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"Book Notes: Easter basket special" by Barb Szyszkiewicz (CatholicMom.com) Image created in Canva using free elements.[/caption] Around this time of year, you'll find articles listing ideas for ways to fill Easter baskets with just about anything but candy. Suggestions usually include play clay, sidewalk chalk, bottles of bubbles, super-bouncy balls, and other small toys. This week I even saw an article showing a basket's worth of extras and accessories for children with diabetes. As the parent of a teen with diabetes, I do not advise giving anything that resembles medical supplies as a holiday gift. I have nothing against candy, but I always look for something to tuck into the basket (or gift bag, now that my kids are older) along with the Peeps, jelly beans, and peanut butter eggs. Here are five options: picture books, a chapter book, a fun family activity book, and coloring books for teens and grownups.

Picture Books

When I Pray for You by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated by Kimberley Barnes (WaterBrook) is a picture book with rhyming text that would make a beautiful bedtime story. The book is not specifically Catholic, but it's all about prayer -- specifically, the many, many ways parents pray for their children. The illustration style is really cute and engaging, and the message of the book is wonderful. Father Ben gets ready for Mass by Katie Warner and illustrated by Meg Whalen (TAN Books) offers an interactive peek at what priests do before Mass. Children are familiar with their own family's pre-Mass routines, so this is a valuable perspective on what priests do. As in any picture book, the details matter, and that really shows in this story: on the cover, Father Ben is walking to church with a rosary in his hand. Because this book calls for the reader to make the sound of a church bell and sing "Alleluia," this might not be the book to bring to church with you -- but it's a great Sunday-morning read if you have time before the flurry of getting dressed and having breakfast.

For Independent Readers

Anna Goes to a Party and Learns About the Mass by Gabriele Krämer-Kost and illustrated by Tanja Husmann (Pauline Books & Media) is a chapter book especially appropriate for children preparing for their First Communion. Eight-year-old Anna's family doesn't go to church much except on holidays, and she's nervous about receiving the Sacrament because she doesn't know what to do. A family celebration provides the occasion for Anna to consult her godmother about Mass and what happens there. The same family party becomes a comparison tool for Anna's godmother as she explains the various elements of Mass and how they fit into the celebration. Cute, retro-style illustrations remind me of the "Ramona" books I enjoyed as a child. The last section of the book takes the reader step by step through the whole Mass.

Fun for the Whole Family

Remember "Mad Libs"? Karen and Tommy Tighe's riff on the road-trip game, Catholic Funny Fill-Ins (Pauline Books & Media), takes an old favorite one better by mixing in a fun fact at the end of each page -- and making it part of the game! Woven into the stories are mentions of prayer, saints, sacraments, feast days, and ways to help others. It's fun and creative, and helps children review the parts of speech. This book and a pencil are all you need to pass the time during travel, in a waiting room, or even in a restaurant while you wait for your meal.

For Tweens, Teens, and Grownups

Coloring-book fans of all ages will enjoy Veruschka Guerra's Easter-themed Jesus Speaks to You: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation. Scripture quotes accompany each coloring spread, and a section at the back of the book is designed on one side only so the pages can be cut out and framed or given as gifts. The book is made with thick, quality paper so colors won't bleed through. Guerra's intricate art is beautiful to look at, even before you color the pages! And if you're giving a coloring book, you can't miss by adding some coloring pens to go with it! My favorites are the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners. You'll find them in packs of 6 on up to 50. These pens last a long time, don't smear, and won't roll off the table. (You can use them for your bullet journal too!)

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Copyright 2019 Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchases through these links benefit the author.