Easter

Ages 4-7. In this picture book, Gibbons summarizes biblical, pagan, and modern aspects of the Easter holiday. She simplifies complex beliefs and traditions in a straightforward way, though transitions are occasionally abrupt. Pleasing watercolors outlined in black ink illustrate the text. Apart from the more muted shades used for the scenes of Jesus' death and entombment, the artwork transports viewers into spring with bright, cheerful hues appropriate to the season. Some parents may feel that Gibbons has blown the Easter bunny's cover by describing the legend's purported origin, but on the whole, the book helps fill a need for nonfiction materials on the holiday for young children. A companionable title to team with Caryll Houselander's Peetok: An Easter Story [BKL Ap 15 88]. --Carolyn Phelan

PreS-Gr 2 --This clear, simply-written explanation of the religious aspect of Easter is suitable for young children. Jesus' life and death are treated briefly but with enough detail to provide an excellent basic introduction to the subject. The crucifixion is shown from afar to soften its cruelty, and afterward the risen Jesus happily astonishes his followers. Next the symbols of candles and spring flowers lead logically into a discussion of the other aspects of the holiday, including Easter egg decoration, hunts, and baskets; Eostre, the spring goddess who gave the day its name; and the special Easter foods and clothes. The crisp ink and watercolor pictures have a naive simplicity that gives the Bible story and Easter customs warmth and appeal. Gaily colored, each is in a green frame with its enclosure broken by a stylized flower, candle, chick, bunny, or heap of decorated eggs. A short explanation of the special holy days such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday is given at the end. An excellent presentation of the Biblical events, done truthfully and with consideration for young children. --Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, Va. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.