Happy Thursday! I have two fun things to share today.
First, a big thank you co-hosts Sarah Humphrey and Mike Nawrocki (aka “Larry the Cucumber” for all you Veggie Tales fans) having me as their guest on this week’s podcast episode on The Bible for Kids! What a WONDERFUL way to introduce families to MY TENDER HEART PRAYER BOOK!
Per their website, the goal of The Bible for Kids is “to provide a platform of discovery and information for authors, platforms, musicians, games, films, and more, that seek to help instill biblical principles in kids. We desire to be a resource for churches, small groups, teachers, parents, grandparents of kids ages 0-18 to help them pass along Christian values to the kids in their lives.”
Second, my wonderful publisher Paraclete Press is running a special sale for Easter and MY TENDER HEART BIBLE is one of the books included in their “Bunny Bundle” collection. Learn more and order your bundle here: https://paracletepress.com/products/easter-basket-bunny-bundle
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Today I’m delighted to have debut picture book author Sally Cressman as my guest with five fun facts about her new faith-based Easter book, THE DANCE OF EASTER, published by Wren & Bear Books.
Here’s the official description per the publisher’s website:
The Dance of Easter sparks a spirited response of creation to Jesus’s resurrection through lyrical verse and expressive illustrations. This fresh retelling of the Easter story will introduce four- to seven-year-olds to what happened on the first Easter morning, show that Jesus rose from the dead, and celebrate the good news of His resurrection.
Here’s my take:
Sally Cressman’s THE DANCE OF EASTER is a joyous, kid-friendly celebration of the good news of Easter. Little ones will enjoy all the animals she includes, as spread after spread, the animals dance for joy and repeat the wondrous refrain: “He lives! He lives! God’s Son is not dead. Yes, Jesus arose in three days like He said.”I think this would make a lovely “literary” anchor for an Easter basket and a great introduction to the joy of Resurrection Sunday.
Now enjoy this special post as Sally shares five fun facts aboutthe book and writing. Thank you, Sally!
Five Fun Facts from “The Dance of Easter”
by Sally Cressman
FACT #1:Initially, I titled this book “The Song of Easter” and pitched it as a companion to a Christmas book with the same title. When I showed the manuscript to a well-known author, she suggested I come up with another name for the Easter book. (She later became the senior editor of Wren & Bear Books and bought my manuscript!) I chewed on her suggestion and decided on “The Dance of Easter.” This was a risky title because an agent I admire suggested that conservative Christians might be offended by the word “dance.” We know that King David danced, and he was a man after God’s own heart. I also thought if rocks could cry out, a donkey could talk, and a large fish could swallow a man and spit him out, it’s not hard to imagine that animals and creation celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. (For the record, no people dance in the book.)
Fact #2: Once I settled on the book title, I researched the different dance styles and reworked the manuscript. I discovered the animals could naturally perform several of the dances. It was great fun imagining what the animals could or might have done.
Fact #3: Wren & Bear Books asked me to send three or four samples of illustrators I thought would be a good match for the book. When I received my initial sneak peek of the sketches, I knew they had picked the perfect illustrator. At first, the badgers were my favorite illustration (maybe because I was raised in Wisconsin), but now the frogs make me smile every time I see that spread. Angela Edmonds, a former Disney employee, made the frogs’ faces and eyes hilarious as they hip-hop to the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Angela perfectly captured the joy in each animal’s facial expressions and body language.
Fact #4: I drafted “The Song of Easter” in 2020 when everyone was trapped in their homes. It went through seven edits with a freelance editor. After I changed the title to “The Dance of Easter” in 2021, it went through three more edits. I let the manuscript sit a year, then changed the first line of the book and one verb to a more sparkly one. My agent called with the good news (I always like receiving his calls). I signed the contract in July 2023, and the book was released on March 5, 2024. Once I signed the contract, the publishing process moved quickly.
Fact #5: I think in rhyme and love to write in rhyme when working on a manuscript, but some days, I want to pull my hair out, especially after an editing pass. My manuscript is always stronger when I struggle with it and let it rest a bit. The Dance of Easter was written in rhyme and includes a repeated refrain. I hope children will repeat and remember the refrain, “He lives! He lives! God’s Son is not dead! Yes, Jesus arose in three days, like He said.”
