Celebrate Easter, 2007
The following reviews were presented in our 2007 Easter feature.
Reviews
April 1 2007 is Palm Sunday, followed by Good Friday on the 6th and then Easter on the 8th. The following recently published books look at both the secular and religious aspects of this important Christian holiday. Spring stories about eggs and other signs of new beginnings are included to help celebrate the season.
Reviews
Cheep! Cheep!
Julie Stiegemeyer
Illustrated by Carol Baicker-McKee
Young children love knowing more than the characters in a story. Here the reader knows that the noise the three sleeping chicks (it could be a momma, daddy, and older sibling chick) hear is the egg beneath their roost starting to hatch. The charm of this book is the simplicity of the text, coupled with the darling chicks crafted from terrycloth fabric and a few feathers. The board book cover contains stiff pages suitable for the youngest listeners. It would be hard to resist the delight with which the newest family member is welcomed to the henhouse. This could serve as a "sibling arrival" book to share while awaiting a new chick in your family. The faces on these little fluff balls will bring smiles and pleasure. The design was well thought out with the young audience in mind--the illustrations are pure and simple, without visual distractions to interfere with the enjoyment of this tale of a "cheep" in the night that announces a new member of the flock. Because the words "sleep," "cheep," and "peep" are so clearly written on each page, I think early readers will master this title quickly and laugh at the implied humor on the last page where the two smallest chicks are still awake while the larger ones have gone comfortably back to sleep. 2006, Bloomsbury, $9.95. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 13, 2006; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Books of the Year Winner 2006 Birth to 2 Years United States
ISBN: 978-1-58234-682-3
ISBN: 1-58234-682-8
Dora's Rainbow Egg Hunt
Kirsten Larsen
Illustrated by Steven Savitsky
The book is shaped like a large egg and since we are joining Dora on an egg hunt that seems quite appropriate. As with most books in the series about Dora, there is a lesson, or in this case multiple lessons. Young readers will learn the colors of the rainbow as they hunt for the eggs in the same sequence as the rainbow colors. In addition, Dora gives the English and Spanish words for each color. To add some excitement to the hunt, Dora tries to outwit that sneaky fox, Swiper. There are multiple flaps on each page and they are designed to be tricky with a bit of the color showing on each one. At the end Dora and the reader manage to outsmart Swiper and find the prize--a golden egg filled with chocolate. There is also a big rainbow that spans the final spread and a flap that can be lifted to once again name the color. For those looking to teach the colors of the rainbow, this board book is a decent choice. 2006, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $6.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-0798-X
Duck & Goose
Tad Hills
What a great combination! Duck and Goose each spy an "egg" decorated with large brightly hued circles, and each claim it as their own. Feathers are ruffled; webbed feet are tangled, as each vie for the best position to sit on the new found orb. Though each have their own individual ideas and agendas about hatching the "egg," ultimately realizing what is best for the new baby results in both fowl sharing the parental duty. Everyone can relate to the antics of these two, from one-up-man-ship to sibling rivalry, culminating in peace making and being protective of the impending new arrival. What Duck and Goose don't realize is that their egg is not an egg, and it takes another friend to reveal their misunderstanding. Find out what the egg really is while enjoying this entertaining tale of newfound friends. The colors are delightful, the whimsical portrayal of each bird is attractive enough, and the text weaves it all together in a happy resolution in this wonderful story of sharing, conflict resolution, humility, and even play. Mr. Hills has a bright future ahead of him if this book is indicative of forthcoming works. 2006, Schwartz and Wade Books/Random House, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books, 2006; Kirkus; United States
Children's Books 2006: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2006; New York Public Library; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, Dec. 15, 2005; United States
Notable Children's Book, 2007; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 12, 2005; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Armadillo Readers' Choice Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Texas
ISBN: 0-375-83611-X
ISBN: 0-375-93611-4
Easter Egg Hunt
Illustrated by Derek Matthews
Open the book and a big rooster is perched on the roof, and it appears that something has gone wrong. All the eggs are nowhere to be found. But that is not true because Butterfly has found an Easter egg, and Duck spies two more down by the riverside. The lamb urges all to join her in an egg hunt, and then there is a spread with lots of eggs and a host of Easter Bunnies. A simple story whose big attraction is the pop-ups. Part of the "Happy Snappy Book" series. 2006, Silver Dolphin, $4.95. Ages 1 to 2. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59223-565-4
