If you are a family with little ones, your Easter calendar might already be filled up with fun egg hunt plans and playdates at the park.
But one of the best ways to connect as a family and sink into the long Easter season is through picture books!
10 Catholic Picture Books for Easter
Here is a selection of Catholic picture books that can be read aloud to keep Jesus' victory and his unfailing love in our kids' hearts this Easter season.
Simon of Cyrene and the Story of the Easter Egg by Terri DeGezelle
Simon is the man who helped Jesus carry his cross. We don’t know a lot about his life from the Bible, but this story is perfect to help us reflect on the possibilities. The book is based on a German legend, and it connects beautifully the Easter egg tradition to our Savior’s resurrection.
Peter and Jesus by a Charcoal Fire by Maura Roan McKeegan
This book portrays the relationship between Jesus and Peter, its ups and downs, and the great love that the Lord has not just for him, but for every one of us.
'Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist
Lovely rhymes and illustrations bring children’s and adults' hearts closer to the story of Jesus' resurrection. This book is a must have for your home library.
Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb by Maura Roan McKeegan
The beauty of this book is that it makes a connection between the story of Jonah, and Jesus and the Paschal Mystery. Your kids will love it!
The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier
With realistic illustrations and a very engaging style, this book is a delight for children and their parents. My 5-year-old boy loves to flip these pages and ask questions about Jesus' passion, but reading aloud will probably work best for ages 8 and up
Saved by the Lamb: Moses and Jesus by Maura Roan Keegan
This book is not only beautiful, but it also sets a foundation for the study of biblical typology, which is the Old Testament people, symbols, and events. It foreshadows the New Testament with the figure of Moses and Jesus. Great for kids all ages and parents, too!
From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine by Anthony DeStefano
I love this author’s books, but this one is by far my favorite. With the help of realistic and colorful illustrations, he tells children how change is a constant in our lives and how Jesus in the Eucharist transforms our souls little by little -until we become saints!
Jesus and the Miracle of the Mass by Gracia Jagla
Easter is about celebrating Jesus' life and this book helps our little ones understand how He is truly present between us in the Eucharist through the miracle of the Mass.
My Beloved Child by Sarah Kroger
If you are looking for a book that reminds your children how immensely loved they are by God, this one is perfect. Based on the powerful lyrics of Catholic composer, author and singer Sarah Kroger’s “Belovedness”, this is a message that every child (and every person, really!) needs to hear.
God Gave us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren
From the well-known God Gave Us series, this book with adorable illustrations provides a good explanation for preschoolers and early readers of Who Easter is really about.
What other Children's Easter books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready to dive deeper?
Here are 4 ways to fill your nets...
1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses
2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.
3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.
4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!
