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For the past four years, our family has gathered around the pages of this wonderful book to focus our hearts and minds on the story of our saving grace. As a "closet librarian", I have read countless Easter-themed kids books and have never come across any other book (for young readers) that I like more than Journey to the Cross: The Complete Easter Story for Young Readers
by Helen Haidle.What I like about Journey to the Cross
Written in short chapters with colorful illustrations, it clearly details the crucifixion account from the growing hatred/plot to kill Jesus to Pentecost morning.
Each chapter contains a four-page narrative account of a particular part of the story, one page describing a Jewish custom or historically relevant point of interest that pertains to that particular portion of the story, and one page detailing a particular person or group of people that are mentioned throughout that chapter. These additional inserts to each chapter really help to explain the story from all sides. By knowing about the Jewish traditions and their importance to the people, you can begin to understand the significance of some of the lesser-known details of the crucifixion.
I've been a Christ-follower for eighteen years and still learn something new about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus every time I read this book with my children. Although we don't always choose to read the thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, when we do, they have sparked further discussion and have helped to foster a passion and gratefulness for the Gospel and its redemptive work in our lives.
The Nitty-Gritty
- 37 short chapters
- 237 pages with 12 addition pages in the appendix
- suggested reading age: 8-12 (However, it can be read as a "read aloud" to younger kids. Sweetie Pea was 5 when we first read it together.)
- Publisher: ZonderKids
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