Easter Books

I read this with my 4 year old and she loved it. We picked the days before Easter and she was fascinated as we did a count down to Easter. This is an excellent book to introduce young children to the harder concepts of Easter.

I bought this for my daughter who is 4 1/2. We used the resurrection eggs last year, but I just talked w/ her about what each egg meant. This book is great to use with the eggs now that she is older and tells the story of a little boy who lives in Jerusalem and follows the events of holy week. He picks up an item at each scene that depicts what is happening to Jesus. The box in the story was his grandfather's and had a bit of hay in it from Jesus' birth. At the end he shares the story of Jesus w/ his friends. Well done!

I love the meditations by this writer! He is well-grounded in the Old Testament (according to the back of my book!) as well as the New Testament. I always read his work with fresh insight into the Holy Scriptures and how they apply to my life today.

I ordered this book out of deference to a brief friendship with the author, who has recently passed away. Reading it these past weeks renewed my admiration for the technical depth of Carroll Stuhlmueller, coupled with his exceptional grasp of pastoral priorities. It also enriched this past Easter Season as I read his reflections each day. I was reminded that I have yet to read one of his books or articles without a sense of renewal. The book is excellent for any Christian reader looking for a deeper relationship with Scripture, because it provides exceptional insights into the liturgical season of highest majesty, the Easter Season. These include many of the most important readings of the Christian Scriptures. Father Carroll's writings are sensitive to the entire Christian community, although the book is organized around the Lectionary used by Roman Catholics and several mainline Protestant groups. The author's particular depth with the Hebrew scriptures is evident, although most of the scriptural references are from the New Testament. As a Catholic Deacon, I found his insights helpful in preparing homilies, especially for weekday Masses. There is considerable overlap among the readings around Easter, I expect for greater emphasis. It can be challenging to add a dimension to homilies on similar scriptures compressed into a short time period. His ability to relate the Word to our current life settings gave me several "aha" moments, often the crux of an effective homily. I never heard Father Carroll preach. I knew him through his scholarship and through a unique experience in participating in a video program with him and his Catholic Theological Union associates. Having read this book, I feel I must have missed a powerful homilist. In testimony to my 5 star rating, I have ordered the entire series of Biblical Meditations that he authored for Paulist Press, covering the rest of the liturgical Year. I trust the community I serve will be much richer when I have added his insights to my future homilies.

The Birds' Gift is a wonderful folk tale of the Easter Season. The Ukrainian villagers help the birds trapped over the winter. The birds repay the kindness by leaving behind beautiful Easter Eggs when they go on their own in the spring. The author tells the story in a lovely gentle manner. The illustrations are delightful, especially the last two pages with intricately designed Ukrainian Easter eggs. Highly recommended.

I have always been interested in the Ukrainian art of pysanky and found this book touching. Anyone interested in seeing fine examples of Ukrainian Pysanky should visit the pysanky showcase website at www.pysankyshowcase.com.

"The follow-up to his critically acclaimed novel, Consumed In Freedom's Flame, protagonist and factional Irishman, Aran Roe O'Neill returns in this historically accurate factional tale of Ireland's Civil War. The book opens with a military entourage carrying Irish rebel leader Michael Collins to a mysterious meeting aimed at putting an end to the savage conflict gripping the country. As a passenger in the car with Collins, O'Neill is caught in the midst of the ambush that would eventually leave his beloved leader - and perhaps even the hopes of a generation - dying on a country road. The novel then shifts back to the end of the Irish War of Independence as the British government awaits the arrival of an Irish delegation charged with attaining their country's sovereignty after hundreds of years of supplication. As [Eamon] de Valera jostles for an outcome that appears motivated by personal rather than stately reasons, Collins is reluctantly press-ganged into joining the Irish deputation. With the threat of total war imminent, the Irish delegation are forced to return to the country with a less than desirable treaty for those who sought a full 32-county republic, a position that the author pointedly claims: 'once a means to achieving a broad ends, had become a narrow end in itself.' With the factions split, the country becomes embroiled in a bitter, insidious conflict that turns comrade and households upon themselves. There are possibly those that would charge the author with being too far in the Collins camp, but with the dispassionate eye of history now finally beginning to fall on Ireland's most depressing dispute, it is hard to escape Liam's presentation of Ireland's most dominant political figure as an egotistical, arrogant man armed only with his own selfish, myopic vision. As one of Collin's inner circle, the newly married protagonist sees his own life unravel along with those around him as Liam's superbly researched book brings alive one of Ireland's darkest hours. Armed with murderous subplots, along with romance, heroism and betrayal galore, this is certainly one of the most dynamic and enjoyable retellings of the Irish Civil War that I have ever read." Reviewed by Joe Kavanagh, Irish Connections magazine, (New York, NY), Autumn, 2006

"Blood on the Shamrock" is the sequel to "Consumed in Freedom's Flame," Cathal Liam's historical novel about Ireland's Civil War in the 1920's. Fictional hero Aran Roe O'Neill continues in the struggle for Irish self-governance and independence. In this complex network of loyalties and treachery, he faces foes both from within and outside the ranks of Irish patriots. For those who may have missed the first novel, "Blood on the Shamrock" stands very nicely on its own as a great historical novel. It is greatly enhanced by an introductory list of cast of characters, in order of appearance by chapter, the prologue, which quotes the Declaration of Arbroath and the Proclamation of POBLACHT NA H EIREANN, and the glossary. Frequent quotations from poems and songs also help to place the novel's tone and action core. The reader will quickly become caught up in the life and cause of Aran, which is 'at one with the cause of Pearse, Connolly and Collins.' Twentieth century Irish political reality evolves through the pages, with many references to its cultural and historical heritage. "Blood on the Shamrock" is immediate and personal; it will serve to enlighten many readers about the latter days of the Irish Civil War. Ending in the 1960's, "Blood on the Shamrock" is a complete read in and of itself. But one wonders (and hopes!) if there will be another novel to the present day?

