Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews an Easter-themed board book that teaches the Resurrection story and helps little children learn their colors.
Happy Easter, Risen King! An Early Learning Board Book of Colors
By Laura Sassi; illustrated by Gabi Murphy
Published by Paraclete Press
Filled with vibrant colors and the wondrous joy of what Easter should be for all little ones, Happy Easter, Risen King! is a recently published, lovely book comprised of rhyming easy to follow text authored by Laura Sassi and with child-friendly cartoon like illustrations by Gabi Murphy. The board book is easy for little ones to grasp and sift through.
A Fun Book for Kids Under 4
Like the theme of the book, the seven bright colors named are even contrasted within the text, highlighting the different colors so that even the smallest children can start to practice identifying basic colors. I think the theme of the book does a good job relating to kids 4 and under, and might particularly appeal to a pair of sisters, as the text is not factual. The main protagonists are two women, with the others included being an angel and forest animals.
My favorite part were the illustrations which are welcoming, warm, and energetic. Happy Easter, Risen King! is a very short text which would hopefully keep a toddler's attention fairly easily. At the end is a rainbow with Jesus standing in front of it. It reminds me of all the joy of a birthday celebration, with a scene resembling practically a party of people from all around the world at the end, yet with this I can certainly imagine it fitting in so perfectly with a brightly decorated Easter basket for a little one! I am so appreciative of Mrs. Sassi composing books like this that I can share the love of Christ from the earliest of ages! Happy Easter, Risen King, to all indeed!
Ask for Happy Easter, Risen King! at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Paraclete Press.
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Copyright 2026 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images: (top) detail from interior, copyright 2026 Paraclete Press, all rights reserved.
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