About the Author: Sally Cressman is the author of The Dance of Easter. She has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotionals, and articles and has served in children’s ministry for over thirty years. Her publishing credits include LifeWay Kids Ministry, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and the Nashville Christian Family magazine. Sally and her husband of thirty-four years enjoy a relaxing rhythm in their home south of Nashville.
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[Note: Thank you to the Sally for letting me take an advanced sneak digital peak at the book.. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]
TEACHERS! CAREGIVERS! CHURCHES! I’ve rounded up TEN activities to accompany BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz), perfect for pointing little hearts to the real joy of Easter—Jesus! Enjoy!
SEVEN: Have your kids draw pictures of their favorite scenes/characters and then share on your socials using the hashtag #bunnyfindseaster.
EIGHT:Decorate a small canvas tote (perfect for an Easter egg hunt) with a tape-resist cross over at The Chirping Moms.
NINE: Bake some hot cross buns like Bunny does in the story.
TEN: Download the Bunny Finds Easter activity kit (includes a maze, an egg hunt, an egg coloring page, a printable Easter card to give to someone special and more)
Order your copies today from Amazon or your favorite vendor. Available wherever books are sold.
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Are you looking for a way to observe Lent with your littles ones and introduce them to God’s grand plan for redemption? Wouldn’t it be neat to set aside 12 “Bible Heart Moments” with them between Ash Wednesday and Easter to read 12 stories that point to God’s redemptive love and culminate with the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ on Easter morning?
Here’s a map for doing just that with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE. The first reading starts Sunday, February18th, which is the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. To help us stay on track, beginning on Sunday, February 18th, I’ll be sharing the readings with suggested heart moments each Sunday and Wednesday throughout Lent on my Facebook, Instagram and X feeds. I hope you’ll join me.
MY TENDER HEART BIBLE
Lent Calendar of Readings 2024
February 18, 2024 Creation Joy Genesis 1:1 – 2:3
February 21, 2024 God’s Garden Genesis 3:1-24
February 25, 2024 Star Promise Genesis 15:1-6
February 28, 2024 Great Escape Exodus 14:10-31
March 3, 2024 Tasty Blessings Exodus 16:11-18
March 6, 2024 Brave Queen Esther 14:13-17
March 10, 2024 Welcome, Jesus Luke 2:8-19
March 13, 2024 Dove Love Matthew 3:13-17
March 17, 2024 Precious Children Mark 10:13-16
March 20, 2024 Worry Cure Matthew 6:25-33
March 24, 2024 Donkey Parade Luke 19:35-38
March 27, 2024 Easter Joy Matthew 28:1-10
March 31, 2024 EASTER SUNDAY (so if you miss a day, you can catch up!)
Sweet blessings to you all!
Copies available from your favorite vendors including:
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The daffodils are blooming. The bunnies are hopping. Spring is here! So now, in celebration of a new season and new birth and a new book, I’m in the mood for a Easter-y giveaway with not one, not two, but THREE of my books that are perfect for your Easter basket.
Here’s what I’m offering: One winner will receive a three-book bundle that includes one SIGNED copy each of the following: MY TENDER HEART BIBLE (Paraclete Press) , LITTLE EWE (Beaming Books) and BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz).
With sweet, rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, this sturdy board book features beloved and classic Bible stories for beginner readers. Bestselling author Laura Sassi pairs simple yet creative paraphrasing of Old and New Testament re-tellings with a “Heart Moment” for families to read aloud and pray. Scripture references are noted with each story that tell of God’s redemption plan for even more exploration together!
In Little Ewe: The Story of One Lost Sheep, award-winning author Laura Sassi and illustrator Tommy Doyle tell an endearing tale of a distracted sheep and her persistent shepherd, inspired by the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15.
Little Ewe would rather jump on logs and investigate spider webs than follow the shepherd when he calls. But what happens when she gets lost? How will she find her way home? Told in whimsical rhyme, this humorous counting book for our littlest ones is a delightful reminder that, like a loving parent, our Shepherd will find us and care for us, even when we wander from the path.
