The Easter Story

Piper (Jesus Is Born) offers a straightforward retelling of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, using simplified language that, while occasionally clunky, makes the major figures’ roles and motivations clear; Pontius Pilate is described as “the man who was in charge of all the punishments,” while Judas Iscariot conspires with the “priests” and “teachers” unhappy with Jesus, telling them, “I’ll help you catch him.... If you pay me.” Spenceley gives a solid sense of historical Jerusalem in scenes that don’t avoid the story’s betrayals and tragedies (including a image of the three crucifixes, shown at a distance) but largely underscore a message of joy and hope. Ages 2–5. (Jan.)