Published by- Lion Children’s Books
Copyrighted- January 2012
Number of pages- 32
Age Group- Young Children
Description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN 978-0-7459-6058-6
Based on a Polish folktale and in the tradition of The Three Trees this folktale gives a new view on Easter.
Simon of Cyrene, a farmer, is bringing his product to market and has no idea of the role he will play in Jesus’ last days. Or the role of his market items- the bread, eggs, and wine.
About the Author-
Mary Joslin has written children’s books on belief and spirituality. Some of them include The story of the Cross and On that Christmas Night.
About the Illustrator-
Anna Luraschi has illustrated many books for Usborne.
My thoughts-
I loved this book and so did my children. I first read it silently to myself and I got goose bumps (that means it was a great book), so I had to read it again. Then I shared it with B who wanted to read it to himself. I then read it to both B and C. And since that time they have enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures.
One thing that made this book outstanding was that it was not a typical Easter story about Jesus dying on the cross. I had never heard of this story, so I had to read the small section in the Bible about Simon. What a neat story this is to go with such a small section in the Bible.
I could also spend a long time studying the illustrations. Anna Luraschi did an excellent job. The only picture I didn’t like was the first one with Simon at the market. It looked like the dog was going to the bathroom. I don’t know if any of the kids reading it noticed, they didn’t mention it.
I highly recommend this book to all families for an Easter tradition. I know it is going to become a part of ours.
What B (boy, age eight, second grade) Liked and Disliked:
I loved this book. It is a traditional story for Easter. It has really nice illustrations. In most of the pictures there is a bird. The drawing of a fish looks kind of funny. The dog and cat also look funny.
In the book Simon goes to market to sell his produce. The city is Jerusalem.
I think this book is good for kids my age, because the illustrations are funny. I also liked the story. He had to pick up Jesus’ cross.
GOD IS GREAT .
What C (girl, age six, kindergarten) Liked and Disliked:
I liked when Simon helped Jesus. And I also liked when Jesus did a miracle with the 12 pure white doves. I didn’t like when Jesus had to be crucified. I liked when Simon likes the Sabbath, when you have to do no work.
I would recommend this book for kids my age.
Dad Says-
I enjoyed “Simon and the Easter Miracle”. It tells a story that we rarely hear. The innocent bystander who was forced by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross when he no longer could. This is a unique perspective that I had not considered before.
The illustrations colorfully and clearly convey the message of each page to the reader. The story’s ending is one of hope and blessing.
I would recommend this book to go on all bookshelves.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Simon and the Easter Miracle: A Traditional Tale for Easter by Mary Joslin and illustrated by Anna Luraschi for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
