Easter holds special meaning for so many across the world. A time that is filled with religious significance, as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter also has always marked the advent of Spring, as perennial flowers planted in our garden years ago, once again, start to poke through the ground. They are cheered on by the sounds of birds chirping loudly as they build their nests in our oak tree.
So, as your busy filling your little ones Easter baskets with sweet treats, like delicious chocolate eggs and bunnies, take a moment to think about including one of these delightful Easter books in their basket, that are guaranteed to become a traditional family favorite.
Happy Easter from A Modest Momma to you and yours!
Little White Rabbit
One of the first things that struck me as I read through Little White Rabbit, the latest picture book by Caldecott Medal winning author/illustrator Kevin Henkes (who wrote the touching 1991 children's story, Chrysanthemum, about a little girl who loves her long name, only to face being made fun of by some of the kids in her school), was how reminiscent it was to Margaret Wise Brown's 1942 classic tale, Runaway Bunny. However, Henkes truly sets himself apart here as one of the most multi talented masters of the picture book genre, with his latest work, a simply lovely celebration of the power of imagination and the comfort and security that a mother's love for her children brings. Join Little White Rabbit on a journey as he wonders what it would be like to become different than what he is--- what it would feel like to be green (on one page, the sweet rabbit is hopping along the meadow, and with a quick turn of the page, he's blended in with all of the other green critters found in and round a peaceful pond) to imagining what it would feel like to be able to glide high like a butterfly. But, in the end, the unconditional love of his mother is the one thing that the Little White Rabbit doesn't ever need to wonder about.
Little White Rabbit
Written & Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)
For ages
ISBN: 978-0-06-231409-3
Happy Easter, Curious George
Beloved authors H.A. and Margaret Rey's lovably mischievous, but well-meaning little monkey is back in this delightful short story, that touches on all of the well-known Easter traditions As our tale begins, George and his best friend, the man with the yellow hat, are on their way to the park. While there, George spots a petting zoo (where he gets to pet some cute baby bunnies) and he watches the children working hard at dyeing Easter eggs for their upcoming hunt. George decides to join and help the kids. But although George tries to be a good little monkey, we all know that little monkey's can be awfully curious, and in typical Curious George fashion, chaos quickly ensues!
Happy Easter, Curious George
Written & Illustrated by H.A. and Margaret Rey
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2010)
Website: www.hmhco.com
Retails for $7.99 (Hardcover)
For ages: Preschool to 8
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.7
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5
The Sparkle Egg
Author Jill Jardie weaves a touching story (which is enhanced by some of the most realistically beautiful illustrations that I have ever seen, by artist Christine Kornacki) of guilt, the power of honesty and forgiveness in a simple way that all little ones will be able to understand. As our tale begins, a little boy named Sam is ashamed over a poor grade that he received on a Spelling test, and doesn't know how to tell his parents. When he arrives home, he sees that his mom has set the table with eggs and colorful containers of dye---it's Easter time, and dyeing eggs is one of his favorite things to do. But, just as he's determined to create a masterpiece, his mom asks him about his test, and Sam, ashamed of his grade, makes up a lie, telling her that he received a gold star on it. But, at a school open house the following evening, Sam's parents don't see his gold star test displayed with the other ones on the board. Sam's teacher explains that he did not receive a good grade, and his parents realize that he has told them a lie. Even though Sam apologizes, and his parents forgive him, he still has feelings of residual guilt. Knowing that her son still feels troubled, his mom sets out a special Easter project that she calls, "The Sparkle Egg". Adoring it with sparkly jewels and decorations, Sam's mom says that he has to add something inside the egg. A piece of paper that he can write down anything he feels sorry or ashamed about, and must open the egg only on Easter morning for a surprise. When Easter morning arrives, Sam excitedly opens up the egg and finds nothing. His mother explains how the power of forgiveness plays a strong role during Easter, and whatever Sam feels guilt about is forgiven. Jill Jardie's lovely book shares the story of Easter in a simple, thoughtful way that you and your little ones will truly enjoy sharing together. (An added bonus---the author includes a note on how you too, can create your own special Sparkle Egg just like Sam).
The Sparkle Egg
Written by Jill Jardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Publisher: Ideals Children's Books, an imprint of Ideals Publications (2014)
Website: www.IdealsBooks.com
ISBN: 978-0-8249-5664-6
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
For ages: 5 and up.
Pinkalicious Eggstraordinary Easter
The whimsical little girl who loves everything pink is back in this adorable story. As our tale begins, Pinkalicious is awaiting a letter from her friend, Edgar Easter Bunny. Her little brother Peter, is a bit confused, as Pinkalicious tells him that Edgar is due back to visit from his native Egguador. Pinkalicious and Peter go off in search of his letter, which they find in a small white basket hidden in their garden. Edgar tells Pinkalicious that in order to find a special surprise that he left her, she must follow the clues in a family scavenger hunt. As the family sets off in search of the clues, one that asks an easy question turns out to be the hardest to figure out. Can Pinkalicious use her special "Pink" powers to overcome and solve the hunt? This new Pinkalicious storybook will make a fitting addition to any little girls bookshelf, most especially for those little ones who adore the young, spunky heroine! The book also contains a special sticker insert filled with over 20 stickers for your little girl to create her very own Easter Pinkalicious adventure!
Pinkalicious Eggstraordinary Easter
Written & Illustrated by Victoria Kann
Publisher: Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2014)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Retails for $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-218772-7
For ages 4 to 8
No comments:
Post a Comment