a bulb, Maggie discovers the power of grace and forgiveness and the true meaning of Easter.
Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That’s what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn’t leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five–no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even–yes–kind.
An homage to classic comic strips from the author of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, this Easter treat has a bit of bite, a sweet center, and a satisfying finish—sure to inspire second helpings.
Easter Croc: Full of pop-up surprises! by Roger Priddy
Expect the unexpected in Easter Croc, a hilarious seasonal pop-up book that features a cast of funny characters enjoying their eggs from the Easter Bunny, and a grumpy Crocodile who goes in search of one.
The Easter Bunny has done her rounds and Crocodile has been missed out again! He asks the other animals, but they aren’t going to give him their eggs, so he stomps off to find the Easter Bunny. But where is she? Hiding, of course! Croc is big, and he looks angry. But then Crocodile says something unexpected. Open the door for an egg-tastic surprise that proves nothing impresses the Easter Bunny more than good manners.
Here Comes T. Rex Cottontail by Lois G. Grambling
Peter Cottontail is out sick, and there’s only one dinosaur who’s up to the task of delivering his eggs on Easter: T. Rex! All T. Rex has to do is work on hopping—without the wiggle. He keeps breaking all the eggs! Join T. Rex and his friends as he saves the day in a very special way. Will practice make perfect?
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick! by Lucille Colandro
A wacky new Easter version of the classic “There Was an Old Lady” song!
This time, the hungry old lady swallows a chick, some straw, an egg, some candy, a basket, and a bow!
And just as she’s hopping and skipping along, who should she meet but the Easter Bunny! Watch what happens when she trips, with amazing results!
With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of a classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page–a fun story for Easter!
Easter Crack-Ups: Knock-Knock Jokes Funny-Side Up (Lift-The-Flap Knock-Knock Book) by Katy Hall
Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Sherwood.
Sherwood who?
Sherwood like to be in the Easter parade.
Get ready to crack up with more than two dozen egg-citing Easter knock-knock jokes in this egg-straordinary lift-the-flap book. Hop along with a bunch of funny bunnies and enjoy an egg hunt, a parade, and more.
You’ll just dye laughing!
How the Rabbit Became the Easter Bunny by Bob Bohlken
This book tells the story of how the rabbit and colored eggs became a part of the Easter celebration. Children ages 3 to 10 can follow along this journey as the WiseMan searches for a special way to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the rebirth of spring. This rebirth is a celebration of new life, forgiveness, peace, and love.
In the far-off Land of Oohs and Ahs, the citizens ask the Wise Man how they can celebrate Easter. Each holiday has it’s own way of recognition, but there was no Easter celebration to bring attention to Christ’s resurrection into Heaven and the rebirth of Spring. The Wise Man must find appropriate ways to represent rebirth, new life, forgiveness and peace and spread it throughout the land. He meets with different animals to help him decide what to do.
Find out why the rabbit is the ideal animal to express the love and hope of Easter. This book will enlighten your children as they prepare for Easter and its celebration. Original color artwork.
The Longest Night: A Passover Story by Laurel Snyder
Unlike other Passover picture books that focus on the contemporary celebration of the holiday, or are children’s haggadahs, this gorgeous picture book in verse follows the actual story of the Exodus. Told through the eyes of a young slave girl, author Laurel Snyder and illustrator Catia Chien skillfully and gently depict the story of Pharoah, Moses, the 10 plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea in a remarkably accessible way.
This dramatic adventure, set over 3,500 years ago, of a family that endures hardships and ultimately finds freedom is the perfect tool to help young children make sense of the origins of the Passover traditions.
Humphrey’s First Palm Sunday by Carol Heyer
A new follow-up to the popular Humphrey’s First Christmas that finds Humphrey in the midst of Jesus’ triumphal entry.
The delightfully goofy camel we met in Humphrey’s First Christmas is back, three decades older and not much wiser. He wants nothing more than to be the lead camel in the caravan, so he can improve his view. When the caravan leads him to Jerusalem, he crosses paths with Jesus making his triumphal entry. Humphrey is delighted to see Jesus, now a grown man, and remembers the Child to whom he gave his coveted blanket all those years ago in Bethlehem.