An Egg Is Quiet
Dianna Aston
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Many urban children are only familiar with the ordinary grocery store chicken egg. Here is a wonderful opportunity to introduce little ones (and grown-ups too) to the variety of beautiful eggs existing in nature. More than sixty eggs are gorgeously drawn in ink and watercolor--a real treat for the eye. Little touches--such as the ruler included so we can gauge size--are included. The text matches the illustrations perfectly--or is it the other way around? The end papers will keep you entertained too. This is a truly gorgeous, beginning nonfiction book for children that will keep adults' attention as well. 2006, Chronicle Books, $16.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: María E. Gentle (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8118-4428-5
ISBN: 978-0-8118-4428-4
The Easter Swallows
Vicki Howie
Illustrated by Paola Bertollini Grudina
The story of Easter as told through the eyes of two swallows in Jerusalem makes a charming addition to any families' Easter traditions. The two swallows, busy building a nest to lay eggs in, are witness' to Jesus' triumphal entry into the city and watch as he and his disciples partake in the last supper and the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane. The author is careful to portray each event in such a way that children will not be distressed at the events and is equally careful to keep different religious views from coloring different aspects of the story. The illustrations are colorful and portray the swallows witnessing each event and expressing appropriate emotions at what they see, though the birds' dialogue is a bit awkward at times and makes it difficult to follow the story. While the high points of the story are given appropriate consideration, several events of the crucifixion and resurrection are only mentioned in passing or skipped entirely. 2007, Pauline Books and Media/Daughters of St. Paul, Ages 3 to 5, $10.95. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8198-2360-0
From an Egg
Ray James
What's in an egg? It could be a turtle, a puppy, a snake, or a frog! This introduction to basic biology explains how baby animals grow from eggs. With spare text and up-close photographs, From an Egg explores every possible inch of an egg's life. How animals lay eggs, what happens to the eggs, and what is inside the egg are all detailed. The text briefly touches on the fact that many animals do not lay eggs, but focuses primarily on eggs that young children could see and touch, making it age-appropriate even for a class of preschoolers. 2007, Rourke Publishing, $14.95. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1600441726
Happy Easter, Dear Dragon
Margaret Hillert
Illustrations by Carl Kock
A book for beginning readers that concentrates on repetitive sounds and simple words and captures the young child's imagination guiding them on the way to becoming independent readers. Pictures throughout offer additional details for discussion that enhance the story and offer the opportunity to expand oral language. Reading reinforcement activities such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary story words, echo reading and discussion time questions are at the back of the book, which allows ease in lesson planning for the kindergarten teacher, and will help the teacher to promote the child's success at reading. These activities support reading and comprehension and are aligned to the National Reading Panel's findings. The story follows a little boy and his pet dragon as they discover the wonders of spring with its budding flowers, newborn animals, and rainbows. The rainbow influences his choices of color for dying his Easter eggs as he and his family prepare for Easter Sunday. 2007 (orig. 1981), Norwood House Press, Ages 4 to 6, $18.60. Reviewer: Gail Krause (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59953-038-4
ISBN: 978-1-59953-038-3
Happy Easter, Maisy
Lucy Cousins
Maisy fans have another treat in store as she helps them celebrate Easter. The first thing she does is visit the hen house to collect some eggs. Then she and her friends Tallulah, Eddie and Cyril paint them in a variety of colors, although most kids will be dying their eggs rather than painting them. It is Charley's job to hind them in the garden, the evening before. Then the big hunt is on. With baskets in hand they all start collecting the painted eggs and what is more they find a bunny and a big egg by the garden shed. In the last spread Maisy and her friends wish everyone a Happy, Easter. If you are looking for something cute for an Easter basket besides candy this book would do the trick. There is no religious message in this board book, so parents who want to explain more about Easter and its significance to Christians will need to explain it themselves or look elsewhere. 2007, Candlewick Press, Ages 1 to 3, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3230-4
How Do You Count a Dozen Ducklings?