As Bunny bounces through her day she encounters various items that are connected to Easter including colorful Easter eggs, hot cross buns, an Easter bonnet, lilies and an Easter Egg Hunt. All these are fun, but it’s not until she arrives at church and all rise to sing the good news of Easter that Bunny realizes what it’s really about — Jesus!
NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY:
Entering is easy. Just follow my blog and leave a comment. If you want an extra entry, share about the giveaway on your socials and let me know. One winner will receive a three-book bundle that includes one SIGNED copy each of the following: MY TENDER HEART BIBLE (Paraclete Press) , LITTLE EWE (Beaming Books) and BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz). (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) GIVEAWAY ends Monday, March 27th 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced the next day.
Children’s author Valerie Fentress and I have something special in common: We both have faith-based Easter Bunny books that released last spring! And today, in celebration of books that point kids to Jesus at Easter, I am delighted to have Valerie as my guest sharing FIVE FUN FACTS about her book An Easter Bunny’s Tale.
Here’s the official description:
Follow a little rabbit, as he discovers a familiar voice in a garden one night. The man is God in the flesh, of this he is sure, and he cannot help but follow him. The little rabbit is confused as He is captured and put on trial. Then as he hides and waits he discovers the true source of transformation. Now he can’t wait to tell you and his friends about the good news he has found. Will you listen to his tale?
Doesn’t that sound like a creative way to introduce little ones to the Easter story? And now, learn more about Valerie’s book as she shares five fun facts about its creation. Take it away, Valerie!
Five Fun Facts about An Easter Bunny’s Tale with Valerie Fentress
Fact #1: I grew up with the Easter Bunny visiting my home, but when it came time to start making traditions in our young family I struggled with the idea of the Easter Bunny. As I wrestled with how to celebrate Easter with my family and the character of the Easter Bunny, I started to wonder how the bunny we see everywhere could communicate the truth of Easter. This was almost twelve years ago, and the words of this story didn’t come to me till six years ago. This has been a heart project that has grown and stretched my faith in so many ways.
Fact #2: Originally, I wrote and illustrated this for an Easter gift for my nieces and nephews during the COVID shutdown. The book went through a lot of revisions from 2020 to 2022, as God moved my heart to obey his calling to tell stories that speak his truth.
Fact #3: I went through three different illustrators before I found one. My Illustrator, Bebqui, is from Indonesia, and not of a Christian background. Which led to some sweet and faith-stretching conversations for me.
Fact #4:My Illustrator and I had to rework many of the illustrations two months before the book went to print, because of some Beta reader responses. It was so stressful, but I felt that I was honoring God in the changes I made to ensure the Gospel wouldn’t be hindered by anyone reading the book.
Fact #5: My favorite line in the whole book is when Jesus picks up the dirty bunny after Jesus’ resurrection. It says, “His nail-torn hands scooped me up. He didn’t fear the mud and the muck.” It is the sweetest truth that even while we were sinners, Christ died for us. He didn’t wait for us to ‘fix’ ourselves or get ‘cleaned up’. (Here is a portion of that illustration.)
Thank you, Valerie, for giving us an inside peek into the heart behind your story. I hope this Easter Bunny finds his way into many, many Easter baskets.
BIO: Valerie Fentress writes children’s books, hoping to communicate biblical truths through simple stories. She is the author of Beneath the Hood: a retelling woven with biblical truth, and the Host of Again and Again Author interviews on Instagram and YouTube. Valerie lives with her husband and three boys, who challenge her daily to find joy between imagination and chaos. You can find out more about her and her thoughts at www.valeriefentress.com
I love a good old-fashioned Easter Parade with colorful bonnets and fancy spring outfits, all bursting with JOY. Easter, after all, is the most significant holiday in the Christian calendar. It’s when we celebrate the good news of Christ’s resurrection.
But amidst the joy of jelly beans and chocolate bunnies and colorful Easter outfits, it’s also good to remind our kids about the deeper significance of Easter. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to have an Easter BOOK Parade on my blog today featuring eight Easter-themed kids’ books that your little bunnies, I mean children, might enjoy:
Intended for toddlers and preschoolers, with one or two concrete sentences per spread, this is a sweet introduction to the life of Jesus culminating with His glorious resurrection Easter morning.