Carol Heyer’s rich acrylic paintings showcase the quirkiness of the camel and add humor to the story. Here is a book that both entertains and informs without ever straying from the meaning of Palm Sunday and the Easter holiday.
The Legend of the Sand Dollar: An Inspirational Story of Hope for Easter by Chris Auer
Eight-year-old Kerry loves the ocean. But on this visit to the beach, she discovers a little-known treasure and learns of the story of Easter revealed in the sand dollar. Now you and your child can discover the story behind this small ocean treasure as stunning illustrations form the backdrop for this familiar seaside legend. Seen through the eyes of children, The Legend of the Sand Dollar shares the timeless hope of resurrection and new life—the promise of Easter.
The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg
Featuring the beloved setting and characters from the best-selling Legend of the Candy Cane, this moving story about Thomas and Lucy takes us deeper into the mystery of Christianity. When his older sister Lucy falls sick, Thomas goes to stay with John and Mary Sonneman at their candy store. But all the candy he could desire does not cure Thomas’s aching heart. Only when Mary Sonneman shares with him the story of Easter does he understand the hope he has — and what he can do for his sister.
The Blackbird’s Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland by Jenny Schroedel
Kevin was always different. He loved animals and seemed to understand their secret language. But other children brought out the worst in him. He chased, bullied, and shoved, until one spring when he learned an unforgettable lesson from an unlikely teacher–a blackbird who built a nest in his hand. The Blackbird’s Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland is the story of Kevin’s transformation into one of Ireland’s best-loved saints (AD-618), revered in many Christian traditions. Written with simplicity and humor by Jenny Schroedel, and brought to life with stunning illustrations by Douglas Montross, The Blackbird’s Nest is a rich, vibrant tale of renewal and a welcome addition to children’s Lenten literature.
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
Once upon a mountaintop, three trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. Each of their dreams come true in the most unexpected of ways.
Walking with Jesus to Calvary: Stations of the Cross for Children by Angela M. Burrin
A beautiful introduction to the Stations of the Cross, this book that will help children understand what really happened on Calvary and just how much Jesus loves them. Gorgeous illustrations are accompanied by a simple but moving narration of the events of Jesus passion and death. Each station ends with a heartfelt prayer. Walking with Jesus to Calvary is a thoughtful gift for Lent, Easter, or any time of the year.
Prayer intentions for family, friends, and others are suggested for each station.
Includes prayers traditionally used for the Stations of the Cross.
Amon’s Adventure: A Family Story for Easter by Arnold Ytreeide
Following in the footsteps of his widely popular Advent series–Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels–well-known author Arnold Ytreeide presents a captivating story to take families through the season of Lent, culminating on Easter Sunday.
Thirteen-year-old Amon, the son of Jotham and Tabitha, enjoys playing with his friends but is also ready to join his father in the temple court where only men are allowed. Eager to be considered a man, Amon struggles to divide his time betweenhis friends and his duties to family and faith. But when Jotham is falsely accused of a terrible crime, Amon willingly sacrifices his childhood ways in order to save his father’s life. Along the way, he sees the jubilant crowds that gathered on Palm Sunday, outwits the Roman soldiers that planned to kill both his father and Jesus, hears the Messiah address the angry crowds, is present during the daring betrayal of Judas Iscariot, and witnesses the ultimate sacrifice made on Good Friday.
With short, exciting chapters, reflections for family devotions, and advice for making Lent a meaningful experience, Amon’s Adventure will help families discover anew the spiritual power of the resurrection story.
Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs by Melody Carlson
What are the treasures in Benjamin’s Box? Come along with Benjamin and see. Like all boys and girls, Benjamin is very, very curious. When Jesus comes to Jerusalem, Benjamin decides to follow him and find out who he really is. At first, Benjamin thinks Jesus is a teacher, then a king. At last, he learns the good news―news that every child (and grown-up!) will want to share. Can be used in conjunction with Resurrection Eggs® from Family Life!
