Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide

Allison Auth reviews a Christian book of children's poetry celebrating the events of the Easter season.

Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide

By Laura Alary; illustrated by Giuliano Ferri

Publisher: Paraclete Press

I’m excited to have found the picture book Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide by Laura Alary. There are hundreds — if not thousands — of Lenten resources, but Easter ones are sadly more scarce. That is why this book, with its short reflections and beautiful illustrations geared to ages 4-8, will be a keeper in our Easter collection.

Rise

Rise begins with a contemplation on the new life found in Spring, then launches into four “chapters” meditating on different Gospel passages.

What's In Each Chapter?

The first, "In the Garden," describes Mary Magdalene’s visit to the tomb. Author Laura Alary expertly weaves in a meditation on loved ones we have lost, how a caterpillar changes, the Resurrection, and how we will be with our loved ones in a new way someday. This could be very consoling if you have lost a family member.

The second chapter, "At the Table," reflects on the Road to Emmaus but in the author’s own words. Alary writes, “It seems like he has been hiding in the words, waiting for them to find him.” When the stranger takes bread, breaks it, and gives it to them, he is gone in a blink of an eye. The book says that he is still with them, but parents will have to take it to the next step to make it explicitly Eucharistic. There are no overt Catholic teachings in this book, but it is easy to make the connection and have a conversation about Christ hidden in the Eucharist.

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Next, "On the Beach" recounts the catch of fish after the Resurrection when they eat around a fire on the shore. Alary notes the chance we to begin again after we fall, just like Peter had another chance to love Jesus after denying him. Again, one can further explain Reconciliation if their kids are ready.

The fourth chapter, "In Everything," wraps up with a brief summary of the imagery used in Jesus’ parables. It highlights how we can find him in the hungry and lonely, and how we can see him at work through signs of new life: baby birds, trees budding, baby lambs.

Easter People

The closing page is the call to be Easter people:

When we let go of things — even our own mistakes,
when we look for Jesus and find him in new places,
when we fall and get up again,
when we share a feast,
when we love —
that is Easter.

I love how the storytelling in this book allows these post-Resurrection stories of Jesus to come alive to young minds, to help them make connections to their own lives. Easter is a big celebration of 50 days, and this book can aid us in our celebrations and reflections well into the season.

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Ask for Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Paraclete Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.