If my kids were still little this would definitely be a part of their Easter baskets. Chock full of over 40 Easter-related activities and puzzles plus 100 stickers, it will entertain and teach little ones about Easter in a most colorful and engaging way. Perfect for a long car ride, too.
As Bunny bounces through her day in this board book for littlest ones, she encounters various items that are connected to Easter including colorful Easter eggs, hot cross buns, an Easter bonnet, lilies and an Easter Egg Hunt. All these are fun, but it’s not until she arrives at church and all rise to sing the good news of Easter that Bunny realizes what it’s really about — Jesus!
Ideal for ages 4 – 8, this beautiful retelling of the Easter story is told to the cadence of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. The illustrations have a glowing quality that adds to the richness of the story. We will be reading this Easter in my Sunday school class this year.
Benjamin’s Boxby Melody Carlson, illustrated by Jack Stockman.
Ideal for ages 6 – 10, Benjamin’s box recounts the story from the fictional perspective of a young boy named Benjamin. Starting with Palm Sunday, Benjamin collects items that tell the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross, culminating in Jesus resurrection Easter Sunday. The story can be paired with the ever-popular Resurrection Eggs.
Told in cumulative story-style to the cadence of “This is the House that Jack Built”, this picture book introduces littlest ones to the Easter story beginning with the stone in front of the tomb and culminating in Jesus resurrection. It’s fun, memorable and perfect for preschoolers.
Author Tama Fortner does an exceptional job in this deceptively simple picture book of contextualizing Christ’s death and resurrection in the bigger scope of God’s grand plan for redemption. Starting with Adam and Eve, each spread poetically points to the fulfillment of God’s plan to save us through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection.
This sweet tale uses robins, nests, and eggs to remind readers that Easter is when we celebrate the glorious miracle of Jesus’ resurrection – through which we too receive new life in Christ. I have used this book in past years as part of my Easter lessons for Sunday school.
These books are available wherever books are sold. You can also recommend or request them through your local library (which is a wonderful way to help books get into the hands of readers).
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One of the joys of having a new book out is getting to chat about it in meaningful and fun ways. This week I have three special interviews to share with you. First up, on February 22nd at approximately 9:45 am, I had my first ever LIVE tv interview. The lovely Colleen from Catholic Faith Network interviewed me as a part of their morning show. Here’s the segment. It’s just under six minutes and I hope you are keen to take a peek. =)
Next, that very same day, I had an early afternoon chat with author and interview host Valerie Fentress over on her Instagram page. Valerie does monthly interviews with Christian authors and asks really fun questions. (And in the super fun department, I will be hosting her on my blog later this month with Five Fun Facts about her Easter book, so stay tuned for that.)
BOOK SALE! Finally, now through Easter, my publisher is offering a special price for both MY TENDER HEART BIBLE and HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD. When you order through them, use the code SASSI! to receive 20% off either title on the Paraclete Press website.
Are you looking for a way to observe Lent with your littles ones and introduce them to God’s grand plan for redemption? Nothing too pressured and very flexible — but wouldn’t it be neat to set aside 12 “Bible Heart Moments” with them between now and Easter to read 12 stories that point to God’s redemptive love and culminate with the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ on Easter morning?
Here’s a map for doing just that with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE. Sweet blessings to you all!And it starts next Wednesday so you have time to order your copy. NOTE: I’m also sharing this over at Big Books, Little Ears as part of a bigger guest post with tips for reading Bible story books with multiple ages. Here’s the link. Thank you, Kristin, for having me as your guest.
March 1, 2023 Creation Joy Genesis 1:1 – 2:3
March 5, 2023 God’s Garden Genesis 3:1-24
March 8, 2023 Star Promise Genesis 15:1-6
March 12, 2023 Great Escape Exodus 14:10-31
March 15, 2023 Tasty Blessings Exodus 16:11-18
March 19, 2023 Brave Queen Esther 14:13-17
March 22, 2023 Welcome, Jesus Luke 2:8-19
March 26, 2023 Dove Love Matthew 3:13-17
March 29, 2023 Precious Children Mark 10:13-16
April 2, 2023 Worry Cure Matthew 6:25-33
April 5, 2023 Donkey Parade Luke 19:35-38
April 9, 2023 Easter Joy Matthew 28:1-10
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Last week Bunny (the sweet protagonist from Bunny Finds Easter) and I were invited to our first 2023 Easter Egg Hunt! On Palm Sunday, I’ll be reading Bunny’s story at this event that typically attracts several hundred people. Do you know what that means? It means it’s time to take out my Bunny-inspired Easter bonnet! It also means it’s time to share some ideas for how we as parents, teachers and the church can help our littlest ones understand what Easter is all about.
