A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Kristin Stiles
Introducing toddlers to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ can be tricky. First, there is the graphic nature of the brutality that our Lord endured and the concepts of penal substitutionary atonement that go along with this, and then there is the miracle of a dead man coming back to life. That’s a lot for a toddler, but since it is the greatest event in history, it should be shared with children early and often.
Jared Kennedy does a fine job of tackling this task in the board book Jesus Rose for Me. He begins with the triumphal entry and briefly traces the events of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. Each section has biblical references so that parents can show their children where these accounts are recorded in scripture. There are also questions for the parents to share with the children (answers are provided): “Why do we praise Jesus? What helps you remember your family? Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive you for your sins? Why do we celebrate Easter?” There are simple, colorful pictures depicting the scenes, including Jesus and His disciples. The illustrations surrounding the torture and crucifixion are not graphic, but do show drops of blood on a nail-pierced hand.
This book has more words than is typical for a toddler’s board book, but given the information that is covered, that is probably necessary. There is a good presentation of the gospel message. Jesus is clearly presented as the perfect sin bearer. Kennedy does a fine job depicting Jesus as the King that God had promised and the only means of our salvation. One thing that is lacking, though, is any mention of Jesus’ deity. One could easily read through the whole book with the understanding that Jesus is only human. While Jesus’ dual nature is rather incomprehensible to us as adults, it is an important detail to introduce even at this young age.
Overall, I think this book would be a helpful aid to parents in teaching their young children about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Exposing toddlers to these concepts will give them a foundation that can be built on as they grow older and gain more understanding.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.