Easter Picture Book: The Wordless Weaver

Shelly Henley Kelly reviews a new picture book that depicts the story of Holy Week through the eyes of a child.

The Wordless Weaver, by Claudia Cangill McAdam, introduces a new and unique perspective of the Easter story through the eyes of a child.

Shira, a talented young girl who cannot speak, waves palms for the promised savior when He arrives in Jerusalem. She longs to laugh, to join her family in praise and song and prayer, but her voice is silent. Instead, she pours herself into her craft, her talent for masterfully weaving linen cloth.

When she learns of the crucifixion and kneels to weep at the cross, she yearns to wail or scream; however, she can only make a silent gift of her talented cloth available for His burial. Three days later, news of the Resurrection brings a personal blessing for Shira that children of all ages will be able to recognize.

The silent gifts of ourselves and our talents that we bring to the foot of the cross yield blessings through Christ’s resurrection. #catholicmom

With her beautiful prose, Claudia Cangill McAdam teaches us that the silent gifts of ourselves and our talents that we bring to the foot of the cross yield blessings through Christ’s resurrection. This story, combined with the vibrant richly colored illustrations by Caroline Baker Mazure, will make The Wordless Weaver a treasured addition to every family’s library.

The post-script background information about the burial cloth resulted in a lengthy dialogue and research for additional images with an inquisitive nine-year boy. This book, available from Our Sunday Visitor Kids, will make a beautiful gift to connect children with the good news of Easter morning.

Copyright 2021 Shelly Henley Kelly
Images courtesy of Our Sunday Visitor. All rights reserved.