In Bunny Finds Easter (Zonderkidz, 2022), Bunny is on a quest to find out if Easter is all about chocolate eggs and jelly beans or if it might just be about a little bit more? As the story unfolds, Bunny encounters many of the fun traditions surrounding Easter but it’s not until she arrives and church and they sing an Easter song that she realizes JESUS is the reason we celebrate Easter. Indeed, amidst all the fun of jelly beans and Easter bunnies, it can be hard for little ones to understand that Easter is about Jesus. With that in mind, here are…
Five Fun Ideas to Point Little Ones to JESUS at Easter
Read some faith-filled Easter board books (and picture books too!) With simple text and engaging illustrations an Easter-themed board book that touches on the real meaning of Easter is a cozy, fun way to spark conversation with little ones that Easter is about Jesus and His great love for us – a love shown through the atoning grace of the cross, the joy of His resurrection, and the gift of new life we have in Him.
Do some Easter baking. Little ones love baking and eating sweet treats. That’s why Bunny nibbles hot cross buns in Bunny Finds Easter. According to tradition, hot cross buns were first baked by monks in the 12th century with a cross marked in the dough to commemorate Good Friday. They are relatively easy to make and a delicious reminder of Jesus and the cross. Resurrection rolls are another fun and meaningful baking option that can be used to point little ones to Jesus at Easter. You can find many recipes online for baking and enjoying either or both of these baked items with your little one.
Use jelly beans to point to Jesus. As you and your little ones nibble Easter jelly beans, let them serve as a sweet reminder of Jesus’s love for them and the world. Before sampling each color, think about how it might remind us of Jesus. For example, yellow can remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Green can remind us of the new life we have in Him. Purple, the color of royalty, can remind us that He is our loving King. Red can remind us that he died and rose again for us. And so on.
Include Jesus in the Easter basket. Fill your children’s Easter baskets with colorful, engaging items that remind them of Jesus. Consider having a faith-based Easter board book serve as the centerpiece. Round it out with small items such as candies, stickers, and other little toys etc. that are in some way connected to Jesus and Easter. Examples: a little lamb (we are His sheep), a glow-in-the-dark cross, chocolate hearts (because Jesus loves us), little chicks and bunnies (to represent new life in Christ) etc.
Sing some “Jesus loves you!” songs. Songs learned, even as young as toddler and preschool age, can have a lasting faith impact on the human soul. Just think of the songs you remember from your childhood and beyond. Do any of them speak of Jesus? If so, they can be a special way to introduce Jesus to your little ones at Easter and throughout the year. Some Easter-y favorites that we love at our house (that are good for little ones too) include: He Lives,Jesus Loves Me, Amazing Grace and more.
OTHER IDEAS for using Bunny Finds Easter specifically:
Have a Bunny Finds EasterBook Walk. This fun intergenerational activity has the feel of an Easter Egg Hunt – and can even include jelly beans and other goodies – but the “hunt” is walking along a trail (outside or inside) to discover progressive spreads of the story BUNNY FINDS EASTER mounted on boards culminating in a craft or activity table at the end of the walk. Get all the details plus the FREE downloadable instruction sheet here.
Get FREE downloadable BUNNY FINDS EASTER activity kit designed especially for littlest ones. The six-page kit includes:
Decorate the Easter Egg
Help Bunny Find Her Way to Church on Easter Morning
How Many Eggs Can You Find?
Draw More Easter Lilies for Bunny
Send an Easter Card to Someone You Love ( foldable printable card)
Interested in ordering Bunny Finds Easter? It’s available wherever books are sold. Happy Monday, all!
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Laura Sassi Tales 