Easter Retold for Four Year Olds

THE Easter story can be a difficult one if you have children who are sensitive or just very, very enquiring. In fact, much of the Old Testament can cause serious dilemmas at bedtime, we’ve found – how much detail do you go into about God’s order to Abraham to kill his son? Or Herod’s mass slaughter of baby boys? How much detail is too much for  a curious almost five year old?
Lois Rock’s The First Easter book is aimed at a slightly older audience than some of her previous works, which were much more obviously for pre-schoolers. There is quite detailed text inside and the horrors aren’t shied away from, just told in a very matter-of-fact way, ‘they nailed him to a cross as if he were a criminal’.

I liked the way the language echoed the New Testament text it follows. The crucifixion and resurrection are told in a simple, undramatic way. My only criticism is the slightly padded cover which was very easily damaged – usually these accompany stories for younger children, or gift books. I would place this in the four and upwards category, for those ready to learn something of the crucifixion.

The Door  has five copies of The First Easter to give away. To enter, simply count up the number of hot cross buns hidden throughout the paper and send your name on a post card to Easter competition, The Door, Diocesan Church House, North Hinksey Lane, Oxford. OX2 ONB by March 14.