In Seon Chae
Illustrated by Seung Ha Rew
Mama Duck lays twelve eggs, but on their first day out, she finds that a dozen eggs are too hard to count. She puts them in two lines and counts them two at a time. At the pond, she decides to count them three at a time. This continues until she has put them in two lines with six in each line. Then along comes the hungry old wolf who can't see very well, and he thinks that there are only two ducklings. He decides that two is enough for lunch, but when he tries to catch them, all twelve fight back. He runs away, and Mama thinks that her dozen ducklings "may be a lot, but they're never too many!" The cute ending, which suggests that there may be even more ducklings in Mama's future, provides the finishing touch to a delightful story which incorporates lots of opportunities for young readers to count. The large illustrations make it easy for readers to count the ducklings. 2006 (orig. 1999), Albert Whitman, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8075-1718-5
ISBN: 0-8075-1718-6
It's Easter, Little Critter
Mercer Mayer
In addition to their baskets on Easter morning, Little Critter and Little Sister get a big surprise: a real bunny which Little Sister names "Egg." The siblings then fill an Easter basket to take to their grandparents, make cards, and get dressed in their Easter finery. At their grandparents, they decorate eggs and have an egg hunt. Little Critter then realizes he hasn't seen "Egg" in a while. Everyone searches and "Egg" is found under the chicken coop with a wild rabbit. "Egg" is last seen hopping down the road with the wild rabbit while Little Critter and his family sit down to Easter dinner. The familiarity of Little Critter will attract children and their parents to this book. Unfortunately, even the "lift-the-flap" aspect does not raise the interest level. This is little more than a litany of things associated with Easter. Place on top of that the lack of care and concern for the safety of the pet rabbit and you have a book that this reviewer cannot recommend. 2007, HarperFestival/ HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-053974-0
ISBN: 0-06-053974-7
J Is For Jesus: An Easter Alphabet and Activity Book
Debbie Trafton O'Neal
Illustrated by Jan Bryan-Hunt
Rhyming couplets tell the story of Holy Week and Easter, "the last week Jesus lived on earth." O'Neal's own delight in spring days and the secular celebrations is obvious as is her own belief that "God loves you and me!" The illustrations burst off the page in a pallet of spring colors, using borders of flowers, swirls of color, dots, butterflies, splatters, and spots--all sorts of embellishments to give the story a feeling of accessibility to young listeners. O'Neal does not gloss over the fact of Jesus' death on the cross, but presents it matter-of-factly: "Then he died on a cross that was carved from a tree" is the line on the T page. Beginning with "As all (for the A) of the people stood lining the street, the children waved branches (for the B) and danced with their feet."--And ending with, "And Jesus, the Savior, for me and for you, is waiting in Zion when this life is through." Some of the couplets strain for meter to make the rhymes work, but all in all this is an appealing presentation of the Christian celebration. In the backmatter there are instructions for four craft projects to use with children to help them create special Easter memories. I would love to work with children in creating their own interpretation of the illustrations for their own recounting of this special week. 2006, Augsburg Books, $10.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8066-5123-7
My First Easter Sticker Book
Sally Ann Wright
Illustrations by Moira Maclean
The Easter story is beautifully and simply told. Beginning with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and being greeted with palms, to the last supper, trial, crucifixion, and ending with the discovery of the risen Jesus in the garden by Mary Magdalene the text uses language young children can understand. At the last supper: "The bread and wine still looked and tasted the same, but they were now Jesus' own body and blood! Today we can receive Jesus' body and blood in the Holy Eucharist at Mass." At the crucifixion; "John and Mary were frightened and sad. They knew that Jesus would be dead before the day was ended." After his resurrection Jesus told Mary Magdalene, "Go and tell my friends so that they can be happy too!" The colorful scenes on which to place stickers are modeled in the back. Many of the peel off stickers are small and would be difficult for little hands. With the help of an adult, Catholic children will enjoy this well told story with the added interest of stickers. 2007 (orig. 2005), Pauline Kids/ Pauline Books & Media/Anno Domini Publishing Services, Ages 5 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman
ISBN: 0-8198-4849-2
ISBN: 978-0-819-84849-9
Spot's Easter Surprise
Eric Hill
Spot has been around for many years and he has appeared in many books. In this offering, Spot and his friends head out to his grandparent's house for an Easter egg hunt. They direct him and his pals out to the garden where they find a variety of decorated eggs. Not just dyed a color, but with fancy patterns. Spot's has stripes while Helen's has polka dots. Then they find a really big egg eith a bow around it. Spot decides that they should give it to grandma and Grandpa. The pleased grandparents wish everyone a Happy Easter and offer to share the egg with all. If you are looking for something cute for an Easter basket besides candy this book would do the trick. There is no religious message in this board book, so parents who want to explain more about Easter and its significance to Christians will need to explain it themselves or look elsewhere. 2007, Putnam/Penguin, Ages 6 mo. to 2, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-399-24743-9
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Added 3/27/07
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