My 22 month old daughter loves this book! I read every book before reading it to my child - some books are not age appropriate, and others are simply not very well written. My daughter loves this book and she insists we read it every day - the illustration is great, the rhyming poem is cute, and the book is simply fun.

My son is totally facinated with Elmo, so he instantly took to this book. Don't let the cover fool you, however. This book includes most of the Sesame Street characters, including, in part, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster and Grover. There were also two characters included who I am not as familiar with- Hoots and Prarie Dawn. The characters keep finding bunny rabbits all over the place, and they don't know the source of the bunnies. At the end, Big Bird tells his friends his bunnies have run away, and then he realizes that his friends have found his bunnies. The last two pages are great and show all of the characters in the book at one time.

This is a very quick book, and you can read it to your little one in less than 2 minutes.

Anyone and everyone can enjoy this book or enjoy reading it to their children. When I was little, I read this book every day. This book is about an Easter Bunny who would rather play soccer then paint eggs. He lives in a colony of Easter Bunnies, who eventually get mad at him for playing so much soccer and won't let him play near them. When he goes to play soccer in a near-by field, he is captured and has to be rescued. He eventually comes up with a happy compromise and lives happily ever after.

What do you do with a bunny who causes trouble by playing soccer instead of helping to decorate those eggs? A cute book that finds a place for that bunny who just doesn't seem to fit in with the other egg painting bunnies.

This is a beautiful work to behold! Coupled with brilliant paintings from various master artists, the author brings scenes alive as if I stand in the wings of a stage watching the greatest story enacted. The poignant words to songs written by Cindy Morgan enhance the inspiration of this devotional book. I bought this book under the title "The Carpenter's Cloth."

With this book, Sigmund Brouwer takes his novelist's gift and applies it to the events of Jesus' final week on earth. The result is sure to move any Christian.

The book is made up of short vignettes. They start with the triumphal entry and proceed through Resurrection Sunday, with events from every day but Saturday. Whether teaching at the temple or at a rigged trial, these brief passages give some insight into Jewish customs or character's thoughts. Obviously, some of this is extra-Biblical, so it fits the Bible story.

If parts of this book seem familiar, it was released several years ago as THE CARPENTER'S CLOTH. Furthermore, parts were also incorporated into his novel THE WEEPING CHAMBER. If you like this book, I definitely recommend you pick up that novel. It is just as powerful and moving while giving a bigger picture then this does.

Sometimes with only a few paragraphs, Mr. Brouwer is able to give fresh insight into the familiar Bible story. I've used this book as a devotional guide during Passion Week. It touched my heart and made me appreciate anew what Jesus did for me.

I enjoyed reading this book during the Lenten season very much. It really helped me focus on Easter and the events that led up to it.

4.5 STARS out of 5

This review is for the paperback version.

This awesome paperback read is great for this Lenten and Paschal season (and future ones). The daily devotions start with the accounts of Jesus and the disciples during the weeks before Crucifixion, continues with the Passion Week, Crucifixion, and the glorious Resurrection and Ascension.

What I like about this devotional is that "The Christ of Easter" has something for everybody. There are 31 chapters in the book, one for each day. For the artistically inclined, Calvin Miller has a Christian painting in each chapter. The day starts with a short biblical quote, then a one or two page essay. The day's reading ends with a little prayer, additional Bible reading suggestion and a daily motto or thought. The last page (after the 31st day) has a title - Jesus is Alive.

About the author, the book says: "Calvin Miller is a poet, author, artist, and communicator whose articulate creativity brings new life, depth, and emotion to stories once worn and familiar. A career pastor and profesor, he currently teaches at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama."

The author also wrote a similarly titled book, "The Christ of Christmas."

I love this book! I purchased three books for Easter recitals and plays from Amazon,and this one by far was the best! I actually haven't even used the other two. The poems are either short and sweet or semi long with a great message. I have given each of the children in my Youth ministry a poem out of this book to recite for our Children's Easter Program. I am sure if you are a youth ministry worker or you just want a good poem book for your young children to share the sacrifice of Christ you will love this book.

Wow, what an inspiration!! Pearl Robinson's first book, " A Collection of Christian Poems, Speeches & Skits Written for Easter and Christmas Program" is a simple, yet delightful publication that is a must read for all those with young children. With easy to read text and simple, yet meaningful poems and skits, it's a perfect tool to use in educating your children about Jesus Christ. Keep up the good work Pearl.

The title of this book says it all. It is a complete guide to Easter Island--history, geography, banking and groceries all in one package. Definitely a must-read prior to a trip to the island, and to have on hand while trekking across Rapa Nui.

This guide is absolutely fabulous, whether you want to plan a trip to Easter Island (in the South Pacific, about 7 to 8 hours flight from Santiago, Chile) or just want to read about this exotic and remote island. I found the Guide fascinating and extremely helpful about all aspects regarding Easter Island, including where to stay, what historic sites to visit, and the eclectic history regarding Rapa Nui (as it's Polynesian name is known). A lot of thought and detail has been put into this hearty book. If Easter Island is on your mind, I recommend this book whole heartily.