The Easter Cave by Carol Wedeven
Help Children Discover the Glorious Gift of Easter. Rhythm, rhyme, and soft illustrations teach the miraculous Easter story. The Lent and Easter season is a special time for the family to read the Easter story together. Parents of beginning readers look for Easter books that reinforce reading skills while helping children learn about Easter. The Easter Cave from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) draws children ages 4 to 7 into the Easter story. Line by line and rhyme by rhyme, the story builds, covering often-overlooked details. Children learn about Joseph of Arimathea, the crowing rooster, and the crown of thorns. Through repetition and colorful illustrations, the joyful story unfolds on every page until it reaches the empty tomb, reminding families of Gods greatest gift and the Good News to share.
A Tale for Easter by Tasha Tudor
You can never tell what might happen on Easter… You might find colored eggs waiting in your shoes, or a basket of ducklings at your kitchen table, or a sweet bunny in Grandma’s rocking chair. Now available in a Classic Board Book edition, and with a fresh new cover, Tasha Tudor’s beloved tale about the magic of Easter is a treasure for every generation.
The Story of Easter by Jean Miller
This gentle introduction to the biblical account of Jesus’s final days on earth, and Resurrection, is perfect for preschoolers. Lush, colorful illustrations of the Last Supper, Jesus carrying his cross, and the angel in the empty tomb are accessible to little readers who are just learning about Easter. At the end of the book, Easter traditions from around the world are introduced, from Ukrainian painted eggs (Pysanky) to the greeting of the Easter sunrise in the British Isles. It’s a perfect first book about an important holiday for many, and an ideal Easter gift.
The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith
Radiant watercolor illustrations enhanced with gold tones set the scene for this simple retelling of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of a little donkey who carried Jesus through the streets on Palm Sunday. The creative perspective will engage your children; and you’ll savor the artwork and reverent tone.
The Story of Easter by Patricia A. Pingry
Here is the story of Easter told in about 200 words that are simple enough for a toddler to hear. From Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through the crucifixion and the Resurrection, the Easter story is presented in its most traditional form. Vibrant illustrations paired with classic text bridge the connection between the biblical story and today’s Easter celebration. This book is unsurpassed as an introduction to the significance of Easter.
The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier
The Gold Medallion Award-winning team of the renowned ancient historian and the gifted illustrator make the story of Jesus death and resurrection come alive for children aged 5 to 10. Difficult questions are asked, reasonable answers given.
The Beginner’s Bible The Very First Easter by Zondervan
The Beginner’s Bible, The Very First Easter introduceschildren to one of the most inspiring stories of all time: Jesus’ death to save us from our sins. Readers will learn about the events leading up to Jesus’ death and his miraculous return to life. With exciting new artwork from the bestselling The Beginner’s Bible, this book will help children understand why we celebrate this special day.
The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano
Author Anthony DeStefano begins his creative telling of the beloved Bible story of Christ’s triumphant entry by introducing the young donkey who has yet to realize his important mission. The lowly creature believes he can do nothing noble, but that’s before he meets the Master…
Then Jesus said to the donkey,
“It’s time that you knew
About the great thing
That you’re destined to do…”
He hears the sad donkey cry,
“Just leave me alone and cast me aside.
I’m just a poor donkey that no one can ride.”
The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul
Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate and Davey’s master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. A few days later, Davey saw some angry people making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it until another donkey helped him see that the King was being a Servant on behalf of His people.
The Colt and the King by Marni McGee
A donkey tells how he reluctantly played a part in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday, in a sweet and poignant tale that will help the youngest readers come to understand the true spirit of the Easter season.
Simon and the Easter Miracle by Mary Joslin
The gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene—“a man coming in from the country”—who was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross.
Over the centuries, his story has been woven into Polish folklore: When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his produce—of bread, eggs, and wine—will become important symbols of Jesus’ passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages.
Together with sophisticated artwork, this picture book retelling of a traditional European tale is thought-provoking, with the events and meaning of the first Easter at its heart.
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