Simon and the Easter Miracle, written by Mary Joslin, is a beautiful book (illustrated by Anna Luraschi) that tells the tale of Simon of Cyrene and his experience with Jesus. The pictures are colorful, warm and lovely to see. It's an interesting take on Jesus's crucifixion (in the book, Jesus is never mentioned by name) and resurrection but not a traditional telling of the Easter story. The story is gentle enough for preschoolers but my daughter (age 9) and I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. We actually thought that some pages had fallen out of the book. Simon's eggs open and are empty (signifying Jesus's tomb) and there is a circling of doves, which is open for interpretation. This is definitely a folk tale much more than a traditional story of Jesus. A lovely book with an abrupt ending.
Read an excerpt here.
About the Book:
The gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene--"a man coming in from the country"--who was ordered to carry Jesus' cross. Over the centuries, his story has been woven into a Polish folktale. In the tradition of The Three Trees this folk tale gives a fresh perspective on the Easter story.
When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his items--bread, eggs, and wine--will become important symbols of Jesus' passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages.
This picture book retelling of a traditional tale is both thought-provoking and engaging.
About the Author: Mary Joslin, published exclusively by Lion, is known for her children's books on belief and spirituality. Her books, which include The Story of the Cross and On That Christmas Night, have sold more than 200,000 copies.
About the Illustrator: Anna Luraschi has illustrated a number of books for Usborne.
*I was given a copy of Simon and the Easter Miracle by Kregel books in exchange for my honest review.*
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