THE EASTER EGG FARM
written and illustrated by Mary Jane Auch
Both charming and funny, this is our most favorite book this spring. Pauline is “different” because she is the only hen that never lays an egg for Mrs.Pennywort, probably because she isn’t concentrating enough. But when she finally does, concentrating hard on random things, she begins to lay the most “interesting” eggs. And Mrs. Pellywort’s farm becomes the famous Easter egg farm in town! The illustrations carry over the lightheartedness through characters with exaggerated expressions and silly details. We love this book!
EASTER
by GAIL GIBBONS
Gail Gibbons is a renowned non-fiction writer and illustrator. And if you want to read or talk about the religious facet of Easter with your little ones then this is the book for you. It presents the story behind the holiday in simple words, along with why and how it is celebrated. The last page has related Easter holidays listed and explained.
RECHENKA’S EGGS
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
No Easter book list for kids is complete without this title! Stunning spreads with gorgeous designs and colors on fabric, onion domes, and of course eggs, takes me back to Moskva every year. And the heartwarming story of Babushka and the goose never fails to impress my children.
THE BIRDS’ GIFT
A Ukrainian Easter Story retold by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Katya Krenina
In this gentle folktale, a snowed in village comes together to shelter dozens of golden-feathered birds as winter sets in earlier than usual. Little Katrusya in a red hustka is the first to rescue a bird while on a walk in the woods with her grandfather. Even the wise Father Roman opens up the church to help the birds. Soon spring arrives with a gift of gratitude from the golden birds. The illustrator, Katya Krenina is a native of Ukraine and this comes through in her pysanky in the book.
THE COUNTRY BUNNY AND THE LITTLE GOLD SHOES
written by Du Bose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Flack
This is sort of a timeless Easter classic, the kind of book that you’d want to pick up every year because it makes it feel like Easter—it warms your heart and brings back memories. In soft pastels, the illustrations are special in a vintage way. Underneath what might seem like a didactic story with a fairytale ending is a strong element of feminism and individualism, as Country Mother Cottontail vies with several long legged Jack rabbits to become Grandfather Bunny’s coveted Easter